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M9.2 Blog: Six Chemical Classes

M9.2 Blog: Six Chemical Classes


Highly fluorinated: these chemicals are used in our products to reduce stain and provide water repellency. These chemicals are manufactured and manmade. They are found in our water sources and our home products. They are found in 98% of Americans and can cause a plethora of diseases such as thyroid disease and kidney disease. 3,000 highly fluorinated chemicals are used in our products right now. 

Antimicrobials: Antimicrobials are a class of chemicals that are used to kill microorganisms. They are found in consumer products and building materials. Specific antimicrobials can lead to a plethora of disease and health issues including antibiotic resistance. 


Flame Retardants: Flame retardants are used to slow or stop fires. They are added to consumer and building materials as well to meet regulations. It can do more harm than good by producing more smoke and toxic gases when used to put out a fire. 

Bisphenols and Phthalates: These are used in products to make plastic more flexible. They can interfere with hormones and disrupt vital body systems. They can be absorbed through the skin, ingested, or inhaled. Young children and fetuses are the most vulnerable. They are linked to a plethora of disease such as hypertension and diabetes. 


Some Solvents: These are chemicals that are used to dissolve or disperse other substances. They can be found in consumer products and building materials. Solvents can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Some examples are oil based paints, household cleaners, cosmetics, markers, and nail polish remover. Some can even end up in our drinking water. 

Certain Metals: Metals can be found in consumer products and building materials. Some materials include mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium. Certain metals can enter our bodies through ingesting household dust, and smoking. They can cause a plethora of health concerns such as harming brain development. 

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