Consuming Chemicals

Rapport/dokument - 1. maj, 2003
"Manufactured chemicals are widespread in the air, soil, water sediments and biota of Europe's environment following the marketing of up to 100 000 chemicals in the EU, their use and disposal and degradation. There is a serious lack of monitoring and information on these chemicals... widespread exposures to low doses of chemicals may be causing harm, possibly irreversibly, particularly to sensitive groups such as children and pregnant women..." European Environment Agency (1998).

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Executive summary: Although the widespread presence of hazardous man-made chemicals in the environment is becoming increasingly well documented, few people are aware that many of these same chemicals are used as additives in consumer goods we buy and use in the home everyday. From carpets and curtains to toys and televisions, computers and printers to cosmetics and perfumes, chemical additives are a hidden fact of modern life. They are rarely labelled and never seen, but they are nearly always there.

Of course, they are generally there for a reason: to make plastics soft or stop them breaking down; to carry perfumes; to protect against fire; to kill dust-mites or mould. The problem is that, as a consequence of their use in consumer goods, we are constantly exposed to these chemicals and the hazards they pose. They can escape from products during normal use, or through wear and tear over time, contaminating the indoor environment of our homes.

Num. pages: 74

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