Six Chemical Classes

Highly Fluorinated

Highly fluorinated materials are man-made, and manufactured into products and disposed into our waterways. Humans are exposed through food, water, and also at some places of work. They can be found in carpets, furnishings, cosmetics, and clothing. These materials can also reach remote locations and are not biodegradable. Fetuses and children are also developmentally vulnerable. Furthermore, all of these materials pose a potential risk and must be avoided. It is recommended for consumers to ask themselves if the convenience is worth the harmful exposure, as well as to ask for products without highly fluorinated chemicals, if possible.

Antimicrobials 

Found in consumer products, building materials, and personal care products, these products are questionably beneficial. As antimicrobials are often unnecessary, they can actually do more harm than good.

Triclosan has reproductive and developmental side effects; it can affect drinking water, food, breast milk, as well as be toxic to algae and fish. The FDA has implemented a stop in triclosan inclusion for hand soaps and body washes. However, it is still added to other various products. This chemical also cannot be removed by the water treatment system. Consumers should read ingredient labels for triclosan and ask for triclosan-free options, if possible.

Flame Retardants

Flame retardants are toxic and can spread from consumer products to human bodies and our homes. They have also been found to release more toxic chemicals and gases when enflamed. Given these, their life-saving potential is questionable. Toddlers have 10x more exposure than adults, while cats have 10x to 100x increased risk due to their licking behaviors. Human hormones and fertility are disrupted, and they are also highly cancerous. Contaminating the soil, rivers, and oceans and marine life, the whole food chain is affected. They can be found in TVs, textiles, building insulation, cosmetics, and furnishings. However, fire-safe furniture is now available and consumers can protect themselves by vacuuming with hepa filters and hand washing.

Bisphenols & Pthalates

Known as hormone disruptors, these chemicals are used to make plastics stronger and more flexible.

Small amounts can hugely affect health. For instance, children and fetuses are most vulnerable, with their health in jeopardy during critical windows of brain development. Found in personal care products, toys, carpeting, these materials can cause heart disease, as well as fertility and neurodevelopmental impairment, and increases the risk for obesity and diabetes. Today, BPA-free products are replaced with similar chemicals, however they can be more harmful. Consumers should avoid plastic for heating and should eat more fresh food. People should also vacuum with hepa filters and wash hands well.

Some Solvents

Found in consumer products, building materials, cosmetics, aerosols, dry cleaned apparel, solvents are environmental toxicants that humans can be exposed to through breathing or tactile contact. They are known air pollutants that contribute to smog, which can cause respiratory issues like asthma in children.

Humans are at an increased risk of cancer risk and fetal development impairment.

Additionally, low-level exposure is more harmful, but can be minimized if people opt for wet cleaning, water based paints and adhesives, and eco-Label cleaning products.

Certain Metals

Metals such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead are hazardous to human health. Mercury can taint drinking water, and people can ingest it through household dust and cigarette smoke. It can be harmful to the brain development of the fetus and children. In addition, large fish like tuna can cause high levels of mercury exposure, which can affect neurological, cardiac, and renal function. Arsenic can increase cancer risk, and fetuses are most vulnerable. Consumers are recommended to diversify their diet and find alternatives to rice-based diets. Cadmium is frequently found in toys and costume jewelry, which can damage the brain, bones, and kidneys. It can also be in cigarette smoke, and welding dust and fumes. Furthermore, low SES youth are most vulnerable to lead, which has been found to decrease brain development and reduce earning potential. These findings have influenced the transition from leaded to unleaded gas, which helped to reduce lead exposure in the community. Consumers are encouraged to also test their drinking water.