Manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients
"We have ordered our stores to remove those air freshener mentioned in the
report from the shelves and quarantine them," spokeswoman Carol Hiively
said.
Phthalates soften polyvinyl chloride products such as toys, raincoats, shower
curtains and medical tubing, and are found in upholstery, detergents and
cosmetics as well as air fresheners. For instance, a plug-in air freshener
contained more than 20 different volatile organic compounds.
Manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients used in laundry
products and air fresheners. "And I wanted to know, &Aerosol
Cleaner39;What&Mini Air Freshener Spray
Suppliers39;s in these products that is causing these effects?'"
She analyzed the products to discover the chemicals' identity."
This study does not address links between exposure to chemicals and health
effects. She studied three common air fresheners (a solid deodorizer disk, a
liquid spray and a plug-in oil) and three laundry products (a dryer sheet,
fabric softener and a detergent), selecting a top seller in each category. Some
studies of humans have shown a link between exposure and adverse changes in the
genitals of baby boys.
Lab animal studies show that some phthalates interfere with hormonal systems,
disrupt testosterone production and cause malformation of sex organs. No similar
laws exist in the United States.
"Fragrance chemicals are of particular interest because of the potential for
involuntary exposure, or second-hand scents," 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. "I'd like to see better labeling.
"I was surprised by both the number and the potential toxicity of the
chemicals that were found," Steinemann said."
However, a Walgreens spokeswoman said the tests prompted the company to act.
She bought household items at a grocery store and asked companies for samples of
industrial products.
The Natural Resource Defense Council sent 14 air fresheners to be tested for
phthalates in an independent lab. One of our manufacturers has informed us that
before this study it was already in the process of reformulating for a
non-phthalate air freshener.
In the laboratory, each product was placed in an isolated space at room
temperature and the surrounding air was analyzed for volatile organic compounds,
small molecules that evaporate from the product's surface into the air.
Her study was published online today by the journal Environmental Impact
Assessment Review.
"Be careful if you buy products with fragrance, because you really don't know
what's in them," she added."
Posted by: aerosolcleaner at
02:47 AM
| No Comments
| Add Comment
Post contains 953 words, total size 7 kb.