M4.2 National Library ToxNet

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While looking at the toxnet.nlm.nih.gov website, I came across multiple links to papers and records that discussed various chemicals. Two chemicals that are widely used are Urea formaldehyde (typically used in isolation and other building materials) and Bleach (a common cleaning/disinfectant product). Even though these chemicals are widely used, there are serious health concerns. 
  • Urea formaldehyde (found in pressed board, a common building material)
    • Some common health effects that are associated with exposure:
      • Upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract disease and cancer
      • However, various sources cite that further research should be done to examine the potential causal relationship of Urea Formaldehyde and upper and lower respiratory tract diseases and cancer.


  • Bleach is made up of sodium hypochlorite mixed with small amounts of small amounts of sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and calcium hypochlorite  (a cleaning/disinfectant product)
    • Some common health effects that are associated with exposure:
      • If injested-vomiting, pain and inflammation of the digestive tract, erosion of mucus membrane in gastrointestinal tract leading to death.
      • If it comes into contact with the skin: skin inflammation and irritation may occur.
      • If inhaled- respiratory tract irritation may occur.
These chemicals are extremely common and are used frequently in households. The health effects that they can cause are extreme and should be taken seriously. Protective precautions should be taken when handling these chemicals. The Toxnet database was instrumental in gathering together different bodies of knowledge when it came to researching these topics.

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 23, 2018 at 2:27 PM

    Hi Kera,

    I also found an interesting study on the effect of bleach on women who use it as a cleaning product every day. The study concluded that the use of bleach leads to asthma. Thanks for sharing!

    Carmen

    ReplyDelete
  2. Daisy AlbarranSeptember 24, 2018 at 9:23 PM

    Hello Kera,
    I was using bleach over the weekend to clean my bathtub. After about 4-5 minutes of being exposed to the chemical, I began to cough which explained the irritation I was feeling in my lungs. I suppose that before using this chemical I wouldn't have seen it as a problem - but after Carmen's discovery of it leading to cancer, that was quite worrisome. The frequency use of these products is so common that we don't really consider it a danger. I think the information provided is of good use for our future uses. Thanks for your insight!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownSeptember 25, 2018 at 8:47 AM

    Hi Kera,
    Great breakdown of information you found regarding Urea formaldehyde and Bleach. I agree that the health effects associated with use of these chemicals should be taken seriously and that users need to have more protection and/or discontinue use. I learned a lot with this exercise about the chemicals mentioned. It was a little tricky for me to figure out how to navigate through ToxNet but our visit with the librarian was very helpful. I look forward to learning more and looking up information and health effects associated with other chemicals I come in contact with.

    ReplyDelete

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