M9.2: Six Classes

Highly Fluorinated Chemicals
It is not a surprise to me that highly fluorinated chemicals are manmade. The surprising nature of this class of chemicals is how easily it can get into our air and water systems. If it is present, it is because of us and we can do so many things to prevent it. I was shocked to find out if children have high amounts of fluorination in their system, then vaccinations are less likely to work. I will definitely be taking precautions by reading labels on products that use fluorinated chemicals.

Antimicrobials
I remember reading about antimicrobials not being particularly beneficial. I didn't know how toxic the chemicals such as triclosan is. I already try to stay away from products that state they are anti-microbials or other replacement products because it seems they are so unnecessary. If trying to wash your hands, regular soap and water works too. On another note, alternatives such as non-silver is used for products in which it is unnecessary. I have heard of nano-silver being used on pillowcases to  reduce microbes on your pillow and treat acne. This seems like a very bad idea because it will just bring the antimicrobial chemical closer to your face.

Flame Retardants
Flame retardants are the most scary of the first three classes we have reviewed. Mostly because it is so harmful to our health and are found higher in children. This prevents us to keep our children safe. I also noticed, many of the products babies use such as baby mattresses and car seats have flame retardants in them. It irritates me that these products even have such products in them and what the use is in having flame retardants in the product.

Bisphenols and phthalates
Bisphenols are the most common and well known class of chemical for me. I was aware they are found in water bottles and that this was why we should not drink hot liquids from plastic waterbottles. I was surprised to learn that phthalates are mostly found in toys and are typically a plastic softener. I am glad to learn a little bit more about the harmful effects because I can be more serious about staying away from such products, particularly for my future children.

Some Solvents
"Some solvents" is such a broad term. Solvents can definitely be avoided since they are typically absorbed by skin or in the air. A lot of these products that use solvents are makeup and nail polish remover. These are products I use on a daily basis! Solvents have so many various health effects particularly because they are in such a broader category. I am happy to learn there are so many alternatives that can be used. It seems that water based products are the most safe choices to reduce the use of toxic solvents.

Certain Metals
I was aware that mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead are harmful to our health. Mercury can be found in fishes and arsenic can be found in some waters, and lead sometimes is also found in water. This is a crazy way for metals to get into our system. I was not aware that some acne medication used mercury. I am a user of these products and have been for years. I will be looking into making sure my current acne products do not use mercury. Arsenic is scary because as a middle easter person, my main food group is rice. I have been trying to limit my rice ingestion. It is hard to know when cadmium is in our areas. I always try to limit cigarette smoke, but I cannot know when it is in my jewelry. Lead is something that is most talked about and has been removed from paint and many other things, such as gas.