Spring cleaning – hazardous household materials

While spring cleaning, you may discover you need to dispose of some leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients that are considered to be household hazardous materials or waste. These products include old lawn/pool chemicals, cleaners, paints, antifreeze, batteries, pesticides, and gasoline/motor oil.  Improper disposal of these materials, such as pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases putting them out with the trash, can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health.  Most city or county governments provide a household hazardous materials special drop-off event.  Besides these special drop-off events, most county websites also provide suggestions on where to dispose of or recycle various household materials throughout the year.

What about paint?

Most domestic paints are not considered hazardous and can be placed with regular household garbage once the paint has been allowed to dry. You may also want to consider donating leftover paint to a local charity.  Some organizations will accept unused paint to blend together and donate to people who cannot afford paint in the US as well as other countries where paint can be a rare and valued commodity. For an example of such an organization checkout Matthew 25 Ministries at http://www.m25m.org.

What about prescription drugs?

Some prescription medication may have disposal instructions on the materials you receive when you pick up your prescription from your pharmacy.  There are some prescription drugs that may be especially harmful and, in some cases, fatal with just one dose if used by someone other than the person for whom the medicine was prescribed. To prevent accidental ingestion by children, pets, or anyone else, some prescription drugs should be flushed down the sink or toilet as soon as they are no longer needed, and when they cannot be disposed of through a medicine take-back program.   Check out this webpage for a listing of medicines recommended for disposal by flushing:

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day which will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Check the DEA website for collection sites near you.

Want more information?

The Environmental Protection Agency brochure ―A Guide to Safe Management of Household Hazardous Waste is good reference for specific information about how to handle and dispose of other hazardous household materials.

Remember the BEFORE, WHILE and AFTER Rule

BEFORE using a cleaning product, read the instructions on the bottle.

WHILE using a cleaning product, never leave it out. A child may find it.

AFTER using a product, put it back in a locked cabinet. Make sure the container is closed tightly.

Call your poison control center at (800) 222-1222 with any questions.

Authors

Sara Stover, PharmD
Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center

Patricia Nance, M.A., M.Ed.
Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment (TERA)

Original article from the Spring 2012 DPICtions publication available at:  http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/d/dpic/community/default/

For more information

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:  http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/hhw.htm#collect

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:  http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/generation/pharmaceuticals/collection.htm

U.S. Department of Justice:  http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration:  http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/ucm107163.pdf

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What is Bisphenol A and where is it found?

Bisphenol A, also known as BPA, is used in the manufacture of hard plastics and epoxy resins¹. There are a variety of familiar products which use materials containing this substance, including: toys, hard plastic food and beverage containers, thermal receipts, dental materials, cigarette filters, and coatings used to line metal food product cans². It was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for food contact applications in the 1960s³.  Beverage cans were also previously lined with BPA, but have largely been replaced as of 2001².

Exposure to BPA occurs if the chemical migrates into food and beverages, or through dermal (skin) and mouth contact. Factors such as temperature, contact time, age of the product and wear of the product may increase potential for exposure⁴.   The FDA maintains that low level exposures to BPA are safe, and continues to study BPA to answer key questions and clarify uncertainties about the risks of BPA².

Why are we hearing so much about Bisphenol A in the news?

BPA has a similar chemical structure to that of the naturally occurring sex hormone estradiol (an estrogen) and has the potential to mimic the effects of estradiol in the body². Due to this potential, BPA is often referred to as ‘endocrine active’ (or an ‘endocrine disruptor’)².

Because of the suspected endocrine active nature of BPA and the known exposure of infants and young children during the sensitive period of development, there is some concern from research that BPA could cause early onset of puberty, harm to both the male and female reproductive systems, or damage to the nervous system^2,5. 

In July 2012, the FDA banned the use polycarbonate plastics (which contain BPA) in baby bottles and toddler sippy cups⁹. This action made official a self-imposed ban by the industry, which has been in effect since January 2009⁸. This ban does not apply, however, to any other BPA-containing products, including toys and food containers.

How can I minimize my family’s exposure to BPA?

There are several recognized ways to reduce your family’s daily exposure to BPA:

1. Infant breast feeding: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months if possible since this is the optimal source of nutrition for infants. As noted above, detectable levels of BPA have been found in breast milk^2,5. However, the concentrations are very small and the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh any potential risk associated with BPA exposure. If a bottle is required, glass is an alternative to plastic. If plastic is desired, six major U.S. manufacturers of baby bottles and sippy cups have confirmed to the FDA that they have not used BPA to manufacture their products since January 2009⁸. Also, as noted above, the FDA has banned polycarbonate infant bottles and sippy cups made with BPA as of July 2012⁸.
2. Infant formula: Liquid infant formula sold in cans has been found to contain small amounts of BPA⁸. To reduce the potential of BPA extracting, do not heat cans on the stove or in boiling water. Instead, feed infants bottles prepared at room temperature or run warm water over the bottle prior to feeding your child. Alternatively, powdered infant formula has no detectable levels of BPA based on testing by the FDA. Either way, the nutritional benefits of formula far outweigh any potential risk of exposure to BPA⁸.
3. Food containers:  Plastic containers marked with recycle codes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 very likely do not contain BPA. Some, but not all, plastics marked with recycle code 7 may be made with BPA.  Do not put very hot or boiling liquids into containers that may contain BPA. Do not heat these containers in the microwave. If the container has scratches or is otherwise damaged, discard the container as this will increase the potential exposure to BPA⁸.
4. Canned foods: BPA has been detected in canned meats, vegetables, and fruits.  Most of the migration of BPA into canned foods occurs immediately following processing. Storage time and temperature does not appear to alter migration of BPA into canned foods². Testing by Consumer Reports found BPA concentrations ranging from trace levels to 191 parts per billion (ppb) in canned foods, including canned corn, chili, tomato sauce, corned beef, chicken noodle soup and green beans¹⁰.  Therefore, eating fresh or frozen vegetables, meats, and fruits when possible can reduce exposure to BPA. However, it should be noted that the daily safe dose derived by NSF International is much higher than the highest concentration in canned foods reported by Consumer Reports, so these concentrations in food are considered to be without any harm.^3,11
5. Thermal paper: BPA is common in thermal paper, which includes receipts, labels, and tickets.  This form of BPA is in a chemical form that is more available for exposure than BPA which is chemically locked into a resin or plastic¹². Following handling of thermal paper, BPA can be transferred to the skin and ingested through incidental hand to mouth contact or absorbed through skin¹². Therefore, exposure can be reduced by washing hands after handling thermal paper products such as receipts. Alternatively, receipts can be refused if not needed.
6. Children’s toys: In general, children’s toys are made from plastics that do not contain BPA.  However, since this issue has high publicity, many toy manufacturers are voluntarily labeling their products as BPA-free⁸.
7. Pacifiers: The part of the pacifier that a child puts into their mouth is made from either latex or silicone and does not contain BPA. The only potential exposure might be from the child chewing the plastic shield, which may or may not contain BPA. Either way, the transfer of BPA is considered to be negligible⁸.
8. Dental materials: Dental composite fillings and sealants may contain BPA. The greatest potential exposure is immediately following placement of these composite sealants. Dentists can reduce exposure by using an abrasive (such as pumice) and rinsing the tooth for 30 seconds immediately following placement of the sealant to reduce BPA levels in saliva¹³. The best method of reducing exposure is to regularly brush and floss teeth to prevent tooth decay.
9. Cigarettes: Some cigarette filters have been found to contain 25% by weight of BPA¹⁴. Therefore, avoiding smoking cigarettes as well as second hand smoke can also potentially reduce exposure to BPA.

Author:

NSF International

Further Information:

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences - http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-bpa/

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - http://www.hhs.gov/safety/bpa/

Minnesota Department of Health - http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/risk/chemhazards/bisphenola.html

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm297954.htm
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm064437.htm

Enivronmental Protection Agency (EPA) - http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/bpa.html

References:

1. Hazardous Substance Data Bank (HSDB). 2008.  Bisphenol A. Retrieved from http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/~qmgyoY:1
2. Willhite, et al. 2008. Derivation of a Bisphenol a Oral Reference Dose (RfD) and Drinking-Water Equivalent Concentration. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B Critical Reviews. pg. 69-146.  doi: 10.1080/10937400701724303. URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10937400701724303
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 2012.  Bisphenol A (BPA). Retrieved from  http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/ChemicalContaminants/ucm166145
4. Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). 2011. Chemicals of Special Concern to Children’s Health. Retrieved from http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/children/chemicals.html#bisp
5. Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). 2012. Bisphenol A. Retrieved from   http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/risk/chemhazards/bisphenola.html
6. Calafat, et al.  2008. Exposure of the U.S. Population to Bisphenol A and 4-tertiary-Octylphenol: 2003 – 2004. Environ Health Perspect. 116(1): 39–44. doi: 10.1289/ehp.10753. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2199288/
7. K. Krishnan et al. 2010. Biomonitoring Equivalents for bisphenol A (BPA). Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. 58: 18–24.
8. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS): 2009? Bisphenol A (BPA) Information for Parents. Retrieved from  http://www.hhs.gov/safety/bpa/
9. Federal Register. 2012. 21 CFR Part 177 Indirect Food Additives: Polymers. Vol. 77, No. 137. pg 41899-41890.
10. Consumer Reports. 2009. Concern Over Canned Foods. Retrieved from http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/05/concern-over-canned-foods/index.htm
11. NSF International Calculation (2013). 191 ug/kg-food x 1 person/60 kg x 1 mg/1,000 ug=0.00955 mg/kg-d.  This is still below NSF RfD (see reference # 3 above) of 0.016 mg/kg-d.
12. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). 2013. Bisphenol A (BPA) Action Plan Summary.

Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/bpa.html

1. Watson Shawn 2010. BPA in Dental Material: A Growing Concern. About.com Dental Care. Retrieved from http://dentistry.about.com/b/2010/09/10/bpa-in-dental-material-a-growing-concern.htm
2. Braun, et al. 2011. Variability and Predictors of Urinary Bisphenol A Concentrations during Pregnancy. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1002366. URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3018492/

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Here in Cincinnati as spring hits the air, calls will flood in about plant exposures, ranging from the curious toddler snacking on petals to animals devouring entire plants. So, what’s in bloom this time of year in Cincinnati, Ohio? – Bulbs, bulbs, and more bulbs!

Fortunately, most accidental exposures to plants among young children involve nibbling and rarely produce more than temporary discomfort. Do not try to treat a plant exposure yourself, always call the experts at the Drug and Poison Information Center 24/7 at (800) 222-1222.Plant exposures vary depending on the area of the country. A child in Arizona may find some Oleander or Mexican bird of paradise, but back east in New York an exposure would typically be about bulbs this time of year. A plant exposure in the Northwest in Oregon might include the Oregon grape, which is not a grape at all. It gets its name from the purple clusters of berries resembling grapes in the summer, but in the spring it bears beautiful yellow flowers. Springtime findings in the north in Wisconsin and Minnesota tend to again be mostly flowering bulbs, while south in Texas, you’re more likely to hear the words, “We don’t really have plants.” Desert areas have very few plant exposures throughout the year. Springtime exposures in sunny Florida may involve the rosary pea, angels and devils trumpet, the Brazilian pepper berry, and even a few calls on castor beans.

It is important to know that not all plant exposures are poisonous. There are several non-toxic plants. Following is a partial listing of some toxic and non-toxic plants. For more information and picture to identify these plants use the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) online Fact Sheets and Plant Guides at http://plants.usda.gov/java/factSheet.

To prevent poisoning:

• +   Know the names of your house and yard plants.
• +   Keep poisonous plants out of reach of small children and pets.
• +   Teach young children never to put leaves, stems, bark, seeds, nuts or berries from any plant into their mouths.
• +   Never eat a wild plant of mushroom unless positive of its identity and that it is edible.

Sheila Goertemoeller, RPh, CSPI
Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center

Original article from the Spring 2012 DPICtions publication available at:  http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/d/dpic/community/default/

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Question:

“What are the downsides to fluoride in our water?”

-SS, California

Response:

As with nearly every substance with which we come into contact, there are safe levels of fluoride exposure, and levels at which undesirable effects may occur.  However, unlike for many chemicals it is also well established that at low intake levels, fluoride significantly reduces incidence of tooth decay in communities where it is added to water supplies.  This is very much a beneficial effect.

At levels that are slightly higher than those used for water fluoridation, the only clear undesirable effect is dental fluorosis (a condition in which the tooth enamel fails to form properly); this condition may develop in children during the period of enamel development in secondary teeth (usually 6 to 12 years of age). Prolonged exposure to yet higher levels of fluoride, at any age, can result in skeletal fluorosis, a condition that may increase bone brittleness and the risk of bone fracture. In rare cases at very high concentrations, severe bone abnormalities can develop.

The current enforceable drinking water standard for fluoride set by the US EPA is 4.0 milligrams per liter. This is the maximum amount of fluoride that is allowed in water from public water systems and has been set to prevent tooth decay and to protect against an increased risk of skeletal fluorosis.  For more details, the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has prepared a questions and answers fact sheet for fluoride which can be found on the internet here: http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/regulatingcontaminants/sixyearreview/upload/2011_Fluoride_QuestionsAnswers.pdf.

According to the US Center for Disease Control, if your community water supply has the optimal level of fluoride and you are following recommended guidelines with respect to your child’s tooth brushing habits, it is highly unlikely that you or your children are being exposed to too much fluoride.  More information can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/.  In addition, it is likely that the chemicals used in your community to fluoridate drinking water are certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 60 (Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals – Health Effects) which ensures that these chemicals do not contribute any contaminants to the drinking water at concentrations that could be harmful.

Do you have chemical risk question? Ask an expert here.

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Although the birth rate is indeed falling in industrialized countries¹, there are many reasons.  An important factor is that women are getting pregnant later in life, with many more having their first child after age 30.  Success in getting pregnant decreases dramatically for women after age 30².  However, it is also possible that high exposure to certain industrial chemicals in the environment may be responsible for the falling birth rate.

In order to understand the relationship between these industrial chemicals and the ability to produce children, it is important to understand what natural hormones do in the body.  Hormones are chemicals produced in our bodies to regulate many processes, including fertility and reproduction.  In females the process of making eggs is under the control of the hormone estrogen. In males, the formation of sperm requires the hormone testosterone.  Both hormones must function normally in order for a woman to get pregnant. For successful reproduction to occur there is a requirement for 1 egg and millions of sperm (because most sperm don’t reach the egg).  Can the function of male or female hormones be changed by chemicals in the environment?   

Some of the chemicals that we are exposed to in consumer products or the environment may change the function of natural hormones, at high enough exposure levels.  These chemicals are termed endocrine disruptors.  Endocrine disruptors at high enough doses may make it hard for a woman to get pregnant. For example, high doses of lead cause men to produce less sperm or abnormal sperm, making it harder for a man to father a child.

Similar effects were seen in workers in Sweden who had high exposures to organic solvents such as toluene, benzene or xylene³.  Several other chemicals are believed to produce infertility and lower birth rate at high dose^4.  These include methyl mercury, insecticides Kepone and DDT, plasticizers (phthalates) and some household detergents (nonylphenols).  Naturally-occurring chemicals in plants termed phytoestrogens can also adversely affect sperm quality.  For example, lima beans contain coumestans and members of the pea family contain isoflavonoids, both of which are phytoestrogens.  However, normal consumption (e.g., eating a daily bowl) of lima beans or peas, or even more, will not cause sperm problems, because the amount of these naturally occurring phytoestrogens is too low to cause our bodies harm (see the essay “Is It Safe”).

The timing of exposure can also affect whether there is a health effect and the type of health effect from exposure to these industrial and naturally-occurring chemicals.  Given high enough doses, women exposed to these chemicals before they get pregnant may not be able to get pregnant, or may have a spontaneous abortion.  High exposures to these chemicals during pregnancy can result in birth defects.  The stage in pregnancy at which chemical exposure occurs is crucial.  For example, exposures during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy (first trimester) can affect the brain or cause birth defects, because the fetus is rapidly developing during this period.

Thus, high levels of industrial and naturally occurring chemicals can affect the ability of men and women to have children, that is to say, people have trouble making babies only when exposure is at high enough levels to cause an effect.  (See the hazard vs. risk video.)   People who are older and who already have decreased reproductive function may be more sensitive to such effects⁵.

The key question, then, is whether exposures to these industrial and naturally occurring chemicals at levels found in food, the environment, or consumer products can affect our ability to have children.  Scientists are doing a lot of work to answer this question and have developed safe levels for many of these chemicals.  These safe levels are then used to regulate the amounts of many of these industrial and naturally occurring chemicals in foods or consumer products.  As long as exposures are at or below these safe levels, our ability to have children would be unaffected.

Author

Sam Kacew, Ph.D.,
Fellow of the Academy of Toxicological Sciences
Professor of Pharmacology
University of Ottawa

References 

¹ See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birth_rate by year

²See also http://Wikipedia.org/wiki/fertility

³See also Sallmen et al. American Journal of Industrial Medicine 27: 699-713(1995)

4 See also   Reproductive and cardiovascular systems. In Lu’s Basic Toxicology   6^th edition (Sam Kacew and Byung-Mu Lee, Editors) pages 229-243, 2013.

⁵See also, International Programme on Chemical Safety; Environmental Health Criteria # 144.

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What are flame retardants and where are they found?

Flame retardants¹ are chemicals added to many consumer products to inhibit or suppress their flammability.  Flame retardants work in one of three different ways to help prevent or minimize the severity of fire in the home.  They may:

1. make it more difficult for a material to combust,
2. create a fire resistant layer on the surface of the product,
3. or reduce the presence of flammable gases and oxygen near a burning product².

In addition, some flame retardants are materials that increase the fire protective qualities of other flame retardants³.  Flame retardants are found in a variety of household products, such as electronic devices and wires, kitchen appliances, vehicles, upholstered furniture, carpets, draperies, and mattresses^{3, 4}.  Additionally, many products used primarily by infants and children may contain flame retardant chemicals.

Incorporation of flame retardants into consumer products began in 1975 under California Technical Bulletin 117 (TB117) with the intent of saving property and limiting loss of life and human injury in the event of a fire^{3, 5}.  Implementation of the law reduced the number of upholstered furniture fires by 67% by 1991.  In a 2011 analysis of U.S. home fires since the implementation of flame retardants in 1975, the number of fires dropped approximately 95%, the number of fire injuries decreased 35%, and the number of fire-related deaths dropped 57%. 

While the number of injuries and deaths has decreased since the implementation of flame retardants, there are many contributing factors. For example, the use of in home smoke alarms has increased from 22% of homes in 1977 to 96% of homes in 2010⁸. Thus, it remains unclear if the decrease in injuries and deaths attributable to fires is the result of the incorporation of flame retardants into consumer products, the increased use of smoke alarms or, most likely, some combination these factors and others.  Furthermore, some researchers have questioned the necessity of adding flame retardant chemicals to furniture foam because studies have demonstrated flame retardant foam may burn at a similar rate as foam manufactured without flame retardants⁴.  However, other studies have shown flame retardants slow the rate of burning or prevent the sustained combustion of plastics or foams, when used at the required concentration^9,10.

Why are we hearing so much about flame retardants in the news?

Several individual flame retardants have been restricted, banned, or voluntarily removed from use after studies in laboratory animals have suggested they may cause adverse health effects, and due to concerns regarding environmental persistence^{3, 4, 11}.  “Flame retardant chemicals” refers to a large and diverse group of chemicals.  Their chemical and physical properties influence how much is absorbed and retained in our bodies.  Adverse effects in laboratory animals that have been associated with long-term, higher level exposure, to some flame retardants include hormone disruption, impaired nervous and immune system function, reproductive toxicity, cancer, and disruption of fetus and child development⁴.

Studies in humans confirm the presence of certain flame retardants in blood, breast milk and fatty tissues, with the blood levels being higher in infants and children than in adults⁸. Two polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, a specific class of flame retardants), specifically pentaBDPE and octaBDPE, have been associated with thyroid toxicity at exposures that are similar to estimates of daily exposure in some children.  Thus, exposure may be high enough to cause health concerns^12,13.

Based on these findings, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned these two flame retardants in consumer products¹⁴.  Currently, only one PBDE (decaBDPE) is in use and many manufacturers are phasing it out of production, importation and most uses in consumer products by the end of 2013¹⁴.

Some alternative technologies to reduce exposure include:

1. The use flame retardant chemicals as one part of a compound that is used to treat fabric which then prevents release of the chemicals into the environment,
2. The use of larger chemical compounds that are not as easily absorbed by the body,
3. The development of safer alternatives with extremely low toxicities^15,16.

Identifying safer alternatives is a current industry challenge and the use of alternatives needs further research on the potential health and environmental effects of the proposed alternatives before they are used commercially.

How can I minimize my family’s exposure to flame retardants?

Although it is difficult to completely avoid flame retardants, it is possible to minimize your children’s exposure in your own home.  Flame retardants used in draperies, upholstered furniture, and carpets escape as dust particles into the air settling on surfaces in the home^{3, 5}.  Since inhalation is the main route of exposure, keeping household dust at a minimum by cleaning often using a vacuum with a HEPA filter or a wet mop is recommended⁴.  Young children in close proximity with the floor may have a higher exposure to dust containing flame retardant chemicals. 

Furniture or baby products made with polyester, down, wool, cotton, or wood (without foam filling) are less likely to contain flame retardant chemicals than other products⁵.  Sleepwear intended for children aged one to six years may also be treated with flame retardants.  However, snug fitting children’s sleepwear marked with a tag that says “must be sung fitting” or “not flame resistant” is not required to be treated with flame retardants⁵.  Baby products, such as strollers, nursing pillows, and high chairs as well as upholstered furniture and draperies may include a tag stating compliance with TB117 and are likely to contain flame retardants⁵.  Checking for this tag before purchasing products is one way to help control your family’s exposure to flame retardants, but it is important to remember the purpose of flame retardants is safety from unintended fires⁷.

Until further information on toxicity from exposures to specific flame retardant chemicals is available, parents will need to make the decision on how best to protect their children by balancing the known risk of injury or death due to fire with the potential risk of adverse health effects from exposure to these chemicals.

Author

NSF International Toxicology Services

Further information:

United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA): http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/pbde.html

http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/recordisplay.cfm?deid=210404

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ASTDR): http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/PHS/PHS.asp?id=1118&tid=239

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=953&itemID=23071&URL=Research%20&%20Reports/Fire%20statistics/The%20U.S.%20fire%20problem&cookie_test=1&cookie%5Ftest=1

US Centers for Disease Control  (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Fire-Prevention/fires-factsheet.html

Green Science Policy Institute: http://www.greensciencepolicy.org/information-consumers

References and Notes:

(1)    These materials can be separated into different chemical classes such as mineral compounds, organophosphorus compounds (degradable organic compounds containing carbon–phosphorus bonds, organohalogen compounds (any of a class of organic compounds that contain at least one halogen (fluorine [F], chlorine [Cl], bromine [Br], or iodine [I]) bonded to carbon), or a combination of these³.

(2)    Flame retardants interrupt the fire tetrahedron by disrupting fuel or oxygen supplies or by removing heat or disrupting the chemical reaction that is fire.  Fire retardants can cause polymer cross-linking leading to char formation that prevents pyrolysis and acts as a barrier to both heat and oxygen. Flame retardants can also generate gaseous breakdown products that are not flammable that displace oxygen (CO2), remove heat (CO2, HX, or MO), or disrupt the radical flame reaction (HX).

(3)    Innes, A., & Innes, J. (2011). 27 – Flame retardants. Applied Plastics Engineering Handbook, William Andrew Publishing, Oxford, pg. 469-485. doi: 10.1016/B978-1-4377-3514-7.10027-3.

(4)    Shaw SD, Blum A, Weber R, Kannan K, Rich D, Lucas D, Koshland CP, Dobraca D, Hanson S, Birnbaum LS. (2010) Halogenated flame retardants: do the fire safety benefits justify the risks? Rev Environ Health. Oct-Dec: 25(4): 261-305

(5)    Green Science Policy. (2010). How to reduce toxics in your home. Retrieved from http://www.greensciencepolicy.org/information-consumers

(6)    Damant, G.H., & Nurbakhsh, S. (1995). Development of furnishings flammability standards for public buildings and private residences. Journal of Fire Sciences. 13 (6): 417-433. doi: 10.1177/073490419501300601.

(7)    National Fire Protection Association. The U.S. fire problem.  National Fire Protection Association, Quincy MA. September 2010.

(8)    Ahrens, M. (2011). Smoke alarms in U.S. home fires. The National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. Retrieved from http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=953&itemID=23071&URL=Research%20&%20Reports/Fire%20statistics/The%20U.S.%20fire%20problem&cookie_test=1&cookie%5Ftest=1

(9)    Wilkie, C.A., Morgan A. B.  Fire Retardancy of Polymeric Materials, CRC Press, 2^nd edition, 2010.

(10)Weil E.D., Levchik S.V.  Flame Retardants for Plastics and Textiles, Hanser Publications 2009.

(11) Kefeni, K.K., Okonkow, J.O., Olukunle, O.I., Botha, B.M. (2011). Brominated flame retardants: sources, distribution, exposure pathways, and toxicity. Environmental Reviews. 19: 238-253.

(12) ENVIRON International Corporation. Tier 1 assessment of the potential health risks to children associated with exposure to the commercial octabromodiphenyl ether product CAS no. 32536-52-0. ENVIRON International Corporation, Emeryville, CA. April 21, 2003.

(13) ENVIRON International Corporation. Tier 1 assessment of the potential health risks to children associated with exposure to the commercial pentabromodiphenyl ether product CAS no 32534-81-9. ENVIRON International Corporation, Emeryville, CA. April 21,  2003

(14) U. S. EPA. An exposure assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) (final). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington DC, EPA/600/R-08/086F, 2010.

(15) Horrocks A R, Price D Advances in Fire Retardant Materials, Woodhead Publishing Ltd, 2008.

(16) Alternative technologies employ the incorporation of the flame retardants as monomer into the polymer backbone to prevent release into the environment, use of very large molecules that are not bio-available or the development of green compounds with extremely low toxicities.

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Question:

A friend of mine told me her Doctor said not to give her baby rice cereal because there may be arsenic in it. I have been giving my baby rice cereal. Is it safe to continue feeding rice cereal to my baby of 4 1/2 months?

- LK, Cincinnati, OH

Response:

Elemental arsenic is a naturally-occurring chemical widely distributed in the Earth’s crust.  Arsenic is typically found in the environment combined with other elements to produce inorganic forms of arsenic.  Organic forms of arsenic result when arsenic combines in the environment with carbon and hydrogen in biological systems like seafood. Together, the inorganic and organic forms are referred to as total arsenic. While the toxic potential of organic arsenic is quite low, inorganic arsenic has been known since ancient times to be a human poison at very high concentrations.  Moderate concentrations of swallowed arsenic can cause stomach upset, fatigue and tingling in the hands and feet.  Long-term oral exposure to inorganic arsenic has been reported by some researchers to increase the risk of developing liver, bladder and lung cancer in humans.

Although arsenic is naturally present in the environment, releases of arsenic from anthropogenic (human-made) sources, including mining and smelting, pesticide application and waste incineration have contributed to environmental burdens.  Many of these human-derived sources of arsenic have been eliminated or significantly restricted in the United States.  For example, arsenic is no longer produced through smelting in the United States (all arsenic is imported), a very common arsenic-based wood preservative (copper chromate arsenate) was phased out in 2003 and inorganic arsenic compounds can no longer be used as agricultural pesticides.

As arsenic is found naturally in the environment and cannot be destroyed once produced; humans will be exposed to arsenic in food, water and air.  For the general population, the diet along with water is the primary sources of total arsenic exposure. While seafood represents the greatest dietary contributor of arsenic, the majority of the arsenic found in fish and shellfish is in an organic form.  These levels of organic arsenic in seafood are not a health concern.  Other dietary sources of inorganic arsenic are grains, grain products, rice/rice products fruits and fruit juices, vegetables (e.g., mushrooms), some meat, and poultry. The proportion of total exposure to inorganic arsenic arising from food relative to the proportion from water increases as the concentration of inorganic arsenic in the water decreases. At low levels of total arsenic exposure, food can be a major contributor to total inorganic arsenic exposure.

Most crops do not readily take up arsenic from the soil.  However, rice is slightly different because it takes up inorganic arsenic from soil and water more readily than other grains.  

Although much higher levels have been documented to produce adverse health effects, to date, no evidence in the scientific literature exists demonstrating that consumption of rice and/or rice products results in any illness that can be attributed to arsenic.  Thus, while continued evaluation is certainly warranted, the low levels of inorganic arsenic found in rice are not anticipated to be a health concern.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) is currently acquiring more than 1,200 samples to more comprehensively assess arsenic concentrations in the wide variety of rice and rice products available around the world.  After the samples are evaluated, the US FDA will conduct a risk assessment to provide the basis for arsenic limits in rice/rice products and to determine if any additional steps will be required to reduce exposure to arsenic in rice and rice products.

Based on the current understanding of the adverse health effects attributable to inorganic arsenic, the US FDA has concluded that it is premature to recommend modifying diets because the inorganic arsenic levels found in many foods are low. As suggested by the US FDA, it is important for consumers to continue eating a varied, balanced diet, not only for good nutrition, but also to minimize any potential consequences from consuming any one particular food. Rice and rice products which contain essential minerals and vitamins need to be part of a wholesome and balanced diet.  For example, infant rice cereal has been recommended by physicians for many years because it is gluten-free, hypoallergenic, easily digested and is a good source of iron and other vitamins.  It is also important to keep in mind that there are significant nutritional risks associated with any abrupt change in dietary habits.

Author :

P. Michael Bolger, Ph.D., DABT
Board Certified Toxicologist
Food and Drug Administration (retired)

References:

Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) of the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Safety evaluation of certain contaminants in food. WHO Food Additives Series No. 63, 2011. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2011/9789241660631_eng.pdf

Yost LJ, Tao SH, Egan SK, et al. 2004. Estimation of dietary intake of inorganic arsenic in U.S. children. Hum Ecol Risk Assess 10:473-483.

U.S. FDA. 2012. Questions & Answers: FDA’s Analysis of Arsenic in Rice and Rice Products. http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodContaminantsAdulteration/Metals/ucm319948.htm

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Question:

I purchased a collector ed. Middleton doll named Pansy from Shopatron on 1216/12.  It  arrived with a noxious fume coming from it as soon as we opened the box.  I decided to wash the clothes, shoes, socks, hair, face, arms, and legs.  The odor is still coming out.  Shopatron referred my concerns to the manufacturer from which it was shipped.  I haven’t heard anything further, but do not want to expose my daughter and grandchildren to dangerous fume in my home.  Could you please help me in determining the risks?

-TM, Tullahoma, Tennessee

Response:

Dear TM,

Thanks for your question.  We may have a more refined answer to your question in the future, but for now please seal the doll in a double plastic bag and put it in a room that is not frequented by children, such as a garage.  When the results of the manufacturer are given to you, please send them to us to review.

For more information on chemical risk from toys click here.

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Does the toy, My 1st Teach Time Gift Set made in Shenzhen, China and distributed by Big Lots, Columbus, OH contain lead?

- YD, Pheonix, Arizona

Response:

Thanks for the question!

Our scientists could not find any readily available information that would allow us to make a determination about the lead content of your toy.  We recommend contacting the manufacturer directly and asking whether they are adhering to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines on lead in their toys.  Alternatively, you can have the toy analyzed.  The CPSC maintains a website with all the approved labs to help find and select a lab for testing.

For more information on chemical risk from toys click here.

Do you have chemical risk question? Ask an expert here.

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Prevent House Fires

Many people love to purchase cut or live trees to have in their homes for the Christmas season. The fresh pine scent and family tradition of having a tree to decorate resulted in $250 million in sales of cut trees in 2009, according to the latest data from the USDA Census of Horticultural Specialties.² To help prevent having your tree catch on fire, make sure it has plenty of water, and keep it away from heat sources such as fireplaces or radiators that may dry it out faster. Automatic watering systems like Quench-A-Tree³, which looks like a wrapped gift, may help reduce the risk of a dry tree and fire hazard. If candles are lit in the home this season remember not to leave them unattended and make sure children have limited access to them to prevent an accidental fire. Check all wiring and lights used as decorations to make sure they’re in good working order too.

Getting into the Christmas Spirits

With the Holidays it is common to have Holiday parties where adult beverages may be served. Many mixed drinks have pretty colors or fruity flavors added and are quite attractive to children. Children may become poisoned easily with very little alcohol, so make sure guests do not leave drink glasses unattended or at a level where a child may access it.  Unfinished drinks should also be discarded to avoid an unintentional incident by a child. In addition, it’s important to know your limit as an adult and not to overdo it during festivities.  Remember to check to see if prescription and over-the-counter medications interact with alcohol, and do not drive under the influence. Your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222) can help if a child inadvertently gets into alcohol this season.

Holiday Food Hazards

Snacks such as peanuts or popcorn left out during the Holidays may pose as choking hazards for small children and are not recommended for kids under the age of 4 years. To prevent food poisoning make sure to wash your hands, utensils, dishes, and anything else that comes in contact with raw meat, including poultry and fish, and raw eggs before and after use. Store leftovers properly and heat them thoroughly before serving⁴. It’s important to remember to keep our furry friends safe too. Chocolate used in baking is toxic to dogs and should be kept up away from where their noses and mouths can get to it. Symptoms range from nausea and vomiting to seizures and death. Dark and unsweetened chocolates have the highest risk for toxicity and milk chocolate the least. If you suspect your dog may have eaten too much chocolate contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.

Holiday Plant Hazards

Mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, Jerusalem cherry plants, boxwood, and various species of the yew are commonly used as decorations during the holidays. Like many plants, these are considered potentially poisonous and should be kept out of the reach of kids. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not particularly toxic when ingested in small amounts however. If you suspect that your child has eaten any part of a plant, contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Author:
Jan Scaglione, MT, PharmD, D.ABAT, Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center

References:

1: Please see Consumer Product Safety Commission website:  http://www.cpsc.gov

2: Please see http://www.agcensus.usda.gov

3: Please see http://www.quenchatree.com

4: Please see http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/holiday_dangers.html

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