Abby Boudouris, OR Department of Environmental Quality
Session Speakers:
Ann Blake, Environmental & Public Health Consulting Presentation
Anne Steinemann, University of Washington Presentation
The ever prevalent fragranced consumer products and disinfectants can contain chemicals that harm human and environmental health. Moreover, the fragrance chemicals are typically not disclosed on product labels or material safety data sheets. Anne Steinman will present results from an analysis of fragranced consumer products, and the hazardous and undisclosed chemicals in those products. Among 25 best-selling products tested (including ones called "green" or "organic"), more than 150 volatile organic compounds were identified, many of which are classified as toxic or hazardous, but virtually none of which were listed on any product label or material safety data sheet. Results point to a need for improved understanding and disclosure of product constituents, and their potential effects on human and environmental health. Ann Blake will shock you with information about the health and environmental impacts of disinfecting compounds such as Triclosan, Triclocarban and quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs or "quats") in consumer and hand soaps, dish soaps and surface cleaning products as well as janitorial cleaning chemicals. How are these compounds regulated? Do they actually work against superbugs? What are their impacts on human health and the environment? Washing your hands may never be the same again.