The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – Health authorities in Panama have banned the use and sale of any cleaning product containing the substance nonylphenol, which has potential health and environmental hazards.
Distributors, vendors and restaurants have been notified of the new regulation regarding the use of this substance, which is common in the production of detergents, disinfectants, soaps and other related cleaning products, said the Panamanian Ministry of Health (MoH) in a statement.
The ban has been in force because nonylphenol is considered harmful to both health and the environment, the source said.
“It can cause eye irritation, pulmonary edema and is considered an endocrine disruptor. It can be absorbed by inhalation, ingestion or through the skin,” said the document, whereas in the ecosystem it can negatively affect any fish or small animals that it comes into contact with, thereby affecting creatures higher up in the food chain, including humans.
Most of Europe has banned this chemical from commercial use as well, although it continues to be regarded as ‘safe’ by North American standards. (ACAN-EFE)
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose, Costa Rica
