Rick Keil, one of the COSEE-OLC researchers, has been evaluating how materials are transferred from urban homes to the sea.  Usually the compounds of interest are fun and safe (cooking spices).  However, last fall he teamed with esteemed researcher Anne Steinemann to evaluate the ‘nasties’ and their flow to the ocean.  Anne has just published a new work (conducted before she and Rick began teaming up) focussing on emerging pollutants found in households.  Anne, professor of civil and environmental engineering and public affairs, analyzed three air fresheners – a solid deodorizer disk, a liquid spray, and a plug-in oil – and three laundry products – a dryer sheet, fabric softener, and a detergent to determine if there were any regulated but unlableled compounds in the household materials. 

The number and the potential toxicity of the chemicals that were discovered surprised her.  Chemicals included acetone, the active ingredient in paint thinner and nail-polish remover; limonene, a molecule with a citrus scent; as well as acetaldehyde, chloromethane, and 1,4-dioxane, according to a University of Washington report on Steinemann’s study.

“Nearly 100 volatile organic compounds were emitted from these six products, and none were listed on any product label. Plus, five of the six products emitted one or more carcinogenic ‘hazardous air pollutants,’ which are considered by the Environmental Protection Agency to have no safe exposure level,” Steinemann said.

Anne will be teaming this fall with Rick and the rest of the COSEE-OLC team to bring this type of research to educational communities.  Wish to volunteer for a simple household survey to help determine the relationships between houshold products and ocean contaminants?  Email Rick.