Chemicals
The Modern Health Threat
It is the opinion of some scientists today that chemicals
are even more of a health threat in our modern western society
than bacteria and viruses.
Among the greatest concerns to health are the Volatile
Organic Compounds (VOCs). These gases are
dispersed from cleaning solutions, carpets,
building materials and many common household products.
At room temperature, volatile organic compounds are emitted
as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a
variety of chemicals (e.g. formaldehyde, benzene, perchloroethylene),
some of which may have short and long-term effects.
Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors
than outdoors. A study by the EPA, covering six communities
in various parts of the United States, found indoor levels
up to ten times higher than those outdoors – even in locations
with significant outdoor air pollution sources, such as
petrochemical plants.
VOCs Indoors
A wide array of volatile organic compounds are emitted by products used in our homes, offices, schools and businesses.
These compounds, which number in the thousands, are found in:
- • personal items such as scents, body sprays and hair sprays
- • scented laundry soap and fabric softeners
- • products such as finishes, paints and lacquers
(and their thinners), paint strippers
- • cleaning compounds
- • pesticides
- • dry-cleaning fluids
- • building and decorating materials
- • home furnishings
- • combustion by-products ('hybrid' pollutants)
- • office equipment such as copiers and printers
- • office products such as correction fluids and carbonless copy paper
- • graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers,
and photographic solutions.
- • central heating, cooling and humidification devices
Many of these items carry precautionary labels specifying
risks and procedures for safe use; some do not.
Scents – these too are VOCs
The ingredient 'fragrance' on a product
label can, in fact, be composed of hundreds of chemicals which
the manufacturer does not need to name. In many cases, these
have not been tested for toxicity to the human body. In fact, some
perfumes contain the same chemicals as those found in cigarette
smoke and gasoline!
The problem with scented products is not so much the smell itself as the
toxic chemicals that produce the smell. These vaporize and attach
themselves to hair, clothing, and our surroundings.
95% of the chemicals used are synthetic compounds made from
petroleum. These include chemicals made from benzene and
benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxins
and sensitizers. These are the same toxic
chemicals that are listed as hazardous waste, capable of
causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders
and allergic reactions.
One list of toxic chemicals found in fragrances includes:
- • acetone
- • benzene
- • aldehydes (including
formaldehyde and benzaldehyde)
- • ethanol
- • toluene
- • camphor
- • methylene chloride
- • benzyl acetate
- • benzyl alcohol
- • limonene
- • linalool
- • g-terpinene
- • beta-phenethyl
- • musk amberette
- • musk xylene
- • musk keytone
– to name a few!
'Unscented'
It is difficult to avoid these chemicals, even in products that are labeled
'scent free'. Buyer beware! 'Unscented' products sometimes
contain a fragrance and a 'masking' fragrance to make them
'odor-free'.
We found a well-known, popular bar soap that is labelled 'Unscented'
and yet 'fragrance' is listed in their ingredients! The 'fragrance'
in this 'unscented' soap can include many toxic chemicals.
'Air Fresheners'
In spite of what clever marketing would have us believe, we need to
understand that in today's terminology,
'Air Freshener' does not mean fresh air!
In fact, to the contrary, it usually means harmful chemicals
being released more or less continuously into the air you breathe everyday.
Essential Oils
Be careful how you use aromatic essential oils. They can be very pleasant and even therapeutic if used
appropriately. However, if not used properly, and especially for individuals with sensitive respiratory
systems, they can be harmful.
Scent-Free Signs
Scent-free environments are being established
in many public places including hospitals, schools and the
workplace as people become more aware of the adverse health
effects created by scented products such as perfumes and personal
care items.
As a service to the public, the BC Lung Association has
"Scent
Free" signs available to download from their web
site.
Formaldehyde
This is the chief concern among the VOCs, as it is so widely used.
Formaldehyde-based resins are components of finishes, plywood, paneling, fiberboard,
and particleboard, all widely employed in mobile and conventional
home construction as building materials (subflooring, paneling) and as components of furniture
and cabinets, permanent press fabric, draperies, and mattress ticking.
Formaldehyde is also a component of gasoline, tobacco smoke, and some fragrances.
Formaldehyde has been classified as a probable human carcinogen
by the EPA. Airborne formaldehyde acts as an irritant to
the conjunctiva of the eyes and upper and lower respiratory tract, resulting
in itching of eyes, ears and throat. Symptoms are temporary
and, depending upon the level and length of exposure, may
range from burning or tingling sensations in eyes, nose,
and throat to chest tightness and wheezing.
Acute, severe reactions to formaldehyde vapor—which
has a distinctive, pungent odor—may be associated with
hypersensitivity. Asthmatics may be more
susceptible to formaldehyde's effects, as well as to other
VOCs. In this case, there may be serious longterm effects.
Toluene
Also known as Toluol, Methylbenzene, Phenylmethane, this is a common, toxic ingredient
in degreasers. It's a colorless liquid with a sweet smell and taste. It evaporates quickly.
In homes, toluene vapors are often found in paint thinners, paint brush cleaners,
nail polish, glues, inks, stain removers and fragrances!
Toluene is also found in car exhaust and the smoke from cigarettes. If home
water supplies are contaminated, people may inhale the chemical
while washing, bathing or using water for other household purposes.
Toluene is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant which means it can cause decreased
rate of breathing, decreased heart rate, and decreased mental capacity.
Benzene
Benzene is a colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature. It has a sweet odor, is highly flammable
and evaporates into the air very quickly. Its vapor is heavier than air.
Benzene, a widespread urban air pollutant, is so toxic it can cause extreme
health problems from simple drowsiness to dizziness, to death.
It is the largest contributor to total cancer risk from air pollutants. The Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS) has determined that benzene causes cancer in humans. Long-term exposure to
high levels of benzene in the air can cause leukemia, cancer of the blood-forming organs.
Benzene is found in the smoke and ash from volcanoes and forest fires; in crude oil, gasoline, and
vehicle exhaust; and in tobacco smoke which is a major source.
Benzene is used to make other chemicals that are used to make plastics, resins,
and nylon and synthetic fibers. It is also used to make some
types of lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and
pesticides. Benzene is a common ingredient in fragrances.
Indoor air generally contains levels of benzene higher than those in outdoor air. The benzene in indoor air
comes from products that contain benzene such as glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents.
Acetone
Acetone is found in cologne, dishwashing liquid and detergent,
nail enamel remover, tobacco, and printer toner and ink.
Inhalation can cause dryness of the mouth and throat, dizziness, nausea, lack of coordination,
slurred speech, drowsiness, and, in severe exposures, coma.
It acts primarily as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant.
Pesticides
Exposure may occur by inhalation of spray mists during and after
use, and of contaminated dusts after use. As is often
the case, children are particularly at risk, as they may be
in close contact with contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, muscular weakness,
and nausea. In addition, some pesticide active ingredients
and inert components are considered possible human carcinogens.
Label directions must be explicitly followed.
|
