Highly Fluorinated Chemicals
There are two different types of fluorochemicals discussed,
PFOS and PFOA. Fluorinated chemicals are found in material that are used for
oil and water repellency. Like many chemicals, highly fluorinated chemicals are
found in products that we typically use like cookware, clothing, carpeting, and
food packaging materials. These chemicals are not found in nature, but are
rather manufactured, therefore they are hard to be broken down by the environment
and by harsh conditions. There has been limited research on fluorinated chemicals,
but they have been found in human blood, polar bears, and oceans. Due to human
use, these chemicals are being found in remote areas in the world. There’s
different ways in which these chemicals end up in the environment, such as
movement through air, industrial discharge to surface and ground water, and
treated materials that are sent to landfills. In the environment, they have
been found in surface water, sediments & soils, groundwater, air, rain,
snow, and marine and land-based wildlife. Various health effects are caused by
PFOS and PFOA such as; kidney, prostate, ovarian, and testicular cancer, thyroid
disease, decreased fertility, and cause early menopause.
Antimicrobials
Antimicrobials are used to prevent growth in bacteria in
different environments. Triclosan and Triclocarban (TCC) were originally used
in hospital settings, but now are used in a lot of consumer products such as detergents,
soaps, shampoos, sports equipment, furniture. Surprisingly, Triclosan has a
positive effect when used in toothpaste specially to individuals with gum
disease. I found it very interesting that these chemicals have been found in
75% of individuals tested for the chemicals. These chemicals can disrupt
estrogenic, androgenic, and thyroid hormones, and it’s also known to be a
carcinogen, even though their actual effects are not well known. Surprisingly,
a study has shown that triclosan has been associated with increase allergies in
children. Possible reasons why triclosan increase allergy in children is that antibacterial
remove healthy bacteria and it has shown to produce an allergic response in
mice.
Flame retardants
Flame retardants are commonly used in electronics,
polyurethane foam, building insulation, wires and cables. The main purpose of
flame retardants is to prevent spread of fire but they are known to be toxic to
humans and the environment. Flame retardants were known to be present in
children’s pajamas, but they were banned when the effects of flame retardants
were known. Individuals are exposed to flame retardants daily. Flame retardants
have shown to have effects on reduced IW, fertility, birth defects, and hormonal
changes.
Bisphenols and Phthalates,
Bisphenols and Phthalates are known to be endocrine disruptors.
These are found in plastic products. They can be found in food, water, soil,
and air. Individuals are exposed to these chemicals daily, but levels are
usually higher in babies. Various health effects have been shown to be caused
by BPA, these include reproductive, thyroid, immune, and metabolic effects.
Levels of GPA found in the womb have shown to increase the risk for spontaneous
abortions and childhood obesity. Some regulations prohibit BPA use in certain
products like baby bottles, sippy cups, food packaging, and receipt bans.
Internationally some countries like Canada have found BPA to be toxic to humans
and the environment, leading to a ban of BPA. Phthalates have been known to
make plastics softer and more flexible and are virtually everywhere. There are
also various adverse health effects cause by Phthalates, these include; incomplete
testicular descent, and increase risk of hypospadias, increase obesity in
males, reduce sperm viability, earlier breast development, and led to asthma.
Organic Solvents
Organic Solvents, are chemicals that are based on carbon.
These chemicals are used to dissolve materials, as carrier solvents, cleaning, and
stripping, and as a mixing medium. Organic solvents are used in various consumer
products such as, printing, adhesives, paints, coatings, inks,and cleaning products. These products are known to be harmful to human health; it
can lead to neurotoxicity, liver and kidney damage, and have carcinogenic and reproductive
effects.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals have a harmful effects to human health include.
These include; mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium. These chemicals
are naturally made and found on earth. When these metals are in their ionic
form, they become more bio available. These metals can have acute and chronic
effects to our health. They can cause nervous system disorders. Memory loss,
blindness, hearing loss, and decrease cognitive functions. Many of these metals
are also known to be carcinogens. Heavy metals can be found in makeup, jewelry,
and household furniture.
No comments:
Post a Comment