Dozens of household products that folks use on a day-to-day basis emit toxins which can be harmful to human health and may cause an array of issues including cancer, a latest study has found.
As per the study, which was published within the journal Environmental Science & Technology on Tuesday, greater than 100 sorts of consumer products contain toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which turn into gas and mix with other air pollutants to create ozone when exposed to sunlight.
The researchers behind the study estimated that around 5,000 tons of VOCs were released from general consumer care products in 2020, polluting the atmosphere in California. They consider these products can bring about a spread of health issues akin to health defects and reproductive harm, in addition to cancer, UPI reported.
Furthermore, they identified 30 product categories that they think must be scrutinized, as they’re prone to result in exposure to VOCs. These include nail polish, shampoo, makeup and the likes of them, which contain formaldehyde — probably the most common harmful VOC. Other household products that emit VOCs reportedly include other household products akin to cleaners, art supplies, laundry detergents, mothballs and adhesives.
“This study is the primary to disclose the extent to which toxic VOCs are utilized in on a regular basis products of every type that may lead to serious health problems,” lead writer Kristin Knox, scientist at Silent Spring Institute, said, based on U.S. News. “Making this information public could incentivize manufacturers to reformulate their products and use safer ingredients.”
To give you the findings, Knox and her colleagues collected data from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which has been monitoring VOCs in consumer products for over 30 years to combat smog.
The researchers focused on 33 VOCs listed under California’s right-to-know law, Prop 65 because they’re most potentially harmful to human health.
Experts suggested that they were particularly concerned for the salon staff who’re recurrently exposed to carcinogen-concentrated cosmetics used for a various range of grooming services.
The researchers then found that a minimum of nine VOCs were linked to salon products. In addition they learned that folks involved in janitorial work might be exposed to greater than 20 harmful VOCs as they use general cleaners, degreasers, detergents and maintenance products.
“The identical thing goes for auto and construction staff. All these exposures add up and might cause serious harm,” co-author Dr. Meg Schwarzman, physician and environmental health scientist on the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, said, based on UPI.
“At probably the most basic level, staff should know what they’re exposed to,” Schwarzman continued. “But, ultimately, they deserve safer products and this study should compel manufacturers to make significant changes to guard staff’ health.”
The scientists called on manufacturers to switch the harmful chemicals with safer alternatives. In addition they urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency so as to add more of those harmful VOC-emitting chemicals to the list of those regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Dangers are hidden in cleansing products labeled “organic” and “all natural.”
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Published by Medicaldaily.com