Cancer-causing chemicals found in kids toys and electronics in Canada, despite ban
A new study out of the University of Toronto found more than 87 per cent of tested household items had chlorinated paraffins.
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A new study has found cancer-causing chemicals in children's toys, electronics and other household products, despite being banned in Canada.
Conducted by University of Toronto researchers, the study revealed more than 87 per cent of household objects tested contained carcinogenic chemicals called chlorinated paraffins.
Published on Tuesday in Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, researchers tested 96 items, including electronic devices, clothing, plastic toys, paintings, indoor furniture and personal care products. Out of those items, which were all samples from Toronto, 84 contained chlorinated paraffins.
Steven Kutarna, the study's lead author and University of Toronto PhD candidate, tells Global News that products like skin creams and shampoos only had trace amounts. But objects like earbud wires were "surprising," as the plastic coating had the high concentrations of the chemicals.
"We found quite high concentrations of these compounds in toys meant for children and toddlers, in particular, teething toys," Kutarna adds.
While specific brands or the exact origins of each item was not tracked, the study mentions all tested toys were imported. Small-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) were also found in all 24 tested toys.
What are chlorinated paraffins?
Health Canada indicates that chlorinated paraffins are industrial chemicals that can come in varying lengths, including short-chain, medium-chain or long-chain.
They're often used in metalworking fluids as lubricants and coolants. However, they can also be found in plasticizer, which is an additive that makes materials like plastics softer. They might also be found in flame retardants in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, as well as paints, sealants and rubber.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency says medium- and long-chain chlorinated paraffins are currently being evaluated and data is limited, but they appear to "present similar concerns" to their short-chain counterparts.
Why are chlorinated paraffins dangerous?
SCCPs are not manufactured within Canada, but might enter the country through complicated supply chains and products imported from countries like China or Taiwan. That means chlorinated paraffins are also likely found in products in other countries.
In 2013, the Government of Canada banned the manufacturing, sale, use and import of SCCPs under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. They were also listed for elimination internationally under the Stockholm Convention in 2017.
According to Health Canada, the government has noted that all chlorinated paraffins are "considered harmful" to people's health and most variations are "considered harmful to the environment."
Specifically, SCCPs are noted to be a "potential concern" to people's health, after "it was found to cause cancer in some experiments with laboratory animals."
How do chlorinated paraffins affect health?
While there are no human studies, research has found that SCCPs will target the liver, thyroid and kidney of laboratory rats and mice, potentially causing cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer also considers the chemical as a possible carcinogen in humans.
Moreover, chlorinated paraffins build up in our bodies and the environment, since they don't break down easily. Research shows the chemicals can accumulate in human blood, breast milk and impact the endocrine system. They can also kill small aquatic creatures.
Researchers from the study note that chlorinated paraffins are not necessary and should be phased out of products. They're also calling for the more product testing and regulation for manufacturers.
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