CSPA disputes NIEHS report.

* Errors and misleading conclusions in a study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) linked air fresheners and cleaning products to lung impairment, according to the Consumer Specialty Product Association (CSPA). Record-high temperatures and "Code Red" air quality warnings invited predictable cues that wrongly attributed pollution problems to the aerosol package form, cleaning products and other household consumer specialties. CSPA responded by stating the facts about household consumer specialty products and promote their health benefits.

The headline of a July news release from NIEHS inappropriately stated that the chemical 1,4 dichlorobenzene, which the agency said may impair lung function, is found "in many air fresheners." In an interview with the Raleigh, NC, News & Observer and a media advisory issued immediately thereafter, CSPA noted that the chemical, which is more commonly known as para-dichlorobenzene (PDCB), may still be found in some urinal blocks, mothballs and hanging deodorizers. However, CSPA emphasized, PDCB has not been widely used in household products for many years and is not in any room air fresheners. The association further noted that the California Air Resources Board two years ago effectively ended the use of PDCB in virtually all consumer and commercial products at the beginning of this year--actions that CSPA supported.

Responding to media pick-up on the NIEHS study, CSPA sent the media advisory to the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times. New York-based Chemical Week also posted the advisory on its Daily Newswire in August.

In other media activity, the San Francisco Chronicle report, "Chemicals in household cleaners may pollute indoor air" contained a number of inaccuracies. CSPA president Chris Cathcart wrote a Letter to the Editor and made key points including cleaning products are designed to improve indoor air quality by reducing exposure to various contaminants, manufacturers carefully choose ingredients with low toxicity and examine products to ensure that exposure levels from their use and potential misuse are below the level that would pose risk and household products are heavily regulated by various government agencies. CSPA's letter also noted that the 1999 study cited in the Chronicle report--which suggested that aerosol sprays and air fresheners pose risk to mothers and children--has been discredited. More info: 202-833-7317.