Potential Severe Health Threat From Toxic Gas Emitted by Consumer Products
Most people consider the consumer products they use in their daily lives safe, and manufacturers often do not need to disclose the ingredients in their products, making it difficult for individuals to know what they are being exposed to and the potential health implications
Research indicates that people tend to underestimate the presence of toxic substances in these consumer products.
The truth is many consumer products commonly used daily may release toxic gases, which can severely threaten human health.
A recent study published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal in May revealed that over a hundred types of consumer products, including lotions, shampoos, cleaners, paint strippers, and mothballs, contain toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
These chemicals are released as gases and accumulate in indoor air, potentially leading to reproductive and developmental harm and cancer.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solid or liquid consumer products. Thousands of different products emit VOCs, and the indoor concentrations can be up to 10 times higher than those outdoors.
Inhaling VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, leading to breathing difficulties and nausea. In severe cases, VOC exposure can even damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
Researchers from Silent Spring Institute and the University of California, Berkeley, conducted a study using data from the California Air Resources Board. The study specifically targeted 33 VOCs listed in California’s Proposition 65.
The data included information on VOC concentrations across different product categories and detailed sales volume for each product sold in California.
The analysis showed that over 100 products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) listed under Proposition 65. Among them, 30 products (including various personal care products) contain harmful chemicals that pose potential health risks and require particular attention.
According to this study, benzene is one of the common VOCs in consumer products. Benzene is a known carcinogen used in manufacturing dyes, detergents, drugs, pesticides, and other products.
It interferes with producing enough red blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to anemia. Additionally, it can alter antibody levels in the blood and cause loss of white blood cells, thereby compromising the immune system.
In November 2021, Valisure, an independent laboratory, released an investigative report on 108 batches of antiperspirants and deodorant body sprays from 30 different brands. The findings revealed that over half of the batches contained benzene. This discovery prompted Procter & Gamble to recall some batches of aerosol spray antiperspirant products sold in the United States.
Another area of concern pertains to the use of products in occupational environments, where workers often come into contact with multiple products, each potentially containing at least one hazardous chemical.
For example, adhesives have been found to contain several VOCs listed under Proposition 65, indicating that workers may be exposed to multiple toxic substances by using just one product.
Similarly, professionals working in nail and hair salons use nail polish, nail care items, shampoos, and cosmetics, while cleaning personnel employ various cleaning agents, solvents, detergents, and other household products.
These products may contain multiple VOCs listed under Proposition 65.
Common household cleaners, office and art supplies, and various household products were also found to contain numerous chemicals listed under Proposition 65. For example, formaldehyde is the most common hazardous chemical in personal care products such as nail polish, shampoos, and cosmetics.
According to the National Cancer Institute, formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen.
According to the study, researchers calculated that over 5,000 tons of VOCs listed under Proposition 65 were released from consumer products in California alone in 2020. Of this total, nearly 300 tons were attributed to mothballs, which contain dichlorobenzene.
Dichlorobenzene toxicity can affect multiple organ systems, including the liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, and central nervous system.
According to the California Air Resources Board estimates, approximately 2.75 tons of methylene chloride (dichloromethane) was emitted daily from consumer products in 2020, with paint removers being the primary source.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that methylene chloride can harm the eyes, skin, liver, and heart. It may even cause cancer. Exposure to the chemical can result in drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, numbness, and tingling limbs. Severe exposure can lead to loss of consciousness and even death.
“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. Making this information public could incentivize manufacturers to reformulate their products and use safer ingredients,” said Kristin Knox, the lead author of the aforementioned study.
The researchers suggest that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consider regulating the following five additional chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) that are not currently being evaluated: ethylene oxide, styrene, 1,3-dichloropropene, diethanolamine, and cumene.
The American Lung Association recommends taking the following measures to protect yourself from VOCs.
- Avoid or limit the use of products with high VOCs: Look for “Low VOCs” information on labels and choose products with lower VOC content; purchase only the necessary quantity and dispose of any leftover or unused products safely; refrain from smoking and keep a smoke-free environment in all buildings.
- Add ventilation when using products containing VOCs indoors: Allow new carpets to air outdoors before installation to release VOCs; avoid storing products with VOCs indoors, including in attached garages; make sure the office ventilation system is working effectively to minimize VOCs produced by copiers or printers.
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