Some of the chemicals that we take in are excreted naturally
after some time; however, there are some which enter the body to stay and are
not excreted that easily. For instance, arsenic is a chemical which leaves your
system after a brief period of 72 hours. On the other hand, pesticides which
are chlorinated, like the DDT, remain in our body for over 50 years. Such
chemicals flowing through our blood may get lodged in the muscles or bones or
may travel to our brain tissues; they might remain in our semen or our fat
tissue. In all of the stated instances the result might prove to be very
damaging for your body.
Now, there are a large number of chemicals that we are
exposed to, however, there are 5 toxins in particular which are most common in
the world. This fact is highlighted by an investigative report termed as ‘Toxic
America.’ This report indicates that these 5 chemicals namely, bisphenol A, or
BPA; phthalates; PFOA; polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PDBEs; and formaldehyde,
can cause a number of serious problems like behavioral issues, sexual problems
and diseases. Let’s consider the implications of each of chemicals individually.
BPA- Bisphenol A
This chemical is essentially, used to build polycarbonate,
which is a clear, lightweight plastic that is heat resistant and is quite
strong. If this chemical enters our system, it can lead to lower
sexual performance among people. This health implication was discovered through
a 5 year study called the Kaiser Permanente study. It sought to establish the
affects of higher BPA exposure on male sexual function. The study observed
Chinese factory workers and was able to conclude that increased BPA exposure
led to low sexual function in males. This study serves has become part of a
host of researches which have that concluded that exposure to this chemical
might lead to disease, and might disrupt the operations of the endocrine system
which is responsible for emitting extremely sensitive chemical signals. (Li DK, 2011)
Phthalates
This chemical is used to soften plastic and is also used to
hold different chemical together. Exposure to this chemical can cause a
decreases in sex steroid and thyroid hormone levels. It can also cause poor
sperm quality, endometriosis, insulin resistance and obesity as studied by the department of Environmental Health Sciences in the
University of Michigan, School of Public health. (JD, 2012)
PFOA -- Perfluorooctanoic acid (also called C8)
This is used to make a number of non stick, non stain, and
water repellent products while also being used to produce Teflon. This chemical
is known to cause disease and a number of developmental problems among
laboratory animals.
Formaldehyde
This is one of the ingredients that is found in resins and
is used as glue while manufacturing products of pressed wood. This chemical is a proven cause of disease in the
gastrointestinal tract and of the respiratory system in humans.
PBDEs - Polybrominated diphenyl ethers
These chemicals are used as flame retardants and the EPA
confirms that exposure to these chemicals may lead to kidney and liver damage
while affecting the functions of peoples’ brains and behavior as well.
Bibliography
JD, M. (2012). Exposure to Environmental Endocrine
Disruptors and Child Development. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent
medicine , 166(6):E1-E7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3572204/
Li DK, Z. Z. (2011). NCBI.
Retrieved 5 4, 2015, from US National Library of Medicine:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21035116
