M9.2 Blog: Six Chemical Classes

HIGHLY FLUORINATED
The first class of chemicals are highly fluorinated chemicals. They are found in non-stick and waterproof products. The health concerns that are associated these chemicals are kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, decreased fertility, thyroid disease, and interference with hormone function. There are 3,000+ of these chemicals used today and can be found in carpets, cleaning products, food packaging, furnishings, cosmetics, outdoor gear, clothing, adhesives, protective coatings, carseats, and non-stick cookware. All highly fluorinated chemicals are a potential risk. Ways to protect yourself can be using textiles and carpeting without water and stain repellency, avoid food with greaseproof packaging, avoid personal care products with "perfluor" etc, be wary of products labeled with "PFOA free."

ANTIMICROBIALS
The second class of chemicals are antimicrobials. They can hurt other things and are added to a thousand products such as personal care products, hans soaps, paints, exercise mats, flooring, apparel, food storage containers, home textiles, key pads, keyboards, and school supplies. There is no benefit beyond plain soap and water when washing. The health concerns surrounding them include disruption of hormone functioning, adverse reproductive and developmental effects, increased allergen sensitivity, and antibiotic resistance. They end up in places they do not belong and are toxic to the marine environment. The FDA has stopped using 19 antimicrobials in soap and body washes. Ways to protect yourself can include not using products identified as "antibacterial," "antimicrobials," or "anti-order"; read ingredient labels; look out for replacement antimicrobials.

FLAME REDARDANTS  
The third class of chemicals are called flame retardants. These chemicals make fires more dangerous actually. They are detected in bodies of nearly all Americans. Babies are born with the same level as their mothers. Health concerns associated with these chemicals include hormone disruption, decreased fertility, and cancer. Many marine animals are found to high levels of these chemicals. They accumulate in polar regions and toxic flames are in many products such as televison cases, insulation, textiles, carseats, infant mattresses, rebounded carpet padding, fabric blinds, and paints. To reduce exposure, clean with a damp cloth and wash hands from contaminated dust, avoid rebonded carpet padding, and ask for products without flame retardants.

BISPHENOLS AND PHTHALATES
The fourth class of chemicals are bisphenols and phthalates. They interfere with hormones and a small amount can have a big effect. They can damage young children and fetuses. They don't stay in our bodies for long but baby products do include them. They can be found in canned food lining,  plastic containers, teething toys, and cash register receipts. Health concerns include neurodevelopment problems, decreased fertility, and heart disease. Ways to prevent exposure are don't use plastic containers, avoid plastic marked with recycle code 7, eat more fresh food, and wash hands after touching receipts.

SOME SOLVENTS
The fifth class of chemicals are some solvents. They are in smog and can cause damage to the nervous system. They are associated with cancer risk and even low exposure can be a problem. They are used in dry cleaning. Ways to prevent it can be opt for wet cleaning, used water-based instead of oil based, and ask for products without problem solvents.

CERTAIN METALS
The last chemical class are certain metals that are hazardous to the environment. They are mercury, arensic, cadium and lead. Some exposure routes are the greatest concern are prenatal. They pollute air and water and eating long-lived fish can lead to high mercury levels. Can cause impaired fetals brain. Do not east fish with mercury. Arensic can cause increased skin, lung, bladder risk, cardo disease, hard to nervous system. Have a healthy diet and avoid pressure treated wood, wash hands after contact. Cadium is found in children's jewelry and can cause neural damage to to children. Lead is found in gas and now is finally removed. Ways to prevent exposure is to keep children away from paint and wear protective gear.