Six Chemical Classes

Because of the immense amount of chemicals currently found in the American market (about 80,000 chemicals), there was a need to create chemical classes, categorizing some of the major harmful chemicals that we are exposed to. The six chemical classes include: Highly Fluorinated, Antimicrobial, Flame Retardants, Bisphenols & Phthalates, Some Solvents, and Certain Metals.

Highly Fluorinated

This chemical class is manmade and is known to have water, oil, and stain resistant properties. It travels from industrial plants into waterways, which then reaches us in our homes and workplaces. The multiple chemicals found within this category are found in everyday products including carpet, food packaging, cosmetics, non-stick cook wear, carseats, and others. Unfortunately, there are multiple negative health outcomes associated with this class, including cancers and fertility issues to name a few. Chemicals in this class are found in about 98% of Americans and they are harmful to adults and youth alike, making vaccinations less effective if these chemicals are found in the bloodstream. There are multiple steps that can be taken to reduce exposure to these chemicals, and one of the steps that I have taken is to choose items that do not contain water resistant properties. 

Antimicrobial 

Antimicrobials are used to inhibit or kill microorganisms. Unfortunately they kill both harmful and essential microorganisms when they are used. They are added into multiple products including personal care products, hand soaps, storage containers, school supplies, furniture, and much more. Chemicals found in this class are known hormone disruptors and can cause antibiotic resistance. Unfortunately, it took 42 years to remove these harmful chemicals from market, showing how long and challenging it can be to do so. Although Triclosan and Triclocarban was banned, other antimicrobial chemicals are still used, including QUATS and Nanosilver, which are equally or even more harmful. 

Flame Retardants

Chemicals in this class are known to be toxic and move from everyday products into homes and bodies. They are used to meet flammability regulation. However, they are known to delay ignition by a few seconds, showing that they aren't as beneficial as expected. Flame retardants are used in multiple products, particularly furniture. Many of these chemicals travel as dust particles, entering our systems mostly through hand to mouth behavior. Flame Retardants are known to bioaccumulate and end up in soil, rivers, and oceans. They are associated with multiple adverse health effects including: lowered IQ and hyperactivity in children as well as cancer, hormone disruption, and decreased fertility in adults. One of the steps I've taken to decrease my exposure of this chemical class is using a vacuum with a hepa filter. 

Bisphenols and Phthalates

Chemicals in this class are known hormone disruptors. They are most commonly used in plastics, giving them their hard/flexible textures. Even when exposed dermally, by ingestion, or inhalation in small amounts, they can still have big negative effects in our bodies. This chemical class migrates out of plastics and seeps into our water and food. Unfortunately, although some chemicals in this class are being removed form plastics, they are replaced with other equally or even more harmful chemicals. A step that I've taken to reduce exposure to these chemicals is consuming fresher products that are not packaged in plastics and vacuuming with a hepa filter. 

Some Solvents 

Chemicals in this class are used to dissolve or disperse other substances, such as paint stripper and dry cleaning. They contaminate ground water or evaporate into the air, which contributes to smog. They are damaging to the nervous system causing headaches, dizziness, and brain fog. Just like with other chemicals, even when some solvents are phased out, other more harmful chemicals are used in their replacement. 

Certain Metals 

The four metals that fall into this class include arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium. They bioaccumulate and are found in food, water, cigarette smoke, and household dust. These are particularly harmful to the fetus and during early life exposure, where they can damage development, particularly targeting the nervous system. I was worried to find out that arsenic is found in rice products, which is why I've tried using rice alternatives such as quinoa. I also worry that there may be lead pipes attached to my older home, so I plan to only use cold water for drinking and cooking to reduce potential lead exposure.