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Organic chemicals are widely used as
ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain
organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing,
and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these
products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to
some degree, when they are stored.
EPA's Total Exposure Assessment
Methodology (TEAM) studies found levels of about a dozen common organic
pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless
of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas.
Additional TEAM studies indicate that while people are using products
containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to
very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the
air long after the activity is completed.
Household products including: paints, paint strippers, and other
solvents; wood preservatives; aerosol sprays; cleansers and
disinfectants; moth repellents and air fresheners; stored fuels and
automotive products; hobby supplies; dry-cleaned clothing.
Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination,
nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some
organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to
cause cancer in humans.
The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies
greatly from those that are highly toxic, to those with no known health
effect. As with other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health
effect will depend on many factors including level of exposure and
length of time exposed. Eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches,
dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment are among the
immediate symptoms that some people have experienced soon after exposure
to some organics. At present, not much is known about what health
effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes. Many
organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals; some are
suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans.
Studies have found that levels of several organics average 2 to 5
times higher indoors than outdoors. During and for several hours
immediately after certain activities, such as paint stripping, levels
may be 1,000 times background outdoor levels.
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Use household products according to manufacturer's directions.
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Make sure you provide plenty of fresh air when using these products.
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Throw away unused or little-used containers safely; buy in
quantities that you will use soon.
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Keep out of reach of children and pets.
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Never mix household care products unless directed on the label.
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