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Cancer-causing chemicals detected in toys and headphones

Cancer-causing chemicals detected in toys and headphones
Development of a LC-ESI-Orbitrap method for the analysis of chlorinated paraffins. (A) Comparison of the schemes of DCM and chloride enhanced ionization. (B) The impacts of concentrations of NH4Cl in mobile phase on instrumental responses of chlorinated paraffins. Two replicates were tested. (C) The stronger response factors for chlorinated paraffins with high chlorine content (highCl) compared to low chlorine content (lowCl). (D) Variations of peak abundances of six representative CPs and internal standard (13C10-antiDP) across 3 spiked extracts and 9 injections. Sx_y indicates the yth injection of xth spiked extract. (E) Variations of abundances of six representative CPs after normalization by internal standard 13C10-antiDP. Relative abundance was calculated by dividing peak intensities of CPs by 13C10-antiDP. Credit: Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts (2023). DOI: 10.1039/D2EM00494A

Cancer-causing chlorinated paraffins are still used in a wide range of everyday products sold in North America, despite their known health harm and being banned in Canada for a decade, according to a new study in Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts. The researchers detected short-chain chlorinated paraffins in more than 85% of products tested, including headphones, plastic toys, clothing, personal care products, and indoor paints purchased in Canada.

"We were astonished to find chlorinated paraffins in these types of products. Any parent would shudder at the thought of their baby chewing on a toy filled with cancer-causing chemicals," said co-author Hui Peng, an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of Toronto. "We need to protect our children and the wider public from these ."

Short-chain chlorinated paraffins cause cancer in laboratory rats and mice—specifically targeting the liver, thyroid, and kidney. Though there are no human studies, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies them as possible human carcinogens. They also build up in our bodies, food webs, and environment.

In 2012, the Government of Canada determined that "all chlorinated paraffins are considered harmful with respect to ," and banned their manufacture, new use, and import. In 2017, short-chain chlorinated paraffins were listed for elimination under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.

Nonetheless, their total global production is huge—more than 1 million tons per year—and is increasing. These are used in everyday products as flame retardants, plasticizers and lubricants. Until now, many of their specific uses in products were not known to scientists and the public.

The highest concentrations of chlorinated paraffins in this study were detected in headphones and computer wires. The next highest concentrations were in toys and toy packaging. These uses can lead to human exposure through direct hand contact, mouthing of products by , and through contaminated dust making its way from hands to mouths.

Since the tested products were largely manufactured for an international market, chlorinated paraffins are likely also found in similar products in the U.S., Europe, and beyond.

"Chlorinated paraffins are very harmful and widespread in everyday products, but they are flying under the radar," said co-author Arlene Blum, executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute. "Many of their uses are unnecessary and should be stopped immediately for healthier people and ecosystems."

More information: Steven Kutarna et al, Widespread presence of chlorinated paraffins in consumer products, Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts (2023). DOI: 10.1039/D2EM00494A

Provided by Green Science Policy Institute

Citation: Cancer-causing chemicals detected in toys and headphones (2023, April 11) retrieved 7 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2023-04-cancer-causing-chemicals-toys-headphones.html
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