M9.2 Six Chemical Classes

The Six Classes of Chemicals are the chemicals that is known to harm human health that is separated in six classes. The chemicals in these classes can change DNA, cause cancer, and disrupt neurological, reproductive, and hormonal functions. 

Highly Fluorinated Chemicals:

These chemicals provide stain and water repellency. The health concerns are Kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, decreased fertility, thyroid disease, and interference with hormone function. I was surprised to find out about all of the products with highly fluorinated chemicals. One that really stood out to me is the non stick cook ware. It is horrible finding out that a lot of the products that we consider to be convenient is actually more harmful to our bodies. Finding out that the safer substitutes are just as bad shows that we need better regulations.

Antimicrobials:

Antimicrobials are found in many antibacterial products. The health concerns are disruption of hormone functioning, adverse reproductive and developmental effects, increased allergen sensitivity, and antibiotic resistance. One of the ways to avoid it is by reading the ingredients and avoiding products with triclosan and triclocarban.

Flame Retardants: 

Flame retardants are suppose to slow or stop fires. It is unfortunate that this is not always the case. The health concerns are hormone disruption, decreased fertility, and cancer. It is good to know that we can purchase fire safe furniture without these dangerous chemicals. There is still a ways to go before getting rid of it everywhere else. 

Bisphenols and Phthalates: 

Bisphenols and phthalates are used in our everyday lives. The health concerns for bisphenols are neurodevelopmental problems, decreased fertility, heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Phthalates health concerns are increased allergies and asthma, harm to reproductive development in boys, and decreased fertility in men. Once again the replacement for this chemical is more harmful than the original. It is a shame that these chemicals are in teething toys. These chemicals should be illegal because we are unknowingly poisoning ourselves and our children. 

Some Solvents: 

Solvents is a chemical used to dissolve or disperse other substances. Solvents can be found in oil based paint, markers, aerosols, and other cosmetics. Fortunately there are safer alternatives. Instead of using oil based paint you can use water based and for dry cleaning use professional wet cleaning for your clothing. 

Certain Metals: 

Certain metals can be excellent conductors malleable or corrosion resistant but they are linked to health harm. Arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and lead are the four dangerous chemicals. There are ways to avoid them. We can eat less mercury by choosing to eat fish that has little mercury in it, avoid skin lighting or anti-aging creams, and safely dispose products that contain mercury like thermostats. To avoid arsenic we should diversify our diet and include alternative rice based foods. In order to eliminate exposure to cadmium we should avoid cigarette smoke. Exposure to lead can be avoided by keep children away from peeling paint, use cold water for drinking or cooking, and use protective gear when removing lead based paint.six c