Widely Used Household Products Releasing Thousands of Tons of Toxic Chemicals

Consumer products released over 5,000 tons of chemicals in 2020 inside California homes and workplaces that are known to cause cancer, adversely affect sexual function and fertility in adults or harm developing fetuses.
Many household products like shampoos, body lotions, cleaners and mothballs release toxic volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, into indoor air.
Gaps in laws that govern ingredient disclosure mean that neither consumers nor workers generally know what is in the products they use.
The study identifies consumer products containing carcinogens and reproductive and developmental toxicants that are widely used at home and in the workplace.
Finding alternatives and advocating for policy changes at a federal level are important steps to reduce exposure to toxic VOCs.