For this assignment, I chose Benzoyl Peroxide. My reason for this was that I wanted to do a chemical that I had heard of, and had some level of familiarity with. I knew the name Benzoyl Peroxide because growing up allergic to Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide was my go to for any pimple crisis. Here is what I found:
a) How is it used or how does it find its way into the environment?
The first astonishing fact I found was how highly produced this chemical is the production exceeds one million pounds, annually. Beyond what I was aware of with acne medication, this chemical is used in at least three industries. The primary focus however, is synthetic resin and rubber adhesives. I also found that Benzoyl Peroxide is used as a bleaching agent in wheat flour, hair and teeth.
b) What are the human health hazards?
All of the health websites I found ranked this chemical as high on human health risks. Benzoyl Peroxide is toxic to breath in or if it makes contact with the skin; this is why it is usually used in a gel or paste form. Most common items in the store such as acne medication will contain a small amount to reduce risks. This chemical is also potentially explosive, especially when mixed with organic material. This chemical is also very flammable and may be a tumor promoter.
c) What agencies or departments regulate its use or release?
This chemical is on two federal regulation lists; Air Contaminants by OHSA and the Toxic Release Inventory Chemicals. It is also on two lists in California; Air Contaminants (COSHA) and California Air Toxics "Hot Spots" Chemicals.
d) What state releases the most?
West Virgina produces the most with 2,042 pounds/year.
e) Have the eight basic types of tests for health and ecological effects been conducted?
From my research I found that 6 of the 8 tests have been conducted and results are available. The two that have not are: Neurotoxicity and Developmental or Reproductive Toxicity.
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| Common Acne Medication with BP |
References:
Websites accessed for information: (all on 10-21-2011)
http://scorecard.goodguide.com/chemical-profiles/summary.tcl?edf_substance_id=94-36-0 by Scorecard, the pollution information site
http://sci-toys.com/ingredients/benzoyl_peroxide.html unknown
http://cartwright.chem.ox.ac.uk/hsci/chemicals/benzoyl_peroxide.html by the European Cooperation on School Education
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzoyl_peroxide (I used this primarily for a long summary, rather than short facts presented on most of the web sites.)
