M9.2: Six Chemical Classes

Discuss 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. 

http://www.sixclasses.org/

Highly Fluorinated Chemicals

This class of chemicals are found in a multitude of items, such as clothing, carpets, non-stick cookware, cosmetics, adhesives, furnishings, and more. More than likely, most of us may have an item containing PFOA or other highly fluorinated chemical in our home right now. These chemicals do not break down, which then contributes to environmental and pollution problems. In addition to this, they can cause health hazards. It is important to understand that these chemicals are harmful and know what products to avoid. I was glad to see that major companies are beginning to ban the use of highly fluorinated chemicals. 

Antimicrobials 

Antimicrobials are becoming ever more present in our products. Consumers may believe that they are actually beneficial, but so much antimicrobial use is unnecessary and actually harmful. Using regular soap and water has been proven to be more effective than antimicrobial soap. Even so, antimicrobials have found their way from soaps and clean products into clothing, kitchenware, and exercise equipment and more. These chemicals can be absorbed by humans and are especially detrimental to marine wildlife. Babies are especially vulnerable to exposure by breastmilk. It is important to reform our thinking on antimicrobials and understand that there is no data on any additional benefits they propose to have.

Flame Retardants

Unfortunately, flame retardants have been used so much in our products that nearly all Americans have levels of them in their bodies. As stated in the video, they do not actually improve fire safety and can cause harm to our health. Why do we use them then? They are present in children's clothing, furniture, textiles, mattresses and more. They can accumulate in our bodies and travel up the food chain in animals as well. It is important that consumers try to purchase items without flame retardants and that we develop new technology for an alternative to these harmful substances. 

Bisphenols and Phthalates

Both bisphenol and phthalates are hormone disruptors and may cause a variety of health issues. What is comforting to know is that when exposure stops to these chemicals, levels in the body will go down in days. By taking precautions, we can avoid the use of these products altogether. While it is widely known that BPA is in items such as water bottles, plastics, and cans, it was shocking to learn that it is in cash register receipts. In addition to that, phthalates are used in toys, cosmetics, and other seemingly harmless items. Rather than replace these chemicals with similar ones, we need to avoid them altogether but being wary of plastic use, washing our hands, and avoiding products with "fragrance" or "parfums." 

Solvents

Solvents may be necessary but other times can be very harmful. Dry cleaning, nail salons, oil-based paints, and furniture glue all contain harmful solvents. Even if they are removed, they are replaced with similar chemicals that are still hazardous. Solvents can contribute to water pollution and smog, leading to both environmental and health problems. Consumers should be wary of products they purchase, opt for wet cleaning rather than dry cleaning, use water-based instead of oil-based paints, and choose cleaning products deemed as the "Safer Choice" according to the EPA.

Certain Metals

Metals mentioned in this video include mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead. One of the more shocking facts in this video was that arsenic was found in high levels in rice based cereals. Children are the most vulnerable to these chemicals as they can be exposed various ways. In order to protect ourselves and our children, we must be aware of potential exposure sites. Eating food and drinking water that is contaminated can be the culprit of mercury, arsenic, and cadmium exposure. Lead-based paint in older houses and buildings remains the leading cause of lead toxicity. 

Overall, the six classes approach to reducing chemicals is an appropriate way to attempt to reduce the harmful chemicals found in our world. Instead of replacing one harmful chemical with another related chemical, the six classes approach would work towards eliminating the use of those chemicals altogether. In progression towards a healthier world, consumers can use this information to make more educated choices while manufacturers and producers can learn to avoid using these chemicals in their products.