A: The use of manufactured chemical products has generally increased over the years and in turn has contributed to our improved lifestyle, from new medicines to cleaner water, more energy-efficient cars, and affordable housing. While the number of children and adults suffering from asthma has increased, there is no scientific consensus that chemicals are among the major causes. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoke from tobacco products, dust mites, outdoor pollution, cockroaches, pets, and mold are important triggers for asthma. Strenuous exercise, adverse weather, certain food or food additives and other stimuli also can trigger asthma.
There are a limited number of manufactured chemical products that can trigger and/or worsen asthma and/or respiratory allergy. The uses of such chemicals are generally well controlled and regulated to limit the exposure. As a result, these substances are not usually associated with asthmatic reactions in the general public. Although a role for some types of chemical exposure cannot be ruled out, the direct contribution of chemicals is likely small compared with other lifestyle and environmental factors.
The knowledge that specific chemicals might bring about asthmatic conditions gives Dow cause for vigilance when it comes to product stewardship and the marketing of substances. In our role as a chemical manufacturer, we assess the hazards of our products. This is part of the overall evaluation using Dow's Product Safety Assessment process.
