Latest news with #TCEP
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
One Car Flame Retardant TCEP Deemed Carcinogenic: ICMR to NGT
New Delhi: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has submitted its response to National Green Tribunal (NGT) concerning the presence of potentially carcinogenic chemicals in car interiors. The response comes in the wake of a study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, which found that several cars contain flame retardant chemicals considered potentially carcinogenic—specifically, Tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), and Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP). Of these, the ICMR has recognised TCEP as a carcinogen. The ICMR's report, dated May 22, referenced several leading international agencies, including International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the World Health Organisation, United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA), US National Toxicology Program (US-NTP), and European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). These organisations have published systematic reviews identifying carcinogenic chemicals to which humans may be exposed through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo ICMR stated that, according to IARC, the chemicals are classified into different groups based on the strength of evidence—human carcinogen, probable carcinogen, possible carcinogen, and unclassified. "As of today, only one of the compounds, namely TCEP, qualifies for any of these categories, specifically Group 3 (unclassified carcinogen), while the other two chemicals, namely TDCIPP and TCIPP, do not appear on the list. In addition to the above, it is humbly submitted that India follows the World Health Organisation-IARC on carcinogens," stated ICMR. "India follows the WHO-IARC classification on carcinogens," the ICMR stated in its submission. Additionally, ICMR offered to conduct a systematic review of existing scientific literature on the carcinogenic potential of these compounds if the NGT requires it. While the council has the laboratory expertise and equipment to test biological samples such as blood for traces of these chemicals, it clarified that it does not have the mandate or technical capacity to analyse environmental samples like air from car interiors. "Detection of TCIPP, TDCIPP, and their metabolites in biological samples can be carried out, especially for individuals regularly exposed to enclosed car environments," ICMR noted.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Building a toxin-free nursery: These nontoxic crib mattresses offer healthier solutions
When you bring your new bundle of joy home, you know that keeping your little one safe is your No. 1 job. You have your pediatrician on speed dial, a baby thermometer stocked in your medicine cabinet and all the supplies necessary to ensure your home and family are prepared (as much as you can be) for the adventure that's to come. And naturally, you assume the products you've purchased are safe for your growing child — after all, why would they be available if they weren't safe? Well ... an unfortunate truth is that many consumer goods are largely unregulated and baby supplies, even those you rely on like crib mattresses, diapers and wet wipes, don't get the proper vetting that you or your baby deserve. To this point, two new 2025 studies found that harmful chemicals are released from baby mattresses and hover in the air where babies can breathe them in. The studies, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, found the foam inside many baby mattresses contains potentially harmful chemicals, including a fire retardant (TCEP), which has been banned in Canada since 2014 and was identified by the EPA in 2024 as posing "an unreasonable risk of injury to human health and the environment." The agency specifically noted that the highest risk comes when people "breathe or ingest dust from TCEP that comes off of fabrics, textiles, foam and wood products." The studies further found that the air surrounding babies as they sleep contains high levels of similar compounds, which babies can breathe while sleeping. The chemicals researchers identified include one that is a suspected cancer-causing agent (carcinogen), others that are proven endocrine disruptors (chemicals that can interfere with hormone production and the reproductive system) and phthalates that increase asthma risk. "They found these chemicals in every child's mattress they tested across a range of brands, across cost and country of origin," says Jane Houlihan, research director at Healthy Babies, Bright Futures. "What was new about this study was adding in the fact that a child's body is warm and compressing the mattress. The research showed that these combinations of chemicals are off-gassing [being released into the air] at even higher levels when a child is on the mattress, exactly when you don't want them to be doing that." "The significance of these chemicals being in the air," says lead author of the studies, Miriam Diamond, professor in the School of the Environment at the University of Toronto, "is that you sleep there up to 18 hours a day, and babies have an inhalation rate that's 10 times higher than that of adults." It's important to note that no studies to date have found a connection between crib mattresses and harmful health effects in babies, but the fact that crib mattresses are largely unregulated means that babies can be exposed to toxins. Both Diamond and Houlihan hope this kind of research will increase regulations so that safer products are made. Until then, what is a concerned parent to do? The good news is: lots of things. Declutter: "The bedrooms where kids were sleeping with more stuff in the crib tended to have higher concentrations of several of the chemicals," says Diamond. That means it's time to eighty-six the stuffies, any blanketing or baby bumpers. "I recommend decluttering the bedroom as a whole," says Diamond, "because we know other baby products contain these chemicals and can release them." Wash linens and sleep clothing often. The sheet and the fabric your baby sleeps on are really helpful barriers that can protect them. "If you frequently wash bedding and your children's sleepwear, that can help because those layers can absorb some of the chemicals that are coming off of the mattress and keep them out of your child's body," says Houlihan. Avoid plastic mattress covers. Though they were not a part of the study, both Diamond and Houlihan recommend choosing cotton mattress covers over plastic ones. "Plastic and waterproof mattress covers are often coated with or contain chemicals that are harmful to health," says Houlihan. Add other barriers instead. Diamond recommends an old trick her mother did to handle accidents — place an absorbent towel in between the sheet and the mattress cover. "Terry cloth has a very high surface area," says Diamond, "which is why it absorbs so well. And then, add a second or third sheet to create more barriers." Choose light-colored linens. Any material that has a bright color to it often contains UV filters to keep the color from fading. Some UV filters have been found to be endocrine disruptors, so Diamond suggests getting a plain white sheet instead. Let new products off-gas. "If you have a sheltered, well-ventilated place, put the products there for a few days, to let the first flush of chemicals out of the product," suggests Houlihan. Given the lack of regulation and the fact that the researchers found a banned chemical in all of the mattresses they tested, Houlihan says, "It's really tricky to shop your way out of this problem." But, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit that conducts independent testing of many consumer products to make recommendations on which ones have the least potential to harm humans or the environment, offers these tips: "Look for mattresses from brands that are transparent in the materials they use," recommends Sydney Swanson, a healthy living science analyst in consumer safety science at EWG. She says you should avoid mattresses made with polyurethane foam (including 'memory foam'), fragrance or waterproofing materials including PVC/vinyl chloride or PFAS. "When possible, choose mattresses that use wool or polylactic acid (PLA) as safer flame barriers," says Swanson. Use these same guidelines for choosing mattress covers too. "If you are looking for a waterproof cover, opt for those made from polyethylene or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), as these are safer alternatives to PVCs and vinyl chloride," says Swanson. Since mattresses aren't required to list ingredients and these chemicals can go under a number of different names, one way to know you're making a healthier choice is to choose mattresses that have been certified by independent agencies looking for certain materials. EWG has just begun adding crib mattresses to their list of EWG Verified products. The mattresses must be made with transparency and disclose all ingredients, with safer materials and lower-emitting volatile organic compounds, and are prohibited from using harmful chemical flame retardants and fiberglass and PVCs and PFAS chemicals. Other certifications include OEKO-TEX, "which can provide reassurance that certain harmful chemicals are restricted in the textiles used," says Swanson. "[Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)] certifies that the textiles used are organic, made with transparency, with all ingredients and materials used." Jane Houlihan, research director at Healthy Babies, Bright Futures Miriam Diamond, professor at the School of the Environment at the University of Toronto Sydney Swanson, a healthy living science analyst in consumer safety science at EWG Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Kids could be breathing in plasticizer chemicals from their mattresses, new study suggests
Babies and children up to age four could be breathing in plasticizers and other chemicals from their mattresses while they sleep, a Canadian study suggests. Federal regulations set limits on some phthalates or plasticizers, which are substances added to products to make them more flexible. Miriam Diamond, an environmental chemist at the University of Toronto, and her team designed an experiment to estimate how much of the compounds are released into a child's sleeping area from 16 different mattresses. In Tuesday's issue of the journal Environmental Science & Technology, the researchers reported that two of the mattresses tested did not comply with Canadian regulations for two phthalates and two plasticizers in consumer products. The regulations are based on potential harm to human health and the environment. For instance, when babies are exposed to phthalates in house dust, studies suggest it is associated with higher risk of asthma. Miriam Diamond cuts a sample of a mattress in the laboratory at University of Toronto. (Kemeisha McDonald/University of Toronto) Diamond said she was motivated to try to understand the impact of the chemicals on kids, given that babies sleep up to 18 hours a day. "They're in intimate contact with their mattress in that sleeping environment," Diamond said in an interview. "Kids inhale 10 times more air than adults, so that gives the opportunity to be exposed to airborne chemicals a lot more than adults." The study did not include brand names, but the researchers said mattresses were purchased for $50 to $105 from leading retail stores in Canada. Mitigation measures suggested Diamond's lab has previously reported on how children can be exposed to phthalates and plasticizers by inhaling them, absorbing them through the skin, ingesting dust or by putting their hands, clothes and toys in their mouth. The researchers said the chemicals found in mattresses are known to be associated with developmental and hormonal disorders. Diamond suggested that parents wash bedding and pyjamas frequently, since they are protective barriers from mattresses, and cut back on the number of items on children's beds, like toys. The researchers also suggested manufacturers improve the oversight of their products so they comply with regulations and their own product certifications. They should also improve manufacturing practices to minimize unintentional contamination, and to only use such chemicals when necessary. Specifically, the researchers found one mattress contained high levels of tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate, or TCEP, which has been prohibited from use in Canada since 2014 and is considered a carcinogen. Chris Carlsten, a medicine professor at the University of British Columbia, has studied how phthalates can harm human airways. "These are chemicals I think we all should justifiably not want to have in these mattresses of children," said Carlsten, who was not involved with the latest research. He called the recommendation to use non-toxic bedding and clothing "wise," adding that holds for adults, as well. Children are more susceptible given their developing bodies, Carlsten noted. Health Canada said it is carefully reviewing the findings and other available information to identify any risks to human health or non-compliance with legislative or regulatory requirements, and that it will "take appropriate action to protect people in Canada." Funding for the research was provided by a University of Toronto Fellowship and Ontario Graduate Scholarship and by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.\
CBC
15-04-2025
- Health
- CBC
Kids could be breathing in plasticizer chemicals from their mattresses, new study suggests
Social Sharing Babies and children up to age four could be breathing in plasticizers and other chemicals from their mattresses while they sleep, a Canadian study suggests. Federal regulations set limits on some phthalates or plasticizers, which are substances added to products to make them more flexible. Miriam Diamond, an environmental chemist at the University of Toronto, and her team designed an experiment to estimate how much of the compounds are released into a child's sleeping area from 16 different mattresses. In Tuesday's issue of the journal Environmental Science & Technology, the researchers reported that two of the mattresses tested did not comply with Canadian regulations for two phthalates and two plasticizers in consumer products. The regulations are based on potential harm to human health and the environment. For instance, when babies are exposed to phthalates in house dust, studies suggest it is associated with higher risk of asthma. Diamond said she was motivated to try to understand the impact of the chemicals on kids, given that babies sleep up to 18 hours a day. "They're in intimate contact with their mattress in that sleeping environment," Diamond said in an interview. "Kids inhale 10 times more air than adults, so that gives the opportunity to be exposed to airborne chemicals a lot more than adults." The study did not include brand names, but the researchers said mattresses were purchased for $50 to $105 from leading retail stores in Canada. Mitigation measures suggested Diamond's lab has previously reported on how children can be exposed to phthalates and plasticizers by inhaling them, absorbing them through the skin, ingesting dust or by putting their hands, clothes and toys in their mouth. The researchers said the chemicals found in mattresses are known to be associated with developmental and hormonal disorders. Diamond suggested that parents wash bedding and pyjamas frequently, since they are protective barriers from mattresses, and cut back on the number of items on children's beds, like toys. The researchers also suggested manufacturers improve the oversight of their products so they comply with regulations and their own product certifications. They should also improve manufacturing practices to minimize unintentional contamination, and to only use such chemicals when necessary. Specifically, the researchers found one mattress contained high levels of tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate, or TCEP, which has been prohibited from use in Canada since 2014 and is considered a carcinogen. Chris Carlsten, a medicine professor at the University of British Columbia, has studied how phthalates can harm human airways. "These are chemicals I think we all should justifiably not want to have in these mattresses of children," said Carlsten, who was not involved with the latest research. He called the recommendation to use non-toxic bedding and clothing "wise," adding that holds for adults, as well. Children are more susceptible given their developing bodies, Carlsten noted. Health Canada did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The regulator has previously said it monitors the marketplace and follows up on identified consumer product risks. Funding for the research was provided by a University of Toronto Fellowship and Ontario Graduate Scholarship and by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
