Health Risks from Chemicals during the Use Phase of Consumer Products - Current Knowledge and Information Gaps

摘要

The number of chemicals in consumer products is increasing rapidly, while our understanding on their impact on humans is limited. Recent cases show that chemicals in consumer products may pose health risks to consumers. This study aims at a systematic review of the literature on human health risks of chemicals in consumer products. We analyze the functional uses, product applications, exposure routes, exposure mediums, toxicity endpoints and their combinations that are frequently reported in the literature. In addition, research needs and knowledge gaps are discussed. A total of 207 published peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2006 and 2016 are reviewed. The body of literature covers 116 chemicals, which are analyzed in terms of their characteristics including their functional uses, product applications, exposure routes, exposure mediums, and toxicity endpoints as they appear in the literature. Plasticizers, polymers, and flame retardants used in food contact products, personal care products, cosmetics, furniture, flooring, and electronics are the most frequent functional use-product application combinations in the literature with over 20 reports in the literature. Phthalates, bisphenol-A, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers are the most discussed chemical groups with 53, 28, and 26 papers, respectively, out of the 207 papers reviewed. Chemicals used in food contact products and those producing house dust are most frequently reported in the literature. Few papers focus on predicting the health risks of chemicals, the risk of novel chemicals, or the risk of alternative chemicals that displaces existing chemicals. We highlight the need to develop more comprehensive risk assessment methods with capability to predict the risks of chemicals used in consumer products.