5 Harmful Chemicals Hiding in Everyday Products

Our world is full of chemicals. Many chemicals improve our lives. However, malfeasance and greed on behalf of the chemical industry, as well as a lacking regulatory system, have led to chemicals harming the environment and our health.

Here are some harmful chemicals which are hiding in everyday products.

1. Pesticides

Pesticides are chemicals used to destroy, prevent or regulate pests or plants – typically bacteria, fungi, rodents or insects. Pesticide residue is found in as much as 70 percent of all produce which is sold in the United States.

Pesticides like Dacthal have been linked with numerous long-term health problems, such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, macular degeneration and asthma.

To avoid pesticide exposure, trim fat from fish and meat and peel produce. Scrub and wash vegetables and fruit under water which is running. Buy organic foods when possible. Vary the produce you eat to avoid being exposed too much to a single pesticide.

2. Benzene

Benzene is a toxic carcinogen which has been linked with leukemia. Numerous products have been recalled in recent years due to elevated levels of the chemical, including dry shampoo sprays, dry conditioner sprays, deodorant sprays, sunscreen sprays and foot sprays. In addition, benzene can be found in glues, gasoline, paint thinners, cleaning products, motor vehicle exhaust and cigarette smoke.

3. Phthalates

Phthalates help chemicals and scents bind together, and soften plastics.

Lower IQ levels have been linked with exposure to these chemicals.

These chemicals may be found in conditioners, shampoos, hair sprays, body sprays, colognes, perfumes, nail polish, soap, medical tubing, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, IV bags, wall coverings, coatings on drugs and food packaging.

You may reduce phthalate exposure by using laundry detergents and lotions which are unscented, using glass containers in the microwave instead of plastic, and using unscented cleaning supplies.

4. PFAS Chemicals

There are over 4,700 PFAS chemicals, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These have been produced since the ‘40s in order to make surfaces which resist grease, water and stains.

PFOA, which has been used alongside Teflon, and PFOS, used in the manufacture of Scotchgard water repellant, are the PFAS chemicals which have been studied the most widely.

PFAS chemicals can be found in fire retardants, non-stick cookware, water and stain repellants, waterproof clothes, furniture, take-out containers, pizza boxes, textiles, carpets, food packaging, plastics, rubbers, dental floss and electronics.

Exposure to these chemicals has been linked with cancer, immune system disruption, liver damage, developmental issues, thyroid disease, vaccine resistance, high cholesterol and impaired fertility. In fact, there have even been lawsuits initiated as a result of PFAS contamination from sources such as firefighting foams.

5. Mercury

While mercury occurs naturally, it may also get released in the environment when oil or coal burn. Mercury may also be present in household items like thermometers, washing machines, clothes dryers or light bulbs.

Mercury present in the environment may end up in shellfish and fish. Certain fish, like certain types of tuna, can have higher levels of mercury.

In utero mercury exposure can impact cognitive skills, attention and memory.

One can reduce mercury exposure by avoiding fish with high levels of mercury and trying to use thermometers which are mercury-free.

Photo by Aditya Wardhana on Unsplash