Hidden Chemical Danger At Home

Prepared by:

Nur Azuati Bt. Ahmad

2009664024

BM226

Wan Zarifah Bt. Hassan

2009879168

BM226

Farah Nadia Bt. Daroji

2009425368

BM226

Khairul Bahri Bin Othman

2009826436

BM226

Prepared for:

Mdm. Munirah Mohd Izam

English Lecturer for BEL422

Academy of Language Studies

UiTM Shah Alam

4 April 2010

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Summary

A home is a house, shelter, building or structure that is dwelling or place for habitation by
human being and seems to be a safe place. We picture it as a heaven, a place to which we can
escape from the dangers of the world. Without we realize it, we might live in one of the
hazardous place to our health. We may be breathing air inside the house that is more
dangerous than the air outdoor of an industrial city, or absorbing chemicals that cause fatigue,
skin irritations, itchiness, and other symptoms. We may also be exposed to hidden radiation
over long periods that could cause death. And the situation can happen anywhere not just in a
few houses near hazardous waste dumps, but in old houses, new houses, country cottages,
suburban houses, city apartments, and million-dollar mansions across the nation. Almost no
home is immune, whether it was 100 years old or recently built. The goals of this report are to
identify what household products are containing higher level of chemical and to analyze action
to be taken to cope with hazardous chemical effects to human bodies. Total respondents for
our survey are 50 and 10 of them are men. The findings will be submitted to the BEL422 Report
Writing lecturer for her further attention and perusal. The result shows that Malaysian still not
aware and lack of knowledge pertaining to the existing dangers related to household chemicals
products that will harm them when handling improperly. Besides, the findings shows that
women are more concerned towards chemical dangers at home if compared to men because
most of works are done by wife instead of husband. Along with this report are some
researches that we get from the secondary research. As a conclusion, household should be
more aware of chemical dangers at home in order to avoid any incidents that may harm them.
Proper use of those products and the initiative to read instructions before buying and using them
will decrease level of dangers in their own home.

Acknowledgements

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First and foremost, we would like to express our gratitude to our kind hearted lecturer, Puan
Munirah Mohd Izam for her great guidance and assistance towards the accomplishment of our
report. Her effort in monitoring our progress report is highly appreciated.

Besides, million thanks to our group members for good cooperation and contribution of ideas
and opinions as well as the commitments to submit assigned task for compilation on time.

Last but not least, we would like to be grateful to our family members for their support and
encouragement towards the completion of this report. For those who their names are not
mentioned here, a big thanks from us to all of you.

Any critics towards the betterment and improvement of this report are mostly welcome.

Table of Contents

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Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………..i

Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………………….......ii

List of Illustrations………………………………………………………………………….……iv

1.0 TERMS OF REFERENCE……………………………………………………………..1

2.0 INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………...2-3

2.1 Background of the Study

2.2 Statement of the Problem

2.3 Objectives of the Study

2.4 Method and Limitations of the Study

3.0 FINDINGS……………………………………………………………………………4-8

3.1 What is the effect to us?

3.2 How to control this chemical product?

4.0 CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………………..9

Reference………………………………………………………………………………………10

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List of Illustrations

Table 1.1 General Toxicity Categories (page...5)

Graph 3.1.1 Types of Products that Mostly Contributed to Chemical Dangers at Home (page..4)

Table 3.2.1 Disposal suggestion and precaution can be taken.(page..7)

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1.0 TERMS OF REFERENCE

Our group members comprising of Nur Azuati Binti Ahmad (2009664024), Wan Zarifah
Binti Hassan (2009879168), Farah Nadia Binti Daroji (2009425368) and Khairul Bahri Bin
Othman (2009826436) were instructed by Puan Munirah Mohd Izam, the lecturer for Report
Writing subject (BEL422), to write a report as well as to conduct a survey on the Chemical
Hazardous at Home. The submission date for this report which counting the background
information, findings and conclusion is on our last seminar, i.e. 4th April 2010.

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2.0 INTRODUCTION

This section will discuss and clarify the background of the study, the statement of the problem,
the objectives of the study, methods used and the limitations of the study.

2.1 Background of the Study

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Even we are now in 21st Century, with all technological advancement, we still exposed to
chemical dangerous at home. Many people unaware of the significant to have knowledge on
which household products containing high level of chemical, how to handle the products and
step prevention to be taken when there are emergency injuries. Most of us do not know what to
do due to panicking and in some cases small injuries can even leads to death. These toxic
hazards exist in many forms including chemicals (solids, liquids, gases and vapors), dusts and
fibers, noise and radiation (Managing Chemical Safety, ABS Consulting, 2003). Chemical can
be defined as a substance obtained by or used in a chemical process (The Oxford Paperback
Dictionary).

Chemicals are natural and important part of our environment. Chemicals are found in kitchens,
medicine cabinets, basements, garages, and gardens since we use it every day. When used
properly, the chemicals normally found in a home pose little threat. When used improperly, in
adverse conditions, or for jobs for which they were not intended, chemicals can be harmful,
even deadly. There are many household products in a market consisting dangerous chemical
toxic if user use it improperly. However, we only focus this study on the chemical dangers that
came from pesticides, artificial fertilizer, cleaning products and cosmetic.

2.2 Statement of the Problem

In Malaysia, cases related to chemical dangers at home are still new and people are not aware
of its existing in their daily life. In the last 50 years, with the increased use of chemical,
thousands of new products have flooded into American homes (Ohio). As more household
chemical products are introduced into the consumer marketplace, the risk of health hazards
associated with product use also rises. Consumers have limited knowledge about the contents
and proper storage of hazardous chemicals. Because there is not much information regarding
this study in Malaysia, we narrow down our report by focusing on the types of household
products with high chemical and the prevention steps that should be taken.

2.3 Objectives of the Study

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Below are the objectives of the report:

2.3.1 To identify what are household products containing higher level of chemical, and

2.3.2 To analyze action to be taken to cope with hazardous chemical effects to human bodies

2.4 Method and Limitations of the Study

When conducting this report and came out with our survey, we found out that there are
difficulties in finding cases in Malaysia that related to this issues since not many of us aware of
the effects and dangers of household chemical products. Most of the information was gathered
from other countries in the web. As a result, this lead to lack of data since it is hard for us to find
materials in brochures, pamphlets, journal, and any other means. We tried to varieties the
sources by organizing personal interviews and asked them directly their past experienced when
using and handling chemical products. Even this study may not be as perfect as it should be, we
believe our effort in bringing Malaysian’s citizen awareness will increase; if not in a large
number, little will do.

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3.0 FINDINGS

This section will present the findings from the various resources that were used. The
findings are divided into two sections, which are types of household chemical hazardous at
home and prevention step to be taken to decrease the dangers.

3.1 Types of household chemical hazardous

According to our survey, we found out there are four major household products that
contribute to chemical dangers as illustrated in below graph.

Graph 3.1.1: Types of Products that Mostly Contributed to Chemical Dangers at Home

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 30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Pesticides Cleaning Artificial Cosmetics
Products Fertilizer

Graph 3.1 shows that out of 50 respondents, 26 of them agreed the highest product
contributing to high level of chemical dangers at home is pesticides. This followed by
artificial fertilizer, 14 and 10 for cleaning products. Household are still not aware of
the chemical ingredients included in the cosmetic. Cosmetic is not only concerned
with makeup but it is also for beautify the body, by cleaning, coloring, softening, or
protecting the skin, hair, nails, lips, or eyes.

(Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission).

The graph illustrate that Malaysian level of awareness are still weak and they need to
have better understanding on the products that they are using every day at home. It
shows that from the four main products, pesticides, artificial fertilizer and cleaning
products have short term effects that can be seen very fast if improperly handled.
The symptoms might be redness, skin irritation, itchiness and other allergies. On the
other hand, the chemical dangers in cosmetic are more harmful because household
can only get the effect in a long term. The worst diseases that can be affected from
cosmetics are reproductive organs, premature breast development, lung, liver and
skin cancer.

Table below will enable readers to clearly understand categories of chemical toxic
that consists in household products and also common symptoms that they will face
due to improper handling.

Table 1.1 General Toxicity Categories

General toxic categories

CATEGORY SYSTEM AFFECTED COMMON SYMPTOMS
Respiratory Nose, trachea, lungs Irritation, coughing, choking, tight chest
Gastrointestinal Stomach, intestines Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

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Renal Kidney Back pain, urinating more or less than usual
Headache, dizziness, behavior confusion, depression,
Neurological Brain, spinal cord
coma convulsions
Hematological Blood Anemia (tiredness, weakness)
Dermatological Skin, eyes Itchiness, redness, swelling
Reproductive Ovaries, testes, fetus Infertility, miscarriage

Over the last 20-30 years, as more toxic chemicals have been introduced in greater
amounts, the level of toxins stored in our bodies has risen. Bio-accumulation studies
have shown that some toxins store in our bodies for life. Greater and greater
amounts are being stored at younger ages. Diseases that used to occur later in life
are now appearing at younger ages. Disease that used to be rare is more frequent.
For example:

• There has been a 28% increase in childhood cancer since the addition
of pesticides into household products (Source: National Cancer Institute).

• In one decade, there has been a 42% increase in asthma (29% for men;
82% for women - the higher rate for women is believed to be due to
women's longer exposure times to household chemicals) (Source: Center for
Disease Control).

• There is an increased risk for leukemia in children where parents have used
pesticides in the home or garden before the child's birth (Source: Journal of
the National Cancer Institute).

• Out of 1,435 pesticide poisonings in a one year period, over 40% were due to
exposure to disinfectants and similar cleaning products in the home
(Source: State of California Study).

• Liquid Dish Soap is the leading cause of poisonings in the home (contains
formaldehyde and ammonia in most brands).

In our report, we would like to attract the attention of household on the dangers of
chemical hazardous containing in their cosmetic products. The most dangerous lists
of chemical as conducted in our research are as follows:
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Phthatale Family

Also known as di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ehtylexyl) phthatale (DEHP).

These chemicals are used to make plastics supple and pliable and are found in nail
polish, body lotions, hair-strengtheners and sprays. It can leads to damage to the
reproductive organs, premature breast development, lung, liver and kidney cancer.
They have also been linked to lowered sperm counts and testicular injury.

Lauryl Sulfate

This chemical also known as SLS and Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). It is a
foaming agent and emulsifier; this chemical is derived from petroleum and is usually
deceptively described as being extracted from coconuts. These chemicals are found
in shampoo, body and shower gels, bath salts and toothpaste. It can also cause eye
damage, notably cataracts.

Amine Family

This chemical family includes Diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA) and

monoethanolamine (MEA). The functions of this chemical are as a preservative,
emulsifier, pH adjuster and foaming agent added to coconut oils. They are used in
face powders, shaving creams, hair-coloring products for both men and women as
well as hair sprays. Amines are also used in soaps, sunscreens, foundations,
concealers, eyeliners, talcum and face powders. For long term basis, this chemical
can lead to cancer, skin damage, eyes irritations and also cause contact dermatitis.

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 3.2 Prevention Steps to be Taken

Even most of our respondents agreed that pesticides contributed to the highest level
of chemical dangers at home due to their own experience but according to The
American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) has recorded many
exposures to household cleaning substances that were serious enough to require
treatment in a health care facility. Incredibly, according to the AAPCC the largest
number of occurrences of poisoning in 1993 was due to cleaning products - drain
cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, soaps and detergents. Below are some
suggestion and precautions for chemical hazards in the home product.

Table 3.2.1 Disposal suggestion and precaution can be taken.

Product Possible Hazards Disposal Precautions/Substitutes
Suggestions
Aerosols When sprayed, Put only empty cans in Store in cool place.
contents are broken into trash. Do not burn. Do Propellants may be
particles small enough not place in trash flammable. Instead: Use non-
to be inhaled. Cans compactor. aerosol products.
may explode or burn.
Bleach: Fumes irritate eyes. Use according to label NEVER MIX WITH
Chlorine Corrosive to eyes & instructions or give AMMONIA!
skin. Poisonous if away. Instead: Use Borax, non-
swallowed. chlorine bleach, sunlight,
lemon juice.
Detergent All are corrosive to Use according to label Liquid dishwashing detergent
Cleaners some degree. Eye instructions or give is mildest, laundry detergent
irritant. away. May be diluted & is moderate, automatic
washed down sink. dishwasher detergent is
harshest. Instead: Use the
mildest product suitable for
your needs.
Disinfectants Eye & skin irritant. Use according to label Some may contain bleach,
Fumes irritating. instructions or dilute & others ammonia – DO NOT
Poisonous if swallowed. pour down sink. MIX!
Instead: Use detergent
cleaners whenever possible.
Drain Very corrosive. May be Use according to label Prevention is best: Keep
Cleaners fatal if swallowed. instructions or give sink strainers in good
Contact with eyes can away. condition. Instead: Use
cause blindness. plunger, plumber’s snake,
vinegar & baking soda
followed by boiling water.
Flea powders, Moderately to very Use or save for DO NOT USE DOG
sprays & poisonous. hazardous waste PRODUCTS ON CATS.
shampoos collection day. Vacuum house regularly &
thoroughly. Launder pet
bedding frequently.

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 Medicines: Frequently cause child Mix prescription drugs Check contents of
Unneeded or poisonings. with coffee grounds or medicine chest regularly.
Expired kitty litter and place in a Old medicines may lose
sealed bag. Throw bag their effectiveness, but not
in garbage necessarily their toxicity.
No substitutes.
Metal May be flammable. Use according to label Use only in well-ventilated
Polishes Mildly to very instructions or give area. Instead: Substitute
poisonous. away. vinegar & salt or use
baking soda on damp
sponge.
Toilet Bowl Corrosive. May be fatal Use according to label Ventilate room. Instead:
Cleaner if swallowed. instructions or wash Use ordinary cleanser or
down toilet or sink with detergent and baking
lots of water. soda.
Window Vapor may be irritating. Use according to label Ventilate room. Instead:
Cleaner Slightly poisonous. instructions or give Spray on vinegar, then
away. wipe dry.
Wood Fumes irritating to eyes. Use according to label Do not use aerosols. Use
cleaners, Product harmful if instructions or save for only in well-ventilated
polishes & swallowed. Eye & skin hazardous waste areas. Instead: Use
irritant. Petroleum types collection day. lemon oil or beeswax.
waxes are flammable.
Insect & Pest All are poisonous, some Use very carefully & Instead: Do not attract
Sprays extremely so. May according to label insects. Keep all food
cause damage to instructions. Save for securely covered. Practice
kidneys, liver or central hazardous waste good sanitation in kitchen
nervous system. collection day. & bathrooms. Remove
Toxicity varies from trash every
product to product.

3.3 Suggestion

Here are some suggestions of other things to use besides chemicals:

Use white distilled vinegar, a natural disinfectant it will remove stains and mineral
deposits really well. Equal amounts of vinegar and water will take out most carpet
stains, pet smells, and works great as an oven cleaner. Bicarbonate of Soda is a
powerful product that can be mixed with water to dissolve grease and loosen dirt, or
it can be made into a paste to scrub areas that are more stubborn. Natural
Beeswax or olive oil mixed with one part lemon juice makes a great furniture or
wood floor polish. Think before you pour waste down the sink. Only natural
substances should be disposed of down drains. Read labels and whenever it is
possible, use non-toxic products.

These are only a few things you can do, but just by doing them you can significantly
improve the environment and your families health.

4.0 CONCLUSION.
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For primary data, we have made a research on 50 respondents which consist of 10 respondent
of male and 40 respondent of female. From the survey, we know that almost of the respondent
are less concern about hazardous chemical products in their home. Survey results shows that
the male respondent think fertilizer can cause higher level of chemical dangers. But for the
female respondent, most of them choose pesticides and cleaning products can make higher
danger in their home. Other than that, survey results also shows that this group of respondent
lack of awareness for cosmetics products which also causing the hazardous of chemical in
home.

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References

Dennis G. Nelson, (2003), Managing Chemical Safety.

David Buffington. Pesticides. Retrieved March 18, 2010, from

http://home.howstuffworks.com/dangerous_home_products.htm.

Maury M. Breecher, M.P.H.,Shirley Linde, Ph.D., Healthy Homes In A Toxic World

Reader’s Digest Associations, Medical Breakthroughs 2004

Reader’s Digest Associations, Looking After Your Body

‘Penang Consumer Association; Meracuni Manusia Lebih 300 Bahan Kimia Ditemui
Dalam Darah’.

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