Six Chemical Classes

Class 1: Highly Fluorinated Chemicals

The highly fluorinated chemicals provide stain and water repellency. These chemicals are convenient but they are associated to serious health diseases. They also remain in the environment and get into our food and water. These chemicals can be found in consumer products like in cosmetics, carpet, food packaging, cookware, and etc. According to the webinar, these chemicals can be found in 98% of Americans. I learned that children have higher body levels of fluorinated chemicals. These chemicals can cause elevated cholesterol, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and thyroid disease. These chemicals can also decreased fertility and interfere with hormone function. Even the safer substitute is not safe. To avoid these chemicals, people should use products without water and stain repellency.

Class 2: Antimicrobials

The function of antimicrobials is to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. The chemicals triclosan and triclocarban are both antimicrobials. Antimicrobials can be found in hand soaps, personal care products, apparel, and kitchenware. Triclosan can disrupt hormone function and cause adverse reproductive and developmental effects. The antimicrobials can end up in our food, water, and even in breastmilk. Antimicrobials are toxic to algae and fish. I learned that FDA stopped the use of antimicrobials in soap and body wash but manufacturers still add it in consumer products.

Class 3: Flame Retardants

I learned that flame retardants are used in products to meet the flammability regulations but they can only delay fire in a few seconds. Flame retardants can be found in textile, infant mattresses, paints, and coatings. Products with flame retardants can actually give more smoke and produce toxic gases that can harm our body. From the products, it can mix to the dust and contaminate food. I learned that babies get 10 times of the exposure to flame retardants. These chemicals can harm the brain and reproductive organs of an individual. It can also disrupt an individual’s hormone. In addition, the flame retardants can end up in the soils, rivers, and oceans. It can accumulate and travel far in other places. To avoid exposure, we should only buy products that don’t contain flame retardants. In addition, we should use vacuum with hepa filter and wash our hands before eating

Class 4: Bisphenols & Phthalates

Both bisphenols and phthalates can interfere with hormone’s function. It can mimics and block hormones. Bisphenols can be found canned food liners, plastic containers, teething toys, and cash register receipts. People can be expose to these chemicals by absorption in skin, ingesting, and inhaling it. These chemicals can contaminate water and dust. The most vulnerable are fetuses and young children. Bisphenol can cause obesity, type 2 diabetes, and neurodevelopmental problems. Phthalates can be found in personal care products, toys, and vinyl flooring. Phthalates can decrease fertility in men, increase allergies and asthma, and harm the reproductive development in boys. To avoid exposure from both bisphenols and phthalates, we should not use plastic products.

Class 5: Some Solvents

Solvents are used to dissolve or disperse other substances. Solvents can be found in oil-based paint, cosmetics, nail polish remover, markers, household cleaners, and aerosols. We are expose through inhalation and absorption. Solvents can contaminate ground water which can affect our drinking water. It can also cause smog which can cause asthma. In addition, it can also damage our nervous system and it can cause cancer. To avoid exposure, people should refrain from using oil-based products. People should use more water-based products. It is also important to select eco-labelled cleaning products.

Class 6: Certain Chemicals

Some chemicals like mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and lead can cause adverse health effects. These chemicals are found in consumer products and building materials. These chemicals can contaminate our food, water, and dust. Infants are more vulnerable than adults because they tend to put their hands and toys in their mouth. The metals can harm the brain development of infants. These chemicals can also cause adverse health effects on cardiovascular and nervous system. It can also cause cancer. To avoid exposure, people should reduce dust exposure, eat a well-balanced diet, and properly recycle.

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