Health Warning ! Some Boot Sprays May Cause Respiratory Illness

Pro Med ^ | 05/05/06 | vanity

[genefromjersey]

It's doubtful any of you will be weatherproofing boots at this time of the year,but I thought I'd pass along this warning: certain silicone-based sprays can cause very severe respiratory problems if improperly used.

During February 2005-February 2006, 6 regional poison control centers in 5 states were consulted regarding 172 human and 19 animal (i.e., pet cat or dog) exposures to shoe or boot leather protection or sealant products resulting in respiratory illness.

One product was associated with 126 cases of human illness and another product with 7 cases. An ongoing investigation, begun in December 2005, is being conducted by the poison centers. The majority of cases occurred in Michigan, where poison control centers are collaborating with the Michigan Department of Community Health to further document exposures and adverse health effects from the products. Results of the investigation of the 150 cases reported during 2005 underscore the continuing need to assess the magnitude of the problem, evaluate the toxic etiology of the products involved, and determine how to prevent further cases of illness resulting from use of the products.

[Semper Paratus]

A tip, "Don't breathe it in!"

[P-40]

A tip, "Don't breathe it in!"

I always wondered why that warning is on the product's label...

[Flavius Josephus]

Oh, I LOVE the way that stuff smells. Never caused me any problems. [/cough, hack, wheeze]

[untrained skeptic]

As per the instructions on the label, use only in a well ventilated area.

[annelizly]

yeah, but what about the people who work in the facotory year after year that makes this stuff?

I'll guarentee that the worst thing for ANYONES health is to work in a factory making anything. chemicals and working inside is a recipe for ill health.

[P-40]

but what about the people who work in the facotory year after year that makes this stuff?

Aside from an accident, I doubt they are exposed to the product.

[untrained skeptic]

Our factories have come a long way in the last couple decades.

It's unlikely that people working in factories that produce these chemicals have much exposure to the chemicals.

A more likely place to get exposure is in factories where the chemicals are used or applied.

However, the solution to health risks of chemicals has to a great extent been addressed through automation. The workers in such plants are at much lower risk, but there are also far less workers.

Our legal system has made it very easy to sue employers even if there isn't much evidence that health problems they end up with are the result of working conditions. As a result, things tend to get automated, or the products are manufactured in other countries where the workers have less protections and less civil recourse.