Causes of Phenolic Yellowing & Their Effects to Human Life

1# BHT (Butyl Hydroxy Toluene): BHT (A property of Polyethylene) is the main cause of yellowing the fabric. BHT is a fat soluble synthetic compound which is commonly used to preserve foods and cosmetics to slow down the autoxidation rate of ingredients in a product that can cause changes in the taste or color. As such, it is primarily used to prevent fats in foods from becoming rancid but it is also used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, electrical transformers, oil and embalming fluid.

BHT (Butylated Hydroxy Toluene) is as Follows:

> White Powder

> Molecular Formula = C15H24O

> Also known as 3,5-di-tert-butyl-hydroxytoluene, methyl-di-terbutylphenol, 2,6-di-tert- butyl-para-cersol.

Dangers of BHT: When looking at the MSDS for BHT, we found following:

1. Do not let this chemical enter the environment.

2. Combustible.

3. Ingestion causes Abdominal Pain, Confusion, Nausea and Vomiting.

4. The substance may have effects on the liver.

5. The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.

6. It is also a cause of cancer.

2# NOX, GAS (From Environment): NOX & Gases are also causes to yellowing the fabric. NOX (Nitrogen Oxide) is an irritant gas which produced from the reaction of Nitrogen and Oxygen gases in the air during combustion, especially at high temperature. In areas of high motor vehicle traffic, such as large cities, the amount of Nitrogen Oxide emitted into the atmosphere as air pollution can be significant. NOX gases are formed whenever combustion occurs in the presence of Nitrogen- e.g. in car engines, they are also produce naturally by lightening.

Danger of NOX: NOX mainly impacts on respiratory condition causing inflammation of the airways at high levels. Long term exposure can decrease lung function, increase the risk of respiratory conditions and increases the response to allergens. NOX also contributes to the formation of fine particles (PM) and ground level Ozone, both of which are associated with adverse health effects.

3# Beside these some of other chemicals contain in fabric (fiber) may also cause the phenolic yellowing the fabric as well.