Embed Doc
Copy Link
Readcast
Collections

HouseholdHazards

A Report by Women’s Voices for the EarthPotential Hazards of HomeCleaning Products

A  a h pia hazar f hia ihuh aig pru a hir aiaiih aha a rpruiv har.By Axara GraJuy 2007AcknowledGments:th auhr i grafu  h ay pp hribu  hi rpr iuig A Ba,Ph.d., evira & Pubi Hah cuig;Bryy sha, Biiiry Iiu; dri Gi,

Beth Berlin, and the entire sta of Women’s Voicesfor the Earth. Content and scientic review was

prvi by A Ba, Ph.d, a ty war, Ph.d,f h cr fr evira Hah sia h Uivriy f maa; a t shr,md, mPH, si a evira Hah

Network. Women’s Voices for the Earth would

i  ag h gru ribui f ur br, car tr Fuai, euaiaFuai f Aria, maria Fuai, Aiamigr chariab la tru, m. Fuaifr w, thagivig Fu, ti FuaiRpruiv Jui Fu, a tha warFuai, hih hp a prui f hirpr pib.cvr phgraphr: Iab Pui | Agy:drai.. chapr bar phgraphr “AZ Ja” | .Fir..Rpr ig by Ay ky, Bza, mt.

Household HazardsWomen’s Voices for the Earth

Executive Summary

ow clean is clean? We all have dierent answers andpersonal preerences regarding the cleanliness o ourhomes and surroundings. he many types and brandso cleaning products available on store shelves is staggering. Inmost cases, when we choose a cleaning product, we are primar-ily concerned with whether or not it will do the job, going onthe assumption that i a product is sold in the grocery store,it must be sae or use in our homes. his report questionsthat assumption. Household cleaning chemicals, like tens o thousands o chemicals ound in the consumer marketplace, areavailable to the consumer with virtually no inormation on thepotential consequences or human health and little oversight bythe government.

Household Hazards

was written to provide inormation oncertain chemicals in cleaning products which may pose healthhazards. Speciically, it looks at the research on cleaningchemicals such as monoethanolamine (MEA) and ammoniumquaternary compounds linked to asthma, and glycol ethers,alkyl phenol ethoxylates and phthalates linked to reproductiveharm (e.g. birth deects and ertility problems).Some research has associated these cleaning chemicals withhealth impacts, such as occupational asthma in cleaningworkers, so it is reasonable to question their use in householdcleaning products. Other research in laboratory settings linksexposure to certain cleaning chemicals with reproductive harm,such as birth deects or ertility problems in animals. While theimpacts o chronic exposure to these chemicals on reproductiveharm in humans have not been ully researched, the scientiicdata compiled in this report, while inconclusive, does presenta valid cause or concern. his report also highlights the needor additional studies to ully ascertain the saety o usinghousehold cleaning chemicals over the course o a lietime.Many consumers, especially those who have asthma or womeno childbearing age, are accustomed to making choices to avoidexposure to chemicals with potential or harm. his report isintended to provide additional inormation to consumers whomay preer a precautionary approach to using certain cleaningproducts in their home.

Common householdcleaning chemicalslinked to asthma andreproductive harm

Monoethanolamine (MEA)

is a surfactant found in somelaundry detergents, all-purposecleaners and floor cleaners and isa known inducer of occupationalasthma.

Ammonium quaternarycompounds

are disinfectantsfound in some disinfectantsprays and toilet cleaners thathave been identified as inducersof occupational asthma.

Glycol ethers

, such as 2-butoxyethanol, are solventscommonly found in glasscleaners and all-purpose spraycleaners that have been linkedto reduced fertility and low birthweight in exposed mice.

Alkyl phenol ethoxylates(APEs)

are surfactants foundin laundry detergents, stainremovers, and all-purposecleaners, which have been foundto reduce embryo survival in fish,and alter tadpole development.APEs are commonly detectedas contaminants in rivers andstreams, and have also beenfound in household dust.

Phthalates

are carriers for fragrance in glass cleaners,deodorizers, laundry detergentsand fabric softeners, whichhave been linked to adverseeffects on male children,reduced sperm count in adultmen, and increased allergicsymptoms and asthma inchildren.