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M4.2 National Library ToxNet


Health Effects of Exposure to common chemicals

  • Using the National Library ToxNet database (specifically the HPD and HSPD databases), I was able to find out a lot about the negative health effects associated with exposures to urea formaldehyde, which is found in pressed board- a common building material that I had never even heard about, but that most of us are exposed to almost daily. One health effect associated with urea formaldehyde exposure is cancer of the nasopharynx and leukemia. Additionally, a study of female workers in the garment industry showed that exposure caused an increased incidence of menstrual disorders,  inflammatory disease of the reproductive tract, sterility, anemia, and low birth weights among offspring.
  • Using the National Library ToxNet database (specifically the HPD, HSPD, and TOXLINE databases), I was also able to find out a lot about the negative health effects associated with exposures to bleach, which is a common cleaning product that I have used many times in the past. One health effect associated with bleach exposure is skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract irritation. It has also been linked to severe inflammation, vomiting, burns, and edema. 

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