M9.2 Blog: Six Chemical Classes


Highly Fluorinated Chemicals 
Highly Fluorinated Chemicals  are man made and put into everyday products. What is fascinating is the fact that these chemicals are in fact man made, yet still utilized to make everyday products. Unfortunately, these chemicals make their way into our drinking water, which contributes to the high amount of Americans who contain Highly Fluorinated Chemicals  in their bodies at 98%. The fact that these chemicals never break down is extremely concerning. 

 Antimicrobials 
Antimicrobials are considered to be unnecessary and are said to cause more harm t harm than good. 
These chemicals are added to thousands of products- soaps, flooring, exercise mat, container, keyboards, and even counter tops. The amount of products that contain these chemicals is astonishing and I would have never known if I did not watch this lecture. It is extremely concerning that these chemicals disrupt hormone functioning and development, and are found in breast milk samples!! 

 Flame Retardants 
It is so very interesting that flame retardants are said to  only delay fires for a few seconds and could make fires make more dangerous!! There is such a high importance put on them and now im questioning whether they are all that effective. The facf that they also lead to health cost of nearly 209 billion is just so crazy to me- aren't they supposed to lower health costs due to there purpose of delaying fires?? 

 Bisphenols& Phthalates 
Bisphenols& Phthalates  are hormone disrupters-scary!! The fact that they can interfere with hormones and can leak through layers of skin is sooo concerning and makes me extremely worried about plastic products I purchase. Young children and fetuses most vulnerable to Bisphenols and Phthalates  and these chemicals are associated with asthma, and decreased fertility. 

 Solvents 
Solvents are included oil based paints, cosmetics, nail polish removers, etc. Toxic solvents can contaminate ground water and end up in our drinking water!!! AHHH. Other solvents contribute to smog, which also increases risks for asthma. 

 Metals
Mercury is found in fish, primarily in tuna and swordfish. If we consume large amount of such fish, it can negatively impact brain development of fetuses in the womb and can lead to serious health issues for adults. Arsenic increases the risk of  skin lung and bladder cancer. rIt is mind-blowing that rice based foods can contain high levels arsenic, which I would have never expected. Lead poisoning greatly impacts children in low income communities which can impair brain development in youth. Dangerous levels of exposure to lead can also cause miscarriages, still births and infertility. 

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