M9.2 Blog: Six Chemical Classes

Class 1: Highly Fluorinated Chemicals

 Are Non-stick and Waterproof Products Worth our Health

I found it shocking when the video explained that (PFAS) Polyflourinated Substances are found in 98% of American bodies. They are sort of terminator chemicals because they can last forever and don’t break down. These man-made chemicals poison the environment and have been found even in the most remote locations. found in homes. The most alarming thing to me is that these chemicals weaken the effectiveness of vaccines. I was shocked that alternative methods have been found to be no better at protecting health.

Class 2: Anti-Microbials 

Are They Helping us or Harming Us

From previous blogs I understand the mechanisms of anti-microbial agents. They are known to kill good microbes and also prevent the strengthening of immunity. Regular hand soap is said to be the best. However, I did not know the effects of Triclosan and Triclocarban. These chemicals ruin the environment and mess with reproduction and hormones. Triclosan was banned thankfully and the FDA has removed it from several hand/body washes. Again, alternatives like Quats and nanosilver are no better for health protection. 

Class 3: Flame Retardants

Do they Save Lives or Cause Harm 

Watching the video on flame retardants got me thinking on why we use all of these chemicals for minimal purposes to meet a “minimum standards”. I feel like meeting the minimum standards equals ensuring maximum damages to health. I could not believe that these “retardants” only protect the items for a couple of seconds more than if the material did not have it. The fact that it is everywhere in our homes and we ingest it 24/7 in our own homes. Children and women are totally in danger.

Class 4: Bisphenols + Phthalates

A small amount has a big effect

I knew a lot about BPA’s and Phthalates already. I learned from the video that BPA is a hardening agent and phthalates are used to make plastics soft and flexible. I think as a public health professional we can educate our patients about these and actually offer a doable prevention plan. All it takes is limiting using these items and we can reduce levels in ourselves.

Class 5: Some Solvents 

Are they Contaminating The Air we Breathe?

Solvents are pretty much those fumes we use when we use products like paint, sprays, glue, and cleaners. The chemicals are inhaled and can cause pulmonary issues in the short and long run depending on the chemical. I did not know that it actually contributes to smog as I thought smog was strictly a product of greenhouse gases. I was not familiar with the water-based cleaning methods and look forward to learning more about them in the future.

Class 6: Certain Metals 

Elemental Hazards

Arsenic, lead, and mercury exposure are all metals that we all know if exposed to can be of concern to health. Cadmium, however, is a new one to me. It can be found on jewelry and children can be exposed if they put it in their mouths. Children are the most affected because it is used on toys and fake jewelry.