Which commonly used chemicals can be toxic for you?
When it comes to our health, we have to be vigilant. We have to keep track of what we are consuming, whether that be food or other products that enter our bodies.
While this can be difficult in today’s global marketplace, some common chemicals can be harmful to our health.
According to the Toxic Chemicals Act, many chemicals are classified as subject to restrictions, like asbestos, radon, lead-based paint, and PCBs. Beyond these, many household chemicals around us can cause serious health issues.
In this article, we will talk about some commonly used chemicals and how they affect your body when ingested regularly.
1) Glyphosate
In the wake of the Roundup lawsuit, where a common weedkiller was found to be composed of this carcinogen, this chemical has become even more relevant. Glyphosate has been linked to many diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
If you believe you were affected by exposure to Roundup weedkiller and stand to receive damages for medical costs incurred, follow reliable online resources for regular updates on the Roundup Lawsuit.
Glyphosate is the most commonly used herbicide in the world. Glyphosate kills plants by interrupting a metabolic pathway that leads to the production of amino acids, which are essential building blocks for plant growth.
The salts of glyphosate are considered nontoxic and relatively safe to use in agriculture but can be toxic to humans if ingested in large amounts or over time.
In the United States, glyphosate is used on more than 80 types of crops, including corn, barley, wheat, soybean, cottonseed oil, canola oils, sugar cane, sorghum, alfalfa haylage or hay, and grass seed mixtures for turfgrass.
2) BPA
Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a chemical used to make plastics. It can be found in food and beverage containers, as well as the lining of cans.
It is an endocrine disruptor, meaning it mimics or interferes with your hormones. Studies have linked BPA exposure with many health problems, including obesity, reproductive issues, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Studies have shown that BPA can interfere with the body’s hormone system by mimicking the estrogen hormone, which may lead to breast cancer or other reproductive problems for women. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences also found that exposure during pregnancy may affect brain development in fetuses and increase their risk of obesity later on.
3) Phthalates
Phthalates are used to make plastic flexible, so it can take different shapes without breaking down over time, like traditional plastics do when exposed to heat or cold temperatures.
They can be found in food packaging, water bottles, and other plastic containers. In some cases, phthalates are also used as coatings on paper labels and as additives in food packaging materials such as cups or cardboard boxes.
There is no way to completely avoid phthalates because they are so pervasive. The best thing you can do is avoid using plastic containers as much as possible and check the ingredient list on personal care products like shampoo or lotion before buying them. Phthalate is often listed under the name fragrance.
4) PFOA and PFOS
The two chemicals are perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, or PFOS. They’re used to make non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, some firefighting foam, and in manufacturing some surfactants.
They can be found as contaminants in drinking water around industrial sites and are also present on the list of PFAS chemicals that have been listed as “contaminants of emerging concern” by the EPA.
You’ll know if you’ve been exposed to them because they’re linked to health problems like kidney cancer, thyroid disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and changes in cholesterol levels.
They may also cause high blood pressure, but further research is needed into how this happens before we can be sure of what impact it has on our health.
5) Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that has been linked to many health issues, including headaches, anxiety, and depression. Studies have shown that too much aspartame consumption can even increase the risk of cancer.
The sugar-free industry globally is estimated to be worth around $ 17.51 billion in 2021 by research firm Sky Quest. It is projected to grow by a CAGR of 4.5% from 2022-28, touching $ 23.5 billion by 2028. There are a lot of options in this market, so as a responsible consumer, choose wisely.
Aspartame contains two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine. You will find these amino acids in protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, and meat. The difference between these foods and aspartame is that the latter doesn’t contain any nutritional value for your body because it’s manufactured by combining synthetic chemicals.
Eating small amounts of sugar or processed foods shouldn’t cause you to worry about negative effects from aspartame if you’re otherwise healthy overall. But if your diet includes desserts or sugary drinks consistently, and especially if you’re already struggling with any health problems, try to cut out all sources. This will be the best for both your body and mind.
6) Organophosphates
Organophosphate insecticides are used in a wide variety of applications, including agriculture, lawns, and gardens. They’re also found in some consumer products, such as carpet cleaning products, paint strippers, and flea collars for dogs.
Organophosphates work by interfering with an enzyme that is essential to nerve signaling in insects and animals. This can cause muscle weakness or paralysis depending on which type of organophosphate was ingested. In humans, it may also cause these symptoms like muscle twitching and difficulty in breathing.
7) Triclosan
You may not be aware of this, but triclosan is one of the most commonly used substances in antibacterial soaps and other products. It’s mainly found in hand soaps, toothpaste, and other personal care products. Triclosan is even found in some clothing, shoes, and toys to prevent bacteria growth on surfaces.
In addition to being used as an antibacterial agent in everyday items like soap and toothpaste, it’s also sometimes added to household cleaning supplies such as bleach. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved triclosan for use within certain limits.
While there are some benefits from using this chemical, such as helping stop bacterial infections from spreading. There are also many concerns about its safety for both humans and the environment.
It’s important to note that some of the chemicals in this list are not always bad for you. For example, while BPA and phthalates have been linked to cancer, other studies show they can also reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. It all depends on how much you’re exposed to them, whether they are organic or synthetic.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC has a National Biomedical Program through which more than 400 environmental chemicals are measured in samples like human urine, blood, serum, etc.
In addition to the ones mentioned here, other environmental chemicals include acrylamide, cotinine, disinfection by-products, and metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.
It is important to check whether there are alternatives available, like glass containers or silicone-based sippy cups instead of plastic ones with BPA lining their insides.
The takeaway here is that even though these chemicals may be found in many common products around us every day, like shampoo, we should always try our best to avoid using them if possible. There’s no guarantee how well our bodies will react when exposed regularly over time.
