The Six Classes

Wow! These videos were amazing and have so much information. I really applaud the six class chemical approach for several reasons including that they do not allow replacing one toxic chemical with another. Her example of how the government banned brominated-tris to just have industry replace it with chlorinated-tris, a practically identical chemical! It is also unbelievable that there is no sufficiently governing body over the chemical industry. I am tired of hearing about how industry can just "market" test their products and we have to chase them with data of toxicity years later!

The six classes of chemicals include highly fluorinated chemicals, antimicrobials, flame retardants, bisphenols and phthalates, solvents, and metals.

Highly fluorinated chemicals are found in many things like building materials, cookware, clothing. Ninety-seven percent of Americans have evidence of these chemicals in their bodies! That's insane! They have been shown to cause kidney and testicular cancer, increase cholesterol, thyroid disease, decrease fertility, and cause endocrine disruption.

Antimicrobials are an unnecessary class of products that are marketed to keep up healthier but are actually more harmful. They are also found in building materials, soaps, personal care products and cleaning supplies. Triclosan and Triclocarbon are two examples of toxic anitmicrobials that have no beneficial evidence for our health. They cause hormone dysfunction and reproductive toxicity.

All Americans have flame retardants found in their bodies. That is a very powerful statement. This class of chemicals do not break down easily, travel far, and are highly toxic. They are passed down from mother to child and are found in breast milk. They enter into the body easily and are ingested or inhaled when the chemicals leach out and form dust. They are used in many things including building materials, car seats, infant mattresses, furniture, and foam.

Bisphenols and Phthalates are another class of hormone disruptors. These chemicals are found in plastics and are absorbed in the skin, inhaled or are ingested. To prevent exposure, wash hands before eating (not with antimicrobial soaps), and avoid plastics.

Solvents are a class of chemicals that are used to dissolve other chemicals. In the household environment, they are found in paint thinners, nail polish remover and nail polish, cleaning supplies, and dry cleaning garments. Of these products, I would have to change my dry cleaning habits because all of the other items I use a green chemical option. I am going to do some research to find a wet cleaner instead of dry cleaning.

Metals are a class of elements that have been shown to be toxic and include mercury, cadmium, lead, and arsenic. They are found in several things such as contaminated foods, household dust, plastics and cigarette smoke. They have been shown to cause cancers, neurological problems, cognitive problems, and cardiovascular problems.

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