The videos and lectures in the
enviRN-Evidence program are insightful for my career development. Although I have taken pharmacology in the past, this program is an excellent course on toxicology with thorough examples of how to describe characteristics of toxic chemicals, identifying exposure, relevant legislature/policies, and prevention methods.
In this blog, I will discuss the toxicology of urea formaldehyde and bleach.
Urea Formaldehyde
Using, the National Library, ToxNet I was able to identify multiple health effects associated with urea formaldehyde. The most alarming health effects associated with urea formaldehyde is its carcinogenicity in humans. It is associated with cancers of the nasopharynx, sinonasal, and leukaemia. It classified as a Group B1 probable human carcinogen. This means that there is limited evidence in humans, and sufficient evidence in animals. Other acute effects of formaldehyde exposure are irritation in the eyes and upper respiratory system. These associations have also been shown in various animal studies.
Sodium Hypochlorite is the active ingredient in common bleach disinfectant solutions. Bleach is known for being a common household cleaner. In some households, it is diluted to diminish the smell and other common health hazards associated with bleach. The major toxicology affects are pain and irritation to exposure to sensitive areas, such as skin, mouth, upper respiratory system, and digestive system. Toxnet documents various excerpts that exemplify the toxicology of sodium hypochlorite exposure. The saddest story is of an 18 month old girl who swallowed a "few tablespoons" of liquid household bleach and passed away. This increases the importance of being mindful of the dangers of chlorine. This includes, keeping dangerous materials away from children, as well as being mindful and careful when using bleach. Protective wear is the most important protective measure when using bleach.
Toxnet is a great resource for a summary of the human health effects. It does an incredible job of summarizing hazardous materials and materials potential toxicity.
"This means that there is limited evidence in humans, and sufficient evidence in animals." If they are extremely harmful to animals, this would imply that humans would be affected similarly or worse, no? Even then, using chemicals in materials that are carcinogens and detrimental to animal health would be enough reason to halt production or use of said chemical.
ReplyDeleteAlthough those types of stories are saddening, I think it definitely helps to raise awareness and to motivate the public about being more careful, especially with young children involved.
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