Reducing chemical exposures at home: opportunities for action

Abstract

Indoor environments can influence human environmental chemical exposures and, ultimately, public health. Furniture, electronics, personal care and cleaning products, floor coverings and other consumer products contain chemicals that can end up in the indoor air and settled dust. Consumer product chemicals such as phthalates, phenols, flame retardants and per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances are widely detected in the US general population, including vulnerable populations, and are associated with adverse health effects such as reproductive and endocrine toxicity. We discuss the implications of our recent meta-analysis describing the patterns of chemical exposures and the ubiquity of multiple chemicals in indoor environments. To reduce the likelihood of exposures to these toxic chemicals, we then discuss approaches for exposure mitigation: targeting individual behaviour change, household maintenance and purchasing decisions, consumer advocacy and corporate responsibility in consumer markets, and regulatory action via state/federal policies. There is a need to further develop evidence-based strategies for chemical exposure reduction in each of these areas, given the multi-factorial nature of the problem. Further identifying those at greatest risk; understanding the individual, household and community factors that influence indoor chemical exposures; and developing options for mitigation may substantially improve individuals’ exposures and health.

Application of an in Vitro Assay to Identify Chemicals That Increase Estradiol and Progesterone Synthesis and Are Potential Breast Cancer Risk Factors

“…This finding aligns with previous studies that have found various EDCs, such as phthalates, parabens and phenols, in commonly used products such as feminine hygiene products (Gao and Kannan 2020), hair products (Helm et al 2018), and other personal care products (Dodson et al 2012). Chemicals found in personal care products have also been found in in home air and dust (Rudel et al 2003;Zota et al 2017). Some of the consumer products also include pesticides that are used in or near homes and lawns, on children for lice control, or on pets, scenarios that present higher exposure potential.…”

“…Many of the chemicals in our E2-and P4-up chemical lists are pesticides (127 and 108, respectively), which is concerning, considering there are many ways that people can be exposed to pesticides, including aerial spraying, food residues, drinking water contamination, and use in the home. Indeed, many pesticides have been previously detected in environmental samples such as soil, water, indoor air and dust, food residues, and drinking water (Rudel et al 2003;Zota et al 2017). Consumer products are another major exposure source for these chemicals, including personal care products, such as hair dye, and materials used in buildings and furnishings, such as chemical flame retardants.…”

Interventions to promote healthy environments in family child care homes in Oklahoma—Happy Healthy Homes: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…Similarly, reducing the exposure of children to household chemicals in ECE and FCCH environments has been recognized as an important area of intervention [13, 27–32]. These chemicals are ubiquitous and commonly found in cleaning products, pest control products, and consumer products, such as plastics and toys [33]. Because of their smaller size, immature metabolic systems, exploratory behavior, extended periods spent on the floor and ground, and rapid physical and neurologic development and growth, children are not only more likely to experience disproportionate chemical exposures but also are more vulnerable to associated health effects [34].…”

Toxic trespass

“…Much academic research involves studies conducted by university researchers with the primary aim of peerreviewed publications. Exposure scientists and environmental epidemiologists have increasingly found this an interesting area, and some have been outspoken about using their research for public betterment via regulation and product changes (Dodson et al 2017;Zota et al 2017;Helm et al 2018).…”