Environmental and Occupational Health Issues in Public Health

Chemical(s) Potential Health Effects  Dioxins Carcinogen, endocrine disruptor, cognitive disfunction DDT  Reproductive toxicant Organophosphate (pesticide) neurotoxicant, Parkinson’s Lead Neurotoxicant, kidney toxicant, insomnia, impotence Solvent Liver toxicant, neurotoxicant PCBs Carcinogen, toxic to immune, neuro, and repro systems Phthalates Repro toxicant (infertility), testicular damage, endometriosis, endocrine disruptor If these chemicals were found in my blood and urine tests, I would feel worried and upset. Initially, I would look up each of the chemicals to learn about their actions, effects, and their half-lives, and how I became exposed. I would be angry that I unwillingly puts these chemicals in my body. Additionally, I would be worried about the potential effects on my children and their growing bodies. Toxic chemicals can have a greater impact ...

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics states that there are 12,500 chemicals used is cosmetics and only 20% have been assessed for safety. Wow! That is unacceptable. The video also mentioned that products are not tested for safety before they enter the market. Additionally, because they are not regulated, companies can say anything they want about the safety of their products. As part of living in a civilized society, it is the government’s job to keep us safe. Why are there adequate traffic laws that keep us from driving too fast but not laws against industries that create, mix, and package, and sell us toxic chemicals in our everyday products? The power of lobbyists in Washington is real. Industries pay lobbyists to advocate on behalf of their clients to inhibit laws that would restrict their products and resulting in compromised public health safety. Fortunately, there is hope, in our numbers. Like the video, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics said, we all need t...

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Lavender scent A few years back, I read about the potential toxic effects of cleaning products in our environment inside and outside our homes. It was during this time that I switched our household cleaning products to vinegar and baking soda because they are safe and highly effective. Recently, however, the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes lured me by its convenience. They also appealed to my constant desire to keep my car clean, a dream that is regularly challenged by my three kids. The wipes are kept in the back of my car and used for easy clean up messes on the go. When I looked up Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, I was surprised and pleased that it received a slight health rating score of 1, and OSHA stated that they do not consider this product to be hazardous. However, after reading their report in more detail, I discovered that 21.5% of the chemicals found in this product are of unknown toxicity. The Clorox company advices if skin comes in contact with t...