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CSPA Corrects Misleading Information in Media Coverage of UC-Berkeley Study on Potential Health Risks From Cleaning Products and Air Fresheners

Posted on: Wednesday, 24 May 2006, 12:00 CDT

WASHINGTON, May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) was surprised to learn of certain conclusions from the recently released University of California-Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study on indoor air pollution and household products. The study raised concerns about the safety of glycol ethers and terpene compounds found in some consumer products. While CSPA is still reviewing the 330-page document, these are some preliminary responses regarding media coverage of that study:

* The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) examined 2-butoxyethanol -- the only ethylene-based glycol ether commonly used in cleaning products -- and delisted it as a hazardous air pollutant. * The concern about terpenes applies only as potential reactants in a confined space with an abnormally high ozone level where terpenes may combine with overabundant ozone. * Air "purifiers" that generate high levels of ozone pose a known health risk. Ozone is a known pollutant which poses a risk to children. * Two years ago, in discussing similar research that it was conducting, the EPA in a press release and video news release asserted: "EPA provides guidance on the use of ozone-generating air cleaners as they may contribute to ozone in the home and does not recommend such devices for consumers to remove indoor air contaminants from households." * Terpene compounds are natural ingredients which come from plants and can be smelled whenever walking through a pine forest or citrus grove. When used properly, products with these naturally occurring-compounds do not pose a threat. * Consumer products are extensively tested by the formulators to ensure that they are safe and effective. Ingredients are routinely examined to ensure that exposure levels from product use and potential misuses are below the level that would pose significant health risk. * Household products are clearly labeled for proper use and appropriate warnings are included on the label. Consumers should always read the label and use the product according to directions, which may include proper ventilation. * Should they choose NOT to use cleaning products, consumers are at a much greater health risk -- from biological contaminants such as germs, viruses, and allergens. Cleaning and disinfecting products provide important public health and quality of life benefits. They are used safely and effectively every day in millions of homes, commercial facilities and institutions around the world.

The Consumer Specialty Products Association is a non-profit national trade association representing approximately 260 companies engaged in the manufacture, formulation, distribution and sale of hundreds of familiar consumer products. It is organized into seven divisions: Aerosol Products, Air Care, Antimicrobial Products, Cleaning Products, Pest Management Products, Industrial & Automotive Specialty Chemicals, and Polishes & Floor Maintenance Products.

Consumer Specialty Products Association

CONTACT: Bill Lafield of the Consumer Specialty Products Association,+1-202-833-7311

Web site: http://www.cspa.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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