1,4-dichlorobenzene has an adverse effect upon lung function, according to US Government scientists

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A survey shows that a common chemical found in air fresheners and toilet bowl cleaners could affect lung function.
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are a diverse set of gaseous compounds that are found in everyday products like air fresheners, toilet bowl cleaners, paints and pesticides. They are also found in cigarette smoke. There has been concerned that they may have an adverse effect on health and a new report from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey looks at their impact on lung function. Scientists from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences measured levels of VOCs and lung function in a group of nearly 1,000 adults aged 20 to 59.

Only one VOC, 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB), was found to cause a problem with lung function. 1,4-DCB is a common component of air fresheners and toilet bowl cleaners. Detectable levels of 1,4-DCB were found in 96 per cent of the study participants. Between the highest and lowest levels of 1,4-DCB exposure, there was a four per cent decrease in forced expiratory volume in one second, which is an important measure of lung function. The research suggests that 1,4-DCB might exacerbate respiratory diseases and those affected may wish to reduce their use of air fresheners and toilet bowl cleaners containing 1,4-DCB.

Source
Environmental Health Perspectives August 2006 Volume 114 Number 8

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