Toxic chemicals in household items pose health risks, study finds
More than 5,000 tonnes of toxic chemicals are released from consumer products every year in homes and workplaces, a study has found.
The chemicals, known as volatile organic compounds, were found in common household items including shampoo and cleaning supplies.
The compounds have been linked to cases of cancer and other health concerns.
“This study is the first to reveal the extent to which toxic VOCs are used in everyday products of all types that could lead to serious health problems,” said Kristin Knox, a scientist at the Silent Spring Institute and lead author in the report.
She emphasised the importance of making such information public to help to ensure companies develop products with fewer toxic ingredients.
The study aims to help manufacturers find safer substances to use in production and encourage authorities to impose tighter rules on the use of chemicals.
The study used data from the California Air Resources Board, which has been monitoring the amount of VOCs in consumer products for more than 30 years. Researchers focused on 33 VOCs listed in the US state under a law that requires companies to issue warnings to customers about potential exposure to harmful chemicals used in products.
More than 100 products that contained VOCs listed under the law were identified in the study.
Researchers said 30 warranted particular scrutiny because of the high risk they could pose to employees.
The study found workplaces presented the highest risk, because staff often used several products that contained at least one hazardous chemical.
Nail and hair salon staff, janitors and construction workers were among the groups most at risk, researchers said. “At the most basic level, workers deserve to know what they’re exposed to,” said Megan Schwarzman, a physician and environmental health scientist at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health.
“But, ultimately, they deserve safer products and this study should compel manufacturers to make significant changes to protect workers’ health.”
The researchers identified 11 chemicals they say manufacturers should eliminate from their products.
The US Environmental Protection Agency should consider regulating five other chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the study said.
Claudia Polsky, director of the environmental law clinic at UC Berkeley’s School of Law, said the study showed the issue had not yet been tackled effectively.
“This study shows how much work remains for product manufacturers and regulators nationwide, because the products in Carb’s database are sold throughout the US,” she said.
The chemicals, known as volatile organic compounds, were found in household items including shampoo