Highly Fluorinated - This chemical provides stain and water repellency, but are they worth it? First of all, they remain within our environment for decades and are not naturally occurring. They have been found in our water, and in our homes and are found in the bodies of 98% of people. Some health problems that are linked to this chemical are testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, thyroid disease and so on. Vaccines even become less effective if you are contaminated. We must choose textiles and carpeting that does not contain water and stain repellency, because the damage that is being done by highly fluorinated products is almost irreversible.
Antimicrobials - Are they helping, or harming us? Antimicrobials are not harming specific microbes. In fact, they harm all microbes, even the good ones. We often put them into many everyday things that are not necessary. Some antimicrobials that we use are toxic to algae, crustaceans and fish. They also contribute to bacterial resistance. Use of antimicrobials sound great, but all we are doing is more harm to the environment and ourselves.
Flame Retardants - Do they save lives or cause harm? They often don't even do the job they're meant for, and contribute to more toxicity and stronger fires. Flame retardants are found in humans and can harm development of organs in young children. They also contribute to a lower IQ and higher risk of cancer. It is safe to say, that these chemicals are staining our earth, contaminating humans and animals alike.
Bisphenols and phthalates - These chemicals are hormone disruptors. Like all of the other chemicals, they can vibrate into our water and food and contaminate our bodies. We find these chemicals in so many materials we come into contact with every day. They can contribute to heart disease, obesity and T2D.
Some solvents - Are they contaminating the air we breathe? Humans can absorb them through the skin or breathe them in through the air, and are found in so many aerosols that we use on a daily basis. Solvents can increase cancer risk and lung diseases. Why do we continue to use chemicals that can human harm when there are alternative products that don't have these chemicals?
Certain Metals - When are these elements hazardous? Certain metals are linked to harm, specifically Mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Those most susceptible to harm from ingestion of these metals are young children. Exposure can harm brain development. Consumption of too much fish which have higher levels of mercury can cause harm.
Antimicrobials - Are they helping, or harming us? Antimicrobials are not harming specific microbes. In fact, they harm all microbes, even the good ones. We often put them into many everyday things that are not necessary. Some antimicrobials that we use are toxic to algae, crustaceans and fish. They also contribute to bacterial resistance. Use of antimicrobials sound great, but all we are doing is more harm to the environment and ourselves.
Flame Retardants - Do they save lives or cause harm? They often don't even do the job they're meant for, and contribute to more toxicity and stronger fires. Flame retardants are found in humans and can harm development of organs in young children. They also contribute to a lower IQ and higher risk of cancer. It is safe to say, that these chemicals are staining our earth, contaminating humans and animals alike.
Bisphenols and phthalates - These chemicals are hormone disruptors. Like all of the other chemicals, they can vibrate into our water and food and contaminate our bodies. We find these chemicals in so many materials we come into contact with every day. They can contribute to heart disease, obesity and T2D.
Some solvents - Are they contaminating the air we breathe? Humans can absorb them through the skin or breathe them in through the air, and are found in so many aerosols that we use on a daily basis. Solvents can increase cancer risk and lung diseases. Why do we continue to use chemicals that can human harm when there are alternative products that don't have these chemicals?
Certain Metals - When are these elements hazardous? Certain metals are linked to harm, specifically Mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Those most susceptible to harm from ingestion of these metals are young children. Exposure can harm brain development. Consumption of too much fish which have higher levels of mercury can cause harm.
Hi Jordan,
ReplyDeleteI thought these videos were very informative, and really did make me wonder about the amount of chemicals used on everyday things. I feel like there is no way to avoid every single one, but at least the 6 classes of chemicals shed light on the use of other harmful ones.
Jordan,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a really good point about flourinated water. When the principle was first adopted it was considered one of the biggest public health achievements, now I am not so sure.