Toxins are all around us and according to research; many chemicals
in everyday products, can put our health at risk by creating problems, from
infertility and birth defects to certain types of diseases. Here, we shall go
through a list of the 10 harmful toxins which are usually found in our common
household products. (Winter, 2007)
1. Carbon Tetrachloride
Carbon tetrachloride is used to make chlorofluorocarbon
propellants and refrigerants. It is also used as a fire extinguisher and as a
solvent for rubber cement, soaps and insecticides etc. Carbon tetrachloride has
been found in many drinking water sources and is primarily caused by the discharge
from chemical plants. Many water supplies have been tainted by carbon
tetrachloride which is known to cause health issues as liver problems and kidney
failure. (NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, 2015)
2. Phthalates
Phthalates are used in cosmetics and personal care products
which include perfume, soap, nail polish, skin moisturizers, shampoo and hair
spray. For consumer products, they are used in wall paper, vinyl toys and
blinds, shower curtains, food packaging and plastic wrap. As they are used in
food packaging, phthalates can be consumed by humans through eating from the
plastic container or wrap. Similarly, children are exposed to this when they
play or chew on plastic toys. According to study, exposure to phthalates can cause
some adverse effects to the reproductive system.
3. Bisphenol A
Bisphenol A is exposed to humans by its use in making
lightweight hard plastics and epoxy resins. It is mostly used to make plastic
containers, canned foods, water bottles, reusable cups etc. Bisphenol A is an endocrine
disruptor which means it may interfere with the production of hormones in
humans.
4. Pentachlorophenol
Pentachlorophenol was commonly used as a wood preservative
in the past, but is now, a restricted use pesticide. It was made unavailable to
the general public after reports of its high toxicity came to light. Pentachlorophenol
can be extremely toxic for humans, even from short-term ingestion or inhalation
and can cause neurological, blood and liver damage along with skin irritation.
Pentachlorophenol is also associated with many types of diseases. (Technology
Transfer Network - Air Toxics Web Site, 2013)5. Lead
Lead poisoning has made headlines over the years, but many
still do not know how one may suffer from it. Lead and lead compounds can be
found in paint, ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, solders, gasoline,
batteries, ammunition, and cosmetics; and if not taken care of, can be very
harmful, especially for children, as their bodies absorb more lead than adults.
6. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Perfluorooctanoic acid is found at very low levels in the
general U.S population because of its use in non-stick pans. This acid has been
known to cause disease in laboratory animals. It is also known that
Perfluorooctanoic Acid can stay in the human system for a very long period of
time.
7. Triclosan
Triclosan is normally found in soaps, shampoos, toothpastes
and other household items but study shows that prolonged exposure to Triclosan
can disrupt hormones and impair muscle contraction in humans and can cause
liver fibrosis and illness in laboratory mice. (Heather Buschman, 2014)
8. Fragrance
Fragrances and perfumes are very commonly used and while we may
enjoy their sweet smells on our skin, we are ignoring the dangers they may be
causing us. Perfumes usually contain more than 300 hundred ingredients, and for
many people, can be the cause of skin irritation, hand eczema, headaches,
nausea, inability to concentrate, brain-fog, dizziness, convulsions, sore
throat, cough, chest tightness, fatigue, lethargy, and drowsiness. Fragrances
can contain up to 100 toxic chemicals in its ingredients. (DesJardins, 1997) (de Groot AC, 1997)
9. Parabens
Parabens are most commonly used as preservatives in cosmetic
products. Parabens have been known to act the same way as estrogen, since they
have estrogen-like properties. Parabens were also detected in breast tumors,
according to study. The FDA however, considers Parabens to be safe for use as
long as they are listed as ingredients by companies for those who want to avoid
them and if they are kept within the limit set by the FDA.
10. Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is an organic compound mostly found in sunscreens.
Oxybenzone is used for its ability to absorb UV-A ultraviolet rays. Research on
animals showed that the chemicals in some sunscreens may cause health problems
when they penetrate into the skin.
Bibliography
de Groot AC, F. P. (1997, February). Adverse
reactions to fragrances. A clinical review. Retrieved May 5, 2015, from
US National Library of Medicine: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9062742
DesJardins, A.
(1997). Sweet Poison: What Your Nose Can't Tell You About The Dangers of
Perfume. Retrieved May 5, 2015, from Health and Environment Resource
Center: http://www.herc.org/news/perfume/sweet_poison.htm
Heather Buschman, P.
(2014, November 13). The Dirty Side of Soap. Retrieved May 5, 2015,
from UC San Diego Health System: http://health.ucsd.edu/news/releases/pages/2014-11-17-dirty-side-of-soap.aspx
NIOSH Pocket Guide
to Chemical Hazards. (2015,
February 13). Retrieved May 5, 2015, from CDC Home:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0107.html
Services, U. D.
(2014). Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental
Chemicals. Atlanta: Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Technology
Transfer Network - Air Toxics Web Site. (2013, October 18). Retrieved May 5, 2015, from United States
Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/hlthef/pentachl.html
Winter, R. (2007). A
Consumer's Dictionary of Household, Yard and Office Chemicals:. ASJA
Press.
