Greenpeace warning on household chemicals

Published on 30/04/2003 01:00

HOUSEHOLDERS are being exposed to potentially harmful chemicals from everyday items around the home, according to a report today by environment group Greenpeace.

It conducted a study which found "substantial amounts" of certain chemicals used in everything from toiletries and furniture to electrical products and even toys.

Greenpeace said while it cannot be certain the level of exposure is damaging health, the "widespread" presence of such additives raised serious questions.

The charity collected dust - described as a chemical "sink" - from 100 UK homes last November which it then sent to laboratories for analysis.

All the samples contained phthalates which are widely used as softeners in vinyl flooring and toys and, according to Greenpeace, are known to be toxic to the reproductive system.

Brominated flame retardants, which are thought to interfere with the hormone systems vital to growth, and organotin compounds, considered harmful to the immune system, were also found in every sample.

All but one of the UK samples also contained a range of other man-made chemicals including solvents, pesticides and plastic additives.

"Taken together, these data show that the ongoing use of hazardous chemicals in consumer products is leading to ubiquitous and complex contamination of the home environment," said the Consuming Chemicals report. " Given the hazards associated with the chemicals in question, there is no reason for complacence."