SUZANNE MA
Globe and Mail Update Last updated on Tuesday, Apr. 07, 2009 12:45AM EDT
Chemicals found in some household cleaning products may be harming your lungs.
New research from the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Services (NIEHS) suggests that a chemical compound found in many air fresheners, toilet bowl cleaners, mothballs, and other deodorizing products may reduce lung function.
According to the NIEHS, “even a small reduction in lung function may indicate some harm to the lungs.” It's suggested the use of such products and materials are reduced, especially around children and those who have asthma or other respiratory illnesses.
Researchers tested a representative sample of 953 adults in the United States, paying close attention to the relationship between blood concentrations of 11 common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their lung function. The compounds are found in thousands of commonly used products, including tobacco smoke, pesticides, paints, and cleansers, as well as vehicle exhaust.
One particular VOC (known as 1,4 DCB) was associated with reduced pulmonary function, even after careful adjustment for tobacco smoke. 1,4 DCB is a white solid compound with a distinctive aroma, similar to mothballs. It is typically used in products such as room deodorizers and urinal and toilet bowl blocks.
1,4 DCB blood concentration levels were detected in 96 per cent of those tested for the study. Black Americans had the highest exposure levels and non-Hispanic whites the lowest.
The research will be published in the August issue of Environmental Health Perspectives.
More to come.
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