California Sets Precedent by Cleaning Up Consumer Products

In a move that may spur a nationwide trend, California set new regulations to reformulate common household cleaners to reduce certain air-polluting chemicals that also have adverse effects on health.

Around 11 categories of cleaners, including general purpose sprays, oven and furniture cleaners, spot removers and bug sprays will have to meet reduced limits for highly reactive volatile organic compounds (VOCs), according to Environmental Health News. The standards are put in place by the California Air Resources Board, which aims to reduce air pollutants in the state. VOCs are a significant contributor to smog and reformulation of the products is expected to reduce emissions by nearly 7 tons per day. Removing VOCs also provides a dual benefit to health -- by reducing smog, it cuts back on asthma and respiratory disease and reduces acute exposures the compounds themselves, which can lead to illness.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, health effects of VOCs range from the immediate, such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness and visual disorders to potentially long-term damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. Some VOCs are suspected human carcinogens.

Although exposure levels can vary depending on the chemical used, indoor concentrations of VOCs are generally two to five times higher than outdoor levels. Numerous compounds used in the home -- paint, paint strippers, air fresheners, cleaners -- release VOCs.

Outside of the home, VOCs can mix with other air pollutants and react with sunlight to form ozone. Ozone damages the respiratory tract and can aggravate asthma symptoms as well as pose a serious threat to people with cardio-pulmonary disease, according the Air Resource Board.

The Coalition for Clean Air, a group that advocates for responsible clean air policies, also notes that three toxic chemicals -- methylene chloride, perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene -- are now prohibited from use in the many of the products.

"Californians need and deserve cleaning products that are safer and better for the environment. This decision is a victory for our health and our children's health," said Coalition for Clean Air board member and actor Ed Begley, Jr., in a press release.

The regulation will be fully implemented by 2014. Because it's costly for companies to change their  products for just one state, it could lead to nationwide reformulation of cleaning products.

It doesn't mean that cleaners are completely tox-free, of course. The Air Board is concerned that some companies may replace certain chemicals with glycol ethers, which have been linked to asthma and allergies in children. Environmental groups are planning to work with the air board to try to regulate this compound as well.

But in the meantime, the reduction in VOCs is a huge step forward for reduction of the health damaging effects of the chemicals and their contribution to smog. For the thousands like exposed to VOCs on an everyday basis, the regulation is serious progress. Now let's hope that it's a trend other states are smart enough to follow.

Photo credit: anneh632