[Pharmwaste] Toxic fragrances in air fresheners & laundry detergent
DeBiasi,Deborah
dldebiasi at deq.virginia.gov
Wed Jul 30 09:30:50 EDT 2008
http://www.tampabays10.com/news/health/story.aspx?storyid=85957&catid=12
July 29, 2008
Toxic fragrances in air fresheners & laundry detergent
A University of Washington study found toxic or hazardous chemicals in
many top-selling everyday products.
St. Petersburg, Florida--Many people who love the fresh smell of air
fresheners or laundry detergent don't realize that harsh chemicals give
them that scent.
A new study from the University of Washington found popular laundry
products and air fresheners emitted dozens of different chemicals.
Researchers say all six products gave off at least one chemical
regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws, but those chemicals
were not even listed on the product labels.
UW Professor, Anne Steinemann said she first got interested in this
topic because people were telling her that air fresheners in public
restrooms and scented laundry products made them sick.
She wanted to know what was in these products that would cause that
effect.
"I was surprised by both the number and the potential toxicity of the
chemicals that were found," Steinemann said.
Chemicals included acetone, the active ingredient in paint thinner and
nail-polish remover; limonene, a molecule with a citrus scent; as well
as acetaldehyde, chloromethane and 1,4-dioxane.
"Nearly 100 volatile organic compounds were emitted from these six
products, and none were listed on any product label. Plus, five of the
six products emitted one or more carcinogenic 'hazardous air
pollutants,' which are considered by the Environmental Protection Agency
to have no safe exposure level," Steinemann said.
Steineman chose not to disclose the brand names of the six products
tested. Many brands contain similar chemicals.
The journal Environmental Impact Assessment Review published the study.
Companies are not required to list ingredients in laundry products and
air fresheners. They also are not required to list chemicals used in
fragrances.
To cut down on your exposure to chemicals, buy fragrance-free products.
Steineman would like to see better labeling so people can understand
exactly what chemicals are in products.
The European Union requires companies to list 26 fragrance chemicals
when they are above a certain limit.
Industry spokespeople say the products are safe when used as directed,
and that the chemicals are present in amounts not known to cause
problems.
Tampabay's 10 News
Deborah L. DeBiasi
Email: dldebiasi at deq.virginia.gov
WEB site address: www.deq.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Water Permit Programs
Industrial Pretreatment/Toxics Management Program
PPCPs, EDCs, and Microconstituents
Mail: P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218 (NEW!)
Location: 629 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219
PH: 804-698-4028
FAX: 804-698-4032
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