Hello! In this weeks module I will be discussing “each of the 6 half-hour webinars in a single blog post, separating the post by inserting each webinar's title before discussing that webinar.”
Highly fluorinated chemicals
I have learned that highly fluorinated chemicals are found in non-stick pans and water proof items. Unfortunately, many are consumer products that are used on a regular basis. Highly fluorinated chemicals can cause serious health problems and are man made. I find it disheartening to know that our bodies are exposed by 98% to this chemical. Additionally, that chemicals like C8 or P5 can cause thyroid issues, interference with hormone function, and cancer. Highly fluorinated chemicals don’t ever break down! They are found in clothing, non-stick cookware, care seats. I was most concerned about trade secret information not being available to the public. It is crazy to now know that I am being exposed to toxic chemicals that affect my health but am being kept in the dark purposely. I thought that the posed question “Is the convenience worth for harm?” resonated with me. I know that oftentimes products are purchase because of convenience but it is really worth my health?
Antimicrobials
As most of know, antimicrobials are suppose to kill microorganism and inhibit growth. However, antimicrobials are causing more harm than the benefit they create. Antimicrobials are unnecessary and can hurt beneficial organisms. They are added to thousands of commonly used products. Triclosan is a chemical that can disrupt hormones. I thought it was very interesting to learn that it can be found in breast milk. Prior to this information I always thought of breast milk being very healthy and risk free. I now know that unfortunately milk is not risk free. Triclosan has been found in ¾ of US population. I was glad to learn that the use of triclosan was stopped but it can still be found. We need to stop replacing one hazardous chemical with another. We need to read labels, ask for products without antimicrobials, and be more aware of our exposure to chemicals.
Flame retardants
I didn’t know much about flame retardants and their presences in items that we use or own. I found out that they don’t worked as promised. They only delay ignition for a few seconds. Flame retardants can be toxic because they can move from everyday products to our home. They can do more harm than offer benefits. As mentioned, products that contain flame retardants can give off more smoke than those that do not have flame retardants. It was sad to hear that they can be found in nearly all Americans. We can even end up eating the flame retardants. Babies are born with the same amount of flame retardants as their mothers and they have 3-10 times more flame retardants than adults. Flame retardants affect our health by being creating hormone disruption and decreasing fertility. They can also end up in soil, rivers and oceans. Flame retardants are used in TV cases, insulation, car seats, infant mattresses, and furniture. It is best to ask if products are available without flame retardants when purchasing something.
Bisphenols and phthalates
In this video I learned that bisphenols and phthalates are hormone disruptors that make plastic stronger or more flexible. They also mimic or block hormones. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, drank through drinking out of plastic water bottles and dust. Young children and fetus are the most vulnerable to the exposure. Although it is a bit comforting that they don’t stay in our bodies very long. Bisphenols are used in can food liners, teething toys, receipts-neurodev problems. I think that it’s terrible they are being used on products and items we use on a regular basis. Many items are labeled BPA free but at the same time they are being replaced with other chemicals that can be more harmful. As I have learned the best way to reduce exposure is to not use plastic containers for hot food or microwave. It is important to eat more fresh food, and wash hands after touching receipts. Phthalates found in flexible pvc pipes, toys, and vinyl flooring. They increased asthma and decreased fertility in men. The best way to reduce exposure is by avoiding plastic with recycle code 3 and use a hepa filter and dust with a damp cloth.
Solvents
Solvents are used to dissolve or disperse other substances. They are often necessary but some are toxic and can be absorbed through skin contact. I was not thrilled to find out that they can be found in nail polish remover and household products as I am exposed to those products frequently. Some solvents can even evaporate in the air. Many solvents are used is paint strip and can damage the nervous system. They may also increase cancer risks. Unfortunately, the replacements for solvents are equally as dangerous. A good way to avoid exposure is through wet cleaning instead of dry cleaning. I’ve learned that I need to be more aware of they chemicals I am being exposed to on a daily basis.
Certain metals
Certain metals can be excellent conductors, but dangerous. We can be exposed to these metals through food contaminated with metals, drinking tainted water, breathing cigarette smoke and ingesting household dust. I learned that mercury can be found in some fish through the accumulation of it. Mercury can damage the nervous system and kidneys. It is best to choose fish that has lower mercury levels. Avoiding items that contain mercury is the ideal way to go. Another metal discussed was arsenic and its increased risk of skin cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, cardiovascular disease and harm to the nervous system. Unfortunately, babies are most at risk. This is due to baby rice cereal having a lot of arsenic. I would recommend parents avoid feeding their children rice cereals. Cadmium can be ingested by children putting contaminated jewelry in their mouth. Health problems associated with cadmium include impaired brain development, lung and kidney damage, weakened bones and increase cancer risk. The best way to avoid exposure is by avoiding breathing cigarette smoke. Lastly, lead was finally removed but is still found in peeling paint in older buildings. It can impact infertility. Although lead items are no longer in use, lead can still be detected. Reducing the use of certain metals can improve the health of the population.
-Iliana
Hi Iliana,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your summaries of the 6 different chemical classes. From your responses to each video, I think an important topic comes up. That is EDUCATION and AWARENESS. We are consumers are not that educated about what is in the products that we use and how they impact our health. I agrees that we are "purposely kept in the dark" about the ingredients that can be found in the things we use everyday. This is where public health officials and community leaders need to step in to provide community members with the necessary resources to educate them about how they can be exposed to certain chemicals and how they can affect their health and their environment in the present and the future. Look forward to reading more from you.
Hi Iliana,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recap of all the videos! I had already watched them and I knew most of the information, but it was great to get your take on everything. Just like Navdeep, I also agree that awareness and education are the only ways we can get people to understand the dangers of these items in these categories. It's so sad and honestly scary that almost EVERYTHING we come into contact with has some sort of chemical toxicant that can be dangerous to us, or to the animals/environment around us! It's scary too, because for things like Mercury, it can travel through multiple hosts to excrete toxic effects...that's crazy! I would hope that the more people who are aware of these toxicants, the less we can use them and the more legal action we can take to make chemical toxicant usage reform.
Aveena