Monday, January 18, 2010

Took this off the ol' internet

New GREENGUARD Report Explores Chemical Risks
Associated with Children’s Products

ATLANTA – October 1, 2009 – The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI), which certifies products for low chemical emissions, realizes the potential impact of chemicals on children’s health and has released a research report reviewing current issues.

The report titled “Chemicals in Common Products: Risky Business for Children’s Health,” takes a look at how illnesses, such as developmental disorders and asthma, could be tied to chemicals used in products with which children come in contact every day.

Countless household items, such as food containers, cleaners, textiles, paints, toys, flooring and furniture, are produced using industrial chemicals. For example, formaldehyde is commonly used to manufacture furniture, shelving and cabinetry. These products release chemicals into the air, impacting indoor air quality in the home, school and office. Exposure to some indoor air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can cause eye, nose and throat irritation — and may lead to developmental problems, asthma, pulmonary infections and allergies.

The 73 million children living in the US are especially at risk from exposure to environmental pollutants. Children’s physical differences and activity patterns are among the key reasons why they are more vulnerable and face greater health risks from chemical exposure than adults. Children spend approximately 85 percent of their time indoors, where the air is typically two to five times more polluted than outdoor air.