What are Common Chemicals in Everyday Items:
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chemical we use in our daily life |
9/17/24 by yasmeen
Despite the desire to live a healthy and toxic free life, most of us fail to recognize hazards that are lurking in our homes in the from of everyday objects. Pots and pans, clothes, carpets and furniture that we use in our day to day lives can really affect our health. Okay, so let me to explain you about some of the chemical used in these items, their impacts and how we may reduce our contact with them.1. Teflon coated or Non-Stick utensils namely PTFE and PFOA.
Description:
Although non-stick pans make cooking a lot easier, it contains PTFE or polytetrafluoroethylene and PFOA or perfluorooctanoic acid that causes health issues. PTFE reacts with high heat, thus it emits hazardous gases while PFOA has been related to different health problems.
Expert Suggestion:
Avoid using Teflon or any non-stick cookware, rather it is preferable to use ceramic or cast iron cookware. All these alternatives are safer and where needed, they are also long lasting and capable of cooking food without using hazardous chemicals.
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2. Water (Fluoride and Chlorine):
Description:
Most people add fluoride in to their water in the hope that it will assist them in fighting cavities but if one takes too much of it, there are health complications like the dental fluorosis. Chlorine, this is a common water dissonant used in the preparation of drinking water may cause byproducts that have been linked with caner.
Expert Suggestion:
Purchase a quality water filter which is capable of filtering out both the fluorides and chlorine. Aristotelian aqua WATER DRINKING QUALITY information tip SEVEN – Taking this simple step can enhance the taste of your water and can also protect your health!
3. Food Packaging (BPA):
Description:
Another chemical of interest is bisphenol A (BPA) that is used in the manufacturing of plastic containers and food packaging materials. Available studies reveal that BPA may compromise its container and seep into the food products where it acts as a hormonal substance and interferences with endocrine functions.
Expert Suggestion:
Use glass or stainless steel as the material for food storage. It is recommended not to heat food in plastic containers because it will result to increased BPA dislocation.
4. Clothing (PFAS):
Description:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are usually in water repellent fabric. These PFAS substances are referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ since they do not degrade in the human body and have been associated with numerous adverse health impacts.
Expert Suggestion:
For the best results, choose products that are made from organic cotton or any other natural fabric that is not treated with chemicals. Avoid any products that is water repellent if it has not been proven to be free of PFAS.
5. Furniture (Flame Retardants and VOCs):
Description:
The majority of the upholstered furniture today comes with flame retardants and VOCs; the chemicals release into the indoor air causing headaches and life altering afflictions.
Expert Suggestion:
When choosing furniture look for products that are made from natural materials or have been finished with minimal or no VOCs. Another way to decrease indoor air pollution also is the proper ventilation of your house.
6. Household Cleaners (Harsh Chemicals):
Description:
Most of the market cleaning products often pose a threat to people’s health due to their use of chemical solutions that cause skin rash, eye irritation and respiratory diseases.
Expert Suggestion:
Use water instead of chemicals to clean and replace chemical-based cleaning solutions with natural products like vinegar and baking soda. Lucky for you, you can also get products that clean well without the negative effects on the environment.
Picking up from where we left off from the previous post on chemical substances that we are surrounded with every day, this post delves into more examples of dangerous chemicals in products we use each day and possible ways of avoiding or at least reducing contact with such chemicals.
7. In this case we have the phthalates and the volatile organic compounds or the Air Fresheners.
Description:
The characteristic smell of most conventional air fresheners is made with phthalates and other VOCs that lead to respiratory ailments and hormonal ill-health. Long-term exposure appears to cause adverse health effects if exposed to them constantly.
Expert Suggestion:
Choose natural fragrances such as oils, beeswax candles or vinegar and baking soda mixture instead of air fresheners to get rid of the odors without using chemicals. They also reduce the quality of air in the house when used:
8. Sunscreen – Parabens, and Body wash – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
Description:
Parabens are used as preservatives of cosmetology preparations and are not excluded to interact with the body’s natural estrogen. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a detergent which may cause skin and eye related complications to the skin and eyes.
Expert Suggestion:
Purchases products that do not have listed parabens and SLS in the ingredients list of personal products or go for products made at home using natural products like coconut oil and shea butter.
9. It was also discovered that Non Food Contact Papers particularly Bisphenol S and Food Contact Paper.
Description:
certain non-food contact paper products such as thermal receipt paper contain Bisphenol S (BPS) instead of BPA that has been banned. Similar to BPA, BPS can migrate to the skin and then into the blood stream, which gives it similar health risks.
Expert Advice:
Request an electronic receipt instead of thermal paper if at all possible, or if using paper receipts is unavoidable, request one without BPA or BPS.
10. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) lined cookware.
Description:
Non-stick or Teflon coated pans are fairly common in the market owing to their ability to not stick to the food being cooked but these coating when heated at high temperatures tend to deform and emit toxic fumes. PFOA has also been associated with severe health effects and pollution of the environment.
Expert Suggestion:
It is recommended to use the ceramic, stainless or cast enameled utensils, which can be safer sometimes, besides, they tend to be enduring than the non-stick one. It is also important to note that these materials are good in that they offer excellent cooking surfaces which are not coated in any way.
11. It also contains paints and finishes (such as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds).
Description:
Most paint and wood coatings emit formaldehyde and VOCs, which result to respiratory problems with time and skin irritation. These chemicals can suspended in the air for several hours after application to the environment.
Expert Suggestion:
Select a low VOC paint or no VOC paint to improve the quality of air inside the house. Furthermore, ensure there is proper airflow when doing ‘Do-It-Yourself’ activities and especially when using chemicals that emit toxic gases and always open windows after the activity.
12. Insect Repellent Products and Molecules Including Molecules for Moth Balls and Pest Control.
Description:
Naphthalene, the chemical used in moth balls contained toxic compounds that can cause nausea, headache as well as have long-term dangerous effects if inhaled or ingested.
Expert Suggestion:
Other useful moth control methods which are safe include using cedar chips or herbal sachets to repel pests by using natural ingredients such as lavender, cinnamon or mint.
13. These subcategories are as follows: Synthetic Carpets and Rugs, Benzene and Styrene.
Description:
Synthetic carpets and rugs give out volatile organic compounds such as benzene and styrene that can cause respiratory problems, headaches and other diseases in the long run.
Expert Suggestion:
As for its choice, favor natural materials like wool, cotton or jute for the flooring. These materials are not only healthy for your body, they are the earth friendly and can be easily recycled.
14. Babies Accessories (phthalates, BPA and Formaldehyde):
Description:
Baby bottles, toys, and furniture are among some of the products that are likely to contain substances such as phthalates, BPA and formaldehyde that are dangerous to the infant’s growing system.
Expert Suggestion:
Get baby products which are labeled ‘BPA-free’ and ‘phthalate-free,’ and opt for natural and soft wooden toys or PVC products for the safety of your children.
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