HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household
products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic
solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic,
decreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic
chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds
while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are
stored.

EPA s Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) studies
found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2
to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of
whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial
areas. Additional TEAM studies indicate that while people are
using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose
themselves and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated
concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is
completed.

Health Effects of Household Chemicals

The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies
greatly from those that are highly toxic, to those with no
known health effect. As with other pollutants, the extent and
nature of the health effect will depend on many factors including
level of exposure and length of time exposed. Eye and
respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual
disorders, and memory impairment are among the immediate symptoms
that some people have experienced soon after exposure to some
organics. At present, not much is known about what health effects
occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes. Many
organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals; some are
suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans.

Reducing Exposure to Household Chemicals

Follow label instructions carefully.

Potentially hazardous products often have warnings aimed at
reducing exposure of the user. For example, if a label says to
use the product in a well ventilated area, go outdoors or in
areas equipped with an exhaust fan to use it. Otherwise, open up
windows to provide the maximum amount of outdoor air possible.

Throw away partially full containers of old or unneeded
chemicals safely.

Because gases can leak even from closed containers, this single
step could help lower concentrations of organic chemicals in your
home. (Be sure that materials you decide to keep are stored not
only in a well ventilated area but are also safely out of reach
of children.) Do not simply toss these unwanted products in the
garbage can. Find out if your local government or any
organization in your community sponsors special days for the
collection of toxic household wastes. If such days are available,
use them to dispose of the unwanted containers safely. If no such
collection days are available, think about organizing one.

Buy limited quantities.

If you use products only occasionally or seasonally, such as
paints, paint strippers, and kerosene for space heaters or
gasoline for lawn mowers, buy only as much as you will use right
away.

Keep exposure to emissions from products containing methylene
chloride to a minimum.

Consumer products that contain methylene chloride include paint
strippers, adhesive removers, and aerosol spray paints. Methylene
chloride is known to cause cancer in animals. Also, methylene
chloride is converted to carbon monoxide in the body and can
cause symptoms associated with exposure to carbon monoxide.
Carefully read the labels containing health hazard information
and cautions on the proper use of these products. Use products
that contain methylene chloride outdoors when possible; use
indoors only if the area is well ventilated.

Keep exposure to benzene to a minimum.

Benzene is a known human carcinogen. The main indoor sources of
this chemical are environmental tobacco smoke, stored fuels and
paint supplies, and automobile emissions in attached garages.
Actions that will reduce benzene exposure include eliminating
smoking within the home, providing for maximum ventilation during
painting, and discarding paint supplies and special fuels that
will not be used immediately.

Keep exposure to perchloroethylene emissions from newly dry
cleaned materials to a minimum.

Perchloroethylene is the chemical most widely used in dry
cleaning. In laboratory studies, it has been shown to cause
cancer in animals. Recent studies indicate that people breathe
low levels of this chemical both in homes where dry cleaned goods
are stored and as they wear dry cleaned clothing. Dry cleaners
recapture the perchloroethylene during the dry cleaning process
so they can save money by re using it, and they remove more of
the chemical during the pressing and finishing processes. Some
dry cleaners, however, do not remove as much perchloroethylene as
possible all of the time. Taking steps to minimize your exposure
to this chemical is prudent. If dry cleaned goods have a strong
chemical odor when you pick them up, do not accept them until
they have been properly dried. If goods with a chemical odor are
returned to you on subsequent visits, try a different dry
cleaner.