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Six Chemical Classes

Highly fluorinated

These chemicals are man made and can make their way from industrial plants into our food and drinking water. This chemical can also be found in carpets, cosmetics, carseats, food packaging, and the list goes on. All highly fluorinated chemicals pose a risk and should not be used unless it is essential as the video said. The convenience of products that contain highly fluorinated chemicals is not worth the potential for harm. The most studied of these substances is a chemical called PFOA, which is linked to kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, decreased fertility, and thyroid problems and decreased immune response to vaccines in children.

Antimicrobials

Although this antimicrobials might sounds like a good idea, they are unnecessary and can do more harm than good. This is found in personal care products, exercise mats, apparel, food store containers and the list goes on. The health concerns related to this chemical are disruption of hormone functioning and adverse reproductive and developmental effects. Triclosan and Triclocarban (which are found in Antimicrobials) provide no benefit and can actually cause harm to health as they end up in places they don't belong like water and food. When possible, it is a good idea to ask for products that do not contain antimicrobials. 

Flame Retardants (FR)

These often don't work as promised and contain many of the chemicals of concern. FR are toxic and can move from our homes to our bodies. Research shows they make fires even more dangerous. Dust from flam retardants is can harm your organs and there is evidence that shows that many of these chemicals are associated with adverse health effects in animals and humans.  People can be exposed to flame retardants through a variety of ways, including diet; consumer products in the home, car, airplane, and workplace; and house dust.

Bisphenols + Phthalates

Bisphenols and phthalates leach from products into food, water, and dust. They can interfere with hormones and can mimic or block hormones and disrupt general well being. Something interesting that I learned is that although many products are now labelled “BPA-free,” it is often replaced with Bisphenol S (BPS) and Bisphenol F (BPF), which are less studied but appear to have similar hormone-disrupting effects. It would be a good idea to stop using products with bisphenols and phthalates and lean towards glass and stainless steal products. 

Some solvents

Some solvents used in consumer products are linked to neurological problems and increased cancer risk. Solvents are used to dissolve or disperse other substances. Products containing solvents include but are not limited to oil-based paints,  adhesives, wood finishes, shoe polish, cosmetics, markers, aerosols, nail polish remover, and household cleaners. Breathing solvent vapors may lead to temporary nervous system symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, and brain fog. 

Certain metals 

These metals are found in mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead and can cause health harm. Fetuses and young children are particularly susceptible. In adults, each metal is associated with increased cancer risk. In order to reduce our exposure to these metals we can reduce dust exposure, eat a well-balanced diet, and recycle properly. 
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In conclusion, I think it would be a great idea to stop replacing one hazardous chemical with another. Also, I learned the importance of READING THE LABELS on products that I purchase.

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