Consumer Specialty Products Association Responds to European Study Investigating Spray Products and Asthma

    Washington, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ --

                 Statement by Chris Cathcart, President, CSPA

"CSPA has not had an opportunity for a detailed review of the epidemiological study authored by Jan-Paul Zock. However, while we cannot make any definitive comment on this specific study, we can say that such longitudinal studies usually draw conclusions based on a correlation of various data. This process does not necessarily demonstrate a true cause-and- effect relationship. Nevertheless, we are taking the study seriously and will be looking to see if there are concerns related to our products.

"It should also be noted that cleaning products are designed to reduce contaminants associated with asthma and do not include ingredients known to be allergens. Product manufacturers carefully choose ingredients and evaluate products for health and safety to assure that the products are safe and effective. Ingredients are carefully evaluated to ensure that exposure le Consumer Specialty Products Association vels from product use and potential misuse are below the level that would pose significant health risk.

"By its very nature, the cleaning process brings people into contact with allergens that are known asthma causes and triggers, i.e., the biological contaminants (mold, insect parts and excrement, animal dander, etc.). Higher exposure to these contaminants could result in higher-than-normal occurrences of asthma. The definitive report on asthma by the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine a few years ago identifies these bioallergens as known asthma risks."

The Consumer Specialty Products Association is a non-profit national trade association representing approximately 260 companies engaged in the manufacture, formulation, distribution and sale of hundreds of familiar consumer products. It is organized into seven divisions: Aerosol Products, Air Care, Antimicrobial Products, Cleaning Products, Pest Management Products, Industrial and Automotive Specialty Chemicals, and Polishes and Floor Maintenance.