Relevant research article summaries

Consumer products are important sources of exposure to harmful chemicals.Product composition is of en a mystery to users, however, due to gaps in the laws governing ingredient disclosure.A unique data set that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) uses to determine how volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) from consumer products af ect smog formation holds a partial solution.By analyzing CARB data on VOCs in consumer products, researchers identif ed and quantif ed emissions of volatile chemicals regulated under the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act ("Prop 65").Study highlights individual chemicals as well as consumer product categories that people are likely to be exposed to as individual consumers, in the workplace, and at the population level.Of the 33 Prop 65-listed chemicals that appear in the CARB emissions inventory, 18 were classif ed as "top tier priorities for elimination."Among these, methylene chloride and N-methyl-2pyrrolidone were most prevalent in products across all three population groups.Of 172 consumer product categories, 105 contained Prop 65-listed chemicals.Although these chemicals are known carcinogens and reproductive/developmental toxicants, and remain in widespread use.Manufacturers and regulators should prioritize product categories containing Prop 65-listed chemicals for reformulation or redesign to reduce human exposures and associated health risks.In the home, general cleaners, laundry detergent, dishwashing soap and nail coatings had the largest number of toxic chemicals present.Adhesives, autocare products, cleaners and lubricants rose to the top of concerning workplace exposures.Many known toxic chemicals could be found in use across these categories, meaning people could experience exposures from multiple sources.