Home » Four Chemicals Are Declared As Dangerous For Health

 

Spring is just around the corner. What better time than now to take a close look at the stuff that's in your school locker? And what better time to take a closer look at some of the stuff that goes into some of the stuff that's in your locker-and in your friends' lockers too?

The Canadian government has just designated four chemicals as  hazardous to human health. The toxic chemicals are used commonly in paints, varnishes, stains, and industrial cleaners. You can also find them in some printing inks and art materials.

Teenage girls especially should know that one of the chemicals is used in some hairsprays, skin creams, and as a fragrance ingredient, according to Health Canada. Another was found to be an impure presence in some consumer products, such as nail polish remover and hair products the department said.

"This is an important step towards further protecting the health of Canadians and our environment," said Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq. "Our government is taking action to reduce Canadians' exposure to substances of concern and to put in place new assessments for substances that could be harmful if widely used."

The most dramatic option is an outright ban, which the Ministry of Health has already slapped on bisphenol A in baby bottles.

"The government has sent an important signal to consumers and manufacturers that these chemicals should not be used," says Aaron Freeman, a spokesman for Environment Defence. "They are found in common household items, and we think these chemicals should be phased out of use."

The four chemicals to be declared toxic to human health are: 2-(2-Methoxyethoxy) ethanol (DEGME); 2-Methoxyethanol acetate (2-MEA); 2-methoxy-1-propanol; and C.I. Pigment Red 3.