Household chemicals contribute as much as vehicles to urban emissions
Air pollution study finds VOC emissions from everyday products have been hugely underestimated
The use of everyday chemical products like cosmetics and cleaning agents contribute to half of all fossil fuel derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted in urban areas, according to a new analysis.
This contradicts current estimates from the US Environmental Protection Agency which say 75% of these emissions come from fuel-related sources such as vehicles, with only about 25% from chemical products.