Survey of Chemical Substances in Consumer Products, No. 62 2005 – Release of chemical substances from tents and tunnels for children

Release of chemical substances from tents and tunnels for children

Summary and conclusions

A survey has been carried out regarding which tents and tunnels for children exist on the Danish market. Figures for the turnover has been collected, and it is investigated, which materials are typically used for such products.

Among the products on the market six products were selected for testing. It is estimated that the six products represent 56-62% of the products annually sold.

On the six selected products tests have been performed to determine their release of chemical substances, partly at room temperature, partly at elevated temperature. The analyses have been followed by an assessment of the health aspects. The objective has been to pinpoint the risks that might exist when children are playing and staying in tents and tunnels.

A total of 46 substances or groups of substances were identified in the analyses. For most of the substances the concentration declines with time as would be expected. For some of the products, however, a higher concentration has been determined for certain substances after 28 days than after 10 days. This was the case for formaldehyde, dimethylformamide, xylenes and acetone.

Health assessment

A screening of the 46 identified substances or groups of substances has been carried out based on classifications and limit values of the substances. Out of the 46 substances 14 were chosen for a closer assessment.

For the 14 substances an assessment of the impact on children during playing has been carried out. The background was the possible absorption by inhalation by a child of 10 kg, based on the maximum measured concentrations. The estimated amount of absorbed substance has then been compared to the data for NOAEL/LOAEL.

The substances 2-butoxyethanol, phenol, toluene, and xylene do not cause long-term effect in the measured concentrations. These have been found in quantities that are more than a factor 100 below the levels that may cause damages to the health.

The substances ethoxyethanol and dimethyl formamide are teratogenic. Ethoxyethanol has been found in quantities that are considerably below the TDI-value. Dimethyl formamide has been found in quantities that are considerably below the levels that may cause damages to the health.

Acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, tetrachloroethylene, and trimethylcyclohexen-1-on are under suspicion of causing cancer (Carc3). Formaldehyde has been found in one measure series in concentrations that are above the indoor limit value. In a supplementary test relatively low values were detected. Acetaldehyde and tetrachlorethylen have been found in very small quantities and it is assessed that the risk of health effects will be insignificant.

The substances 3-carene, α-pinene, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, and formaldehyde may cause allergy in contact with skin. There is a risk that formaldehyde may cause health effects while the other substances appear in very small quantities and it is assessed that the health effects will be insignificant.

The measurement showed that the different aliphatic hydrocarbons with the carbon chains of C10 to C16 are emitted. It is assessed that this group of substances resembles turpentine, which is carcinogenic. It has not been possible to determine a NOAEL. In stead the TLV of aliphatic hydrocarbons and turpentine has been compared. The measured concentrations represent less than 0.4 % of the TLV for turpentine. A comparison with the B-values has also been made. The highest measured concentration represents 50% of the B-value. Based on these comparisons it is assessed that the health risk will be insignificant.

Summing up several of the substances, which are present in the tents and tunnels for children, are under suspicion of having carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic, and allergic effects. Formaldehyde is present in one product in a concentration above the indoor limit value while two of the other products are close to the value. In a supplementary three days test of the emission of formaldehyde no concentrations above the limit values were detected. As the measured concentrations of formaldehyde decreased over time, it will be during the first hours of using the tents that the largest emission of the substance will occur. As for the other substances the emitted quantities are relatively small. None of these substances are present in concentrations, which will cause a potential health risk for children to play with the tested products.