The home is full of dangerous chemicals

"The home is full of dangerous chemicals,"

"”An increased awareness would be healthy”"

"You have plenty of toxic chemicals at home.you electronics, textiles, toys, plastics, and building materials.n– do not Think people are aware of the expansion, " says Erik Gravenfors at the Swedish chemicals agency."

"There are more dangerous chemicals in the home than you think. Chemicals which may eventually become a problem for health and the environment."

"– the Chemical substances that people do not think about. Products which are dangerous but combined exposure can be. Do not want to create kemofobi but an increased awareness would be good, " says Erik Gravenfors, ecotoxicology and investigator at the Swedish chemicals agency."

"What are hazardous substances and chemicals are available at home?n– big picture and the amount is not mapped but we have a good idea and know a lot by our spot checks, " says Erik Gravenfors and exemplify with four different groups."

"– An area you might not think about are the volatile substances from building materials. We encounter enhanced values of formaldehyde, which is included in the glue in the particle board which is a carcinogen. Existence is often a result of low quality and low performance. Company that has control on its manufacturing process also has control over the adhesive in particle boards."

"– Textiles may contain certain dyes, azo-dyes, which are carcinogenic. Can occur in the textiles or clothing. Popping up every now and then. The colouring matters which are prohibited and the marketing of the product commits a violation of the law, " says Erik Gravenfors. "

"3. Toys and plastic products."

"– beware of old toys. The overall advice is that the toys are older than six years may contain hazardous substances, before the EU legislation entered into force (2007). Emollients are common even if all are not dangerous. But the old pvc is not recommended, " says Erik Gravenfors and continues:"

"– One of the groups of substances to make hard plastic soft, is phthalates. Several phthalates are harmful for reproduction. In the worst cases make us infertile. But it is plastic which is soft where it is not present."

"Historically, lead and cadmium have been recurring problems. Used in pvc in order to not discolor and can be found in the garden hose, in an armchair of imitation leather, rainwear, umbrella or comb."

" We have incredible amount of plastic products and pvc are available in a lot. When it comes to hazardous substances in pvc lagging unfortunately the legislation after, say Erik Gravenfors. "

"– Solders with lead are left behind in the modern electronics that does not pass the legislation. Lead is what we usually are cracking down on. Lead and cadmium are prohibited, but may be present in the solder. Flame retardants are common in electronics and the most dangerous is prohibited."

"What consumer electronics is the most dangerous?n– Old devices and low-cost electronics often contain more toxic chemicals. Brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, which are carcinogenic and environmentally harmful. "

"How do I avoid the chemicals?"

"– the Purchase of a good quality. Use the well-known and reputable dealers. They have fewer deviations. Choose ecolabelled products. Not least in the electronics market where goods should be CE-marked. Do not turn in old electronics, " says Erik Gravenfors and adds."

"– And clean at home reduces the exposure."

"In what ways are chemicals dangerous?"

"– With explosive and corrosive materials do you discover the hazardous properties directly. The volatile substances found in the air and phthalates get stuck in the dust, which means greater exposure for children than adults because they are closer. Carcinogenic or endocrine-disrupting substances, which in low levels in the long term can lead to problems."

"Can tv in the bedroom or mobile in the trouser pocket affect ? n– difficult to Assess. There is no evidence that points to immediate risks. But you can try to choose the electronics with less harmful substances for example eco-labelled products. Question when you shop for the candidate list, EU-list of about 200 different hazardous substances. "

"What do I do with old electronics?"

"– Recycle. Today covered the electronics of producer responsibility and can be submitted in the shop where you bought it or on the or återvinningscentralen. Check out the Read but the information on collection and recycling."

"• In the projects, in 2016, controlled Swedish chemicals agency chemical content in the 154 electrical and electronic low-price products. "

"• 84 companies were inspected, and the common products in the home environment were analysed – USB cables, cykellampor, ljusslingor and headphones. In the analyses searching for lead, cadmium, certain phthalates, short-chain chlorinated paraffins and brominated flame retardants. "

"• Not less than 58 (38%) contained restricted substances in concentrations that exceeded the limits"

"• 19 goods contained low concentrations of restricted substances (under the limit) or hazardous substances are not limited. "

"• In the 71 products found no sought-after substances. "

"• Of the 129 controlled goods missing 64 (50%) correct labelling."

"• 30 companies were notified to the miljöåklagare for the goods with illicit substances or for not having informed about hazardous substances."

"• 14 companies had miljösanktionsavgift as a result of inadequate labelling. "

"• the Results show that a large proportion of products do not meet the requirements for labelling and documentation."