M9.2: Six Chemical Classes

1-Highly Fluorinated: Products that are highly fluorinated are man made and is found in several products that we use daily, it can be found in nonstick cook wear and waterproof items. These chemicals are toxic to our health and remain in our environment permanently. These chemicals were found in 98% of Americans, the development of fetuses and infants are in jeopardy from exposure to these chemicals. C8 and PFOA are linked to kidney, testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, decreased fertility, thyroid disease and hormonal disruption HF bioaccumulates and does not breakdown thus damages the environment.  How can we protect ourselves:

A-Choose textiles and carpeting without water- and stain-repellent

B-Avoid food with grease proof packaging, such as microwave popcorn and some fast food.

C-Avoid personal care products with "PERFLUR", "POLYFLUOR" nad "PTFE" on the label.

D-Be way of products labelled "PFOA FREE", they often contain similar products.

E-When possible ask for products without HF chemicals.

2-Antimicrobials:  These are a class of chemicals that are supposed to kill and inhibit the growth of microbes. The concept of antimicrobials is appealing, but in practice it is detrimental rather than beneficial. Antimicrobials are found in numerous items such as personal care products, exercise mats, food storage containers, home textiles, school supplies. 2 Antimicrobials of concern triclosan found in liquid soap and triclocarban found in bar soaps. However, neither of these antimicrobials  are more beneficial of plain soap and water. These chemicals also persists in the environment and all living beings. Even though triclosan was banned it is still being used in building materials.  The safety of these products hasn't been established, therefore these products need to be eliminated.

3: Flame Retardants: These chemicals are toxic, and they only delay the ignition of fire doesn't stop the ignition. It was found that with an  item set on fire with and without fire retardants-it was the one with fire retardants that was more toxic because it released toxic fumes that was more harmful than the item that was set on fire without the fire retardants. It is possible to buy furniture without toxic fire retardants ask for products without fire retardants.

4-Bisphenols + Phthalates: These chemicals alters hormone function- thus interrupting our general well being. These products are used to harden plastics and it is found in several products that we use daily. Of the all the products that these chemicals are found in the item that I found most concerning was teething toys and baby products, they are a vulnerable population and we have to be mindful of the chemicals we expose them to. Avoid plastic products!

5-Some Solvents: This is a diverse item, it is used to dissolve different substances. Some solvents are released into the groundwater and end up in our drinking water. Volatile organic compounds evaporates into air and contributes to smog, which is linked to respiratory problems such as asthma. Some solvents found in nail polish has been linked to cancers. Opt for wet cleaning instead of dry cleaning.  Avoid all problematic solvents.

6-Certain Metals: When are these elements hazardous? Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead-we're exposed to them from consuming that are contaminated by these metals, drinking tainted water, breathing cigarette smoke and ingesting household dust. Exposure to mercury in the womb can lead to brain development damage, limit the consumption of certain fish such as tuna and tilapia. Rice absorbs arsenic more than any other grain, it has been found in higher levels in infant rice cereal. Cadmium is found in costume jewelry, stop children from playing with jewelry that contains cadmium. Lead has been significant phased out from paint and gas thus the toxicity levels from lead exposure has been reduced, but precautionary measures should still be utilized to limit exposure and toxicity from lead.