Newspaper Article:

Toronto Herald-Tribune, Thursday February 13, 1997

Household Menaces

Toxic chemicals identified in kitchen, bathroom cleansers.

TORONTO - Reports of toxic chemicals in household cleansers don't mean consumers should start wearing masks and gloves to clean their kitchens, says a Health Canada expert.

Some environmentalists say many everyday cleaning products contain synthetic chemicals called nonylphenol ethoxylates, or NPE's, that have been linked to health problems.

But Dr. Warren Foster. head of reproductive toxicology for Health Canada, said Wednesday the chemicals are just a theoretical hazard that would be dangerous only in much higher concentrations than those found in household products.

"You could eat a whole box of laundry detergent and that probably wouldn't be enough. It wouldn't be a concern to me."

QUICK LIST

A list of household cleaning products tested by the World Wildlife Fund Canada and found to contain nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE's): President's Choice Extra White Liquid Laundry Detergent Spray and Wash Stain Remover Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent President's Choice Laundry Soil and Stain Remover Simple Green All-Purpose Household Cleaner Hertel Plus Spray Cleaner Equality All Purpose Spray Cleaner

But the World Wildlife Fund, which has been warning about the dangers of NPE's, said effects can be seen over a long term.

"I'm not saying you shouldn't touch your laundry soap," says Julia Langer, the group's director of wildlife toxicology. "These compounds don't kill you dead on the spot. They have very subtle, long term effects.... and they can act in very small concentrations."

Both Health Canada and the Wildlife Fund agree, however, that pregnant women should reduce their exposure to NPE's.

The fund released a list this week of brand-name detergents and cleansers containing the chemicals. Of 30 products from Toronto-area stores, seven laundry detergents, stain removers and all-purpose household cleansers contained NPE's that break up oil and grease.

But Langer said NPE's can also disrupt the body's hormonal system by mimicking the female hormone estrogen and high estrogen levels have been linked to birth defects, learning disabilities, even some forms of cancer.

"These chemicals are quite toxic, they aren't biodegradable and they can cause all sorts of problems.. We think the industry should take precautionary action and stop using these compounds."

QUICK FACTS

Environmentalists say a chemical found in some household cleaners has been linked to health problems. Some facts: Chemicals: Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPE's) Uses: Soaps and cleaning products, for their ability to break up oil and grease. Also used in production of plastics, pesticides, pulp and paper and some textiles. Problems: Studies on animals have linked NPE's to reproductive problems, birth defects and sex alterations. Researchers are investigating whether they cause declining sperm counts, learning disorders, childhood hyperactivity and cancers of the breast, testicles and prostate. Production: About 300,000 tonnes produced worldwide each year. More than 7,000 tonnes used annually in Canada. On Watch: NPE's have been put on the federal government's Priority Substances List for further testing.

She said studies on animals have linked NPE's with reproductive problems, birth defects and sex alterations. The chemicals are no longer used in Europe, and at least two North American manufacturers - Proctor & Gamble and Lever-Pond - have dropped NPE's from their products.

There is little scientific consensus on this emerging area of study," Dow Brands Canada said in a statement.

The chemicals have been added to a list of substances by Health Canada to determine if they should be designated as toxic. The five-year testing process could result in regulation or a ban if that's found to be the case, said Foster.

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