Everyday consumer products such as cleaners, cosmetics and art supplies release nearly 5,000 tonnes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in American homes annually, new research has found. The study, which analysed ingredient lists across dozens of product categories, identified the highest levels in general purpose cleaners, art supplies and laundry detergents, with mothballs being the single worst offender.
VOCs are a class of chemicals that can easily become airborne and pose significant health risks, including cancer and the formation of smog. The research, conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, and the Silent Spring Institute, used data submitted to California's air resources board – the first analysis of its kind. “It just highlights that there are a lot of products that people use every day that contain many of these harmful chemicals,” said co-author Kristin Knox.
Among personal care items, formaldehyde was the most common VOC, found in nail polish, shampoo and makeup as a preservative. Mothballs emit around 300 tonnes of 1,4-dichlorobenzene, a likely carcinogen. Meanwhile, diethanolamine – banned in EU cosmetics – was present in 40 US products, including cosmetics and personal care items. “The fact that it is in so many products is kind of worrisome,” said co-author Robin Dodson.
Professional workers, such as hairdressers and janitors, face the greatest risk due to repeated exposure. Hair and nail salon workers may be regularly exposed to about nine different VOCs, while cleaners using multiple maintenance products could encounter over 20. The study identified 11 VOCs that researchers believe should be eliminated from products and five that should be banned under toxic substances laws.
The authors hope that California regulators will use the findings to target products for tighter regulation. Consumers can reduce their risk by reading labels and using products outdoors when possible.
