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Researchers at University of Indiana recently discovered a threatening chemical that could contaminate a large percentage of North American homes. TRi (2,4-di-t-butylphenyl) phosphate or TDTBPP has been found in homes, in an electrical waste treatment facility and in surrounding natural environments. This discovery further proves that there is a flagrant problem of mismanagement of chemicals in the United States.
TDTBPP can be absorbed by skin contact and / or inspired by contaminated dust. This chemical is part of a family of toxic organophosphorus compounds, but little is known about the origins of TDTBPP or its effects on consumers. Researchers believe this product could be used as a flame retardant or as a plasticizer. The chemical may also be formed as other chemicals degrade or even become an impurity in a related compound.
"We found surprisingly high TDTBPP rates everywhere we looked," said Marta Venier, a scientist at the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs and first author of the study. "The fact that this potentially toxic chemical is so abundant, but previously unknown, is another example of the inefficient management of chemicals in the United States."
TDTBPP is believed to be one of many potentially toxic chemicals currently under radar surveillance in the United States. Unless they are used for entirely new purposes, chemicals such as TDTBPP are not sufficiently regulated under the US Toxic Substances Control Act. In addition, the information on these chemicals is confidential, which makes it extremely difficult for scientists to monitor their environmental and biological impact.
Scientists at Indiana University have found high levels of TDTBPP in dust particles from 20 homes in Ontario. The chemical also persisted as a similar chemical in an electronic waste dismantling facility, which led scientists to believe that it was used in the production of plastics, cables, circuit boards and electronics .
"Now that we know that TDTBPP is widespread, especially in homes, scientists can point it out for further study and focus on understanding the effects of TDTBPP on people," Venier added.
The complete study will be published in Science and technology of the environment October 30th.
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By Olivia Harvey, Earth.com Editor
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