Friday, October 07, 2011

Consumer concerns prompt states to ban chemicals

Families need to protect themselves
from chemical exposure.
It’s a long-winded path to better chemical protection, but pressure from consumers and public awareness about the dangers of toxic chemicals has caused more U.S. states to ban the use of specific chemical compounds.

This year alone, six states have adopted laws to restrict bisphenol A or phosphate-based flame retardants, watchdogs say.

New York prohibited the use of tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate in children’s goods, a plasticizer and flame retardant in polyurethane foams and other polymers, which has been linked to reproductive toxicity concerns.

The chemical off-gasses from plastics because it does not chemically bind to polymers, experts say. The ban will come into effect Dec. 1, 2013 and may inspire other states to follow lead.

Connecticut became the nation’s first state to ban bisphenol A (BPA) not only from baby and children’s products (such as bottles and cups) but also from receipt paper used at cash registers.

Maine, Delaware, California and Maine join eight other states that have banned BPA in baby bottles and cups for young children.

It seems like public pressure is working, and more states may adopt chemical regulations in the near future or copy other states' laws, experts say.

Source: American Chemical Society

Reduce chemical exposure with air purifiers

Official regulations and bans are slow to come into effect, but there are other ways to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals from everyday household products.
The 5000 Exec is one of
AllerAir's general purpose
air purifiers.

Many airborne chemicals that are off-gassing from building materials, paints, furniture and electronics or other sources can be captured with a portable air purifier for the home and office.

AllerAir’s general purpose air purifiers and specialized air cleaners feature deep-bed activated carbon filters for the removal of chemicals, gases and odors, HEPA filtration for the removal of particles, UV as an option for the neutralization of biological contaminants such as bacteria and viruses and pre-filters for larger particles and dust.

We have cost-effective and simple solutions for virtually any IAQ concern, including mold, allergy and asthma, MCS, odor and chemical control, tobacco smoke, industrial air cleaners and more.

Contact us for more information and help to find the right air purifier for your needs.