Chemical in Air Fresheners Impairs Lung Function

[donsu]

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jul2006/2006-07-27-01.asp


A chemical compound found in many air fresheners, toilet bowl cleaners, mothballs and other deodorizing products, may be harmful to the lungs, according to a new study by U.S. government researchers.

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This particular VOC, 1,4 DCB, is a white solid compound with a distinctive aroma, similar to mothballs. It is typically used as a space deodorant in products such as room deodorizers, urinal and toilet bowl blocks, and as an insecticide fumigant for moth control.

-snip-

They found that of the common VOCs analyzed, including benzene, styrene, toluene, and acetone, only the compound 1,4 DCB was associated with reduced lung function.

-snip-

"Because people spend so much time indoors where these products are used, it's important that we understand the effects that even low levels might have on the respiratory system," said Leslie Elliott, Ph.D. a researcher on the NIEHS-funded study.
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the corps. will fight this as they make much money off of these things - money first, health last

[skids]

1. But remember...

...it's more important to pass controversial smoking ban legislation than legislation that actually cleans up all the crap found in indoor air in public places and places where people work 40+ hours a week.

Just in case you forget where our priorities should be at.

[Mrspeeker]

2. Money first, health last

Great statement and so true!

[patrice]

3. Common sense:

If it is something *added* to air, it will, in most cases, be something you shouldn't have in your lungs.

I'm not sure we need the government to tell us these things. People have got to stop being so stupid.

[eppur_se_muova]

4. 1,4 dichlorobenzene for chemists. (MSDS -- safety data)

I saw a "urinal cake" in the drugstore that was apparently SOLID DCB. Ick.

If were handling this stuff in the lab, I'd have to dispose of it as clearly labeled toxic waste. Oh, and OF COURSE I'd wear gloves and handle it in a hood.

CONTAINS P-DICHLOROBENZENE WHICH MAY CAUSE CANCER BASED ON ANIMAL DATA. http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/d2208.htm

May be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed thru the skin Avoid all contact. Use with adequate ventilation. Wash thoroughly after use. Keep container closed. http://www.sciencestuff.com/msds/C1673.html

Or check with OSHA, while it still exists: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthguidelines/p-dichlorobenzene/index.html

* Summary of toxicology

1. Effects on Animals: p-Dichlorobenzene is an eye and upper respiratory tract irritant, a liver and kidney toxin, and a carcinogen . The oral LD(50) in rats is 500 mg/kg . The dermal LD(50) in rabbits is greater than 2 gm/kg . Rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits exposed by inhalation to 798 ppm 5 days/week, 7 hours/day for as many as 69 exposures showed tremors, weakness, weight loss, eye irritation, and, at autopsy, cloudy swelling of the liver and centrilobular necrosis; in some animals, the kidneys also showed damage . At 158 ppm for as many as 219 days, some animals exhibited growth depression, an increase in liver weights, and histopathological changes to the liver . Oral administration of p-dichlorobenzene caused increases in kidney and liver weights and slight necrosis and cirrhosis of the liver . Male rats gavaged with p-dichlorobenzene at 150 or 300 mg/kg for 2 years had a significant dose-related increased incidence or tubular cell adenocarcinomas of the kidney, and animals of both sexes developed nephropathy. Both male and female mice dosed with 600 mg/kg p-dichlorobenzene for 2 years developed an increased incidence of hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas and non-neoplastic lesions of the liver . The National Toxicology Program concluded that there is clear evidence that p-dichlorobenzene is carcinogenic in male rats and in mice of both sexes . In addition, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has concluded that there is sufficient evidence that p- dichlorobenzene is carcinogenic in treated animals .

2. Effects on Humans: p-Dichlorobenzene is an eye and upper respiratory tract irritant. Eye and nose irritation is painful at concentrations of 50 ppm and becomes severely painful at 160 ppm . Contact of p-dichlorobenzene particles with the eye or the skin causes pain but does not produce damage; repeated exposure of the skin causes mild irritation . One case of allergic purpura that is attributed to p-dichlorobenzene exposure has been reported . Five individuals occupationally exposed by inhalation to a mixture of o- and p-dichlorobenzene or during household use experienced headaches, swelling of the area around the eyes, and runny nose. The four most heavily exposed individuals developed anorexia, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and liver necrosis with jaundice . Two of these individuals died, and a third developed cirrhosis; the extent to which these individuals may also have been exposed to other toxic substances is unknown. There are four case reports of severe blood disorders (dyscrasias) in humans exposed to unspecified concentrations of p-dichlorobenzene in solvents or products containing mixtures of chlorobenzenes . A worker exposed for 10 years to a solvent containing p-dichlorobenzene developed chronic lymphoid leukemia . IARC classified p-dichlorobenzene as a 2B substance, possibly carcinogenic to humans, carcinogen .

* Signs and symptoms of exposure

1. Acute exposure: Exposure to p-dichlorobenzene may cause eye and upper respiratory tract irritation, headache, swelling around the eyes, runny nose, and nausea. Contact of the eye with particles of p-dichlorobenzene causes pain, and direct skin contact with this substance causes a burning sensation and slight skin irritation. If swallowed, it may cause a burning pain in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Methemoglobinemia may also result from exposure to p-dichlorobenzene .

2. Chronic exposure: Repeated exposure to p-dichlorobenzene may induce anorexia, weight loss, and liver and kidney damage. Four cases of blood dyscrasias, including leukemia, have been attributed to exposure to p-dichlorobenzene, either alone or with other substances. A single case of allergic purpura thought to have been caused by exposure to p-dichlorobenzene has been reported.

[Glenda]

5. jeez, and i just decided to finally clean my toilet!

:hurts:

Ok, that's it - back to natural products