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Learn about the health effects of some chemicals lurking in consumer products and share with a friend!

Harmful chemicals are present in many daily use items such as personal care and cosmetic products, fragrances, household cleaning products, furniture, electronics, mattresses, carpets, wires, textiles, lighting, kitchen utensils and pots, food storage containers, clothes, office supplies, toys... What’s more, they are rarely on the product labels; or the label has many chemicals listed, and it’s hard to know which may be harmful. Here are some examples of chemicals about which there is significant concern, and which can be present in consumer products.

[Download this information on printable form - coming soon]. (Table with chemical, properties, health effects, products / uses.)

Examples of chemicals in consumer products that are often not on the label!

Phthalates - - - Brominated flame retardants - - - Perfluorinated chemicals - - - Bisphenol-A

Phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP) Di-ethylhexyl phthalate; dibutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate
Properties Health effects* Products
toxic to reproduction may be related to problems with children’s reproductive system, may disrupt hormone system cosmetics, shampoos, moisturisers, fragrances, some older children’s toys (not in newer toys), textiles, carpets, furniture, plastic packaging, car interiors, baby changing mattresses, flooring, shower curtains and other items from polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Copyright © freerangestock Copyright © freerangestock
Brominated flame retardants (Deca BDE, Penta BDE, HBCDD) Deca / Penta bromodiphenyl ether, hexabromocyclodedecane
Properties Health effects* Products
resist breaking down in environment (persistent), can build up in the body (bioaccumulative), may be toxic may have negative effects on liver, brain, and nervous system, some may disrupt hormone system mattresses, carpets, sofas and soft furniture, textiles (curtains, seat covers, etc) and clothing (some kids’ pyjamas), electrical goods (computer housings, laptops, mobile phones, TVs, DVDs), irons, lighting
Copyright © freerangestock Copyright © freerangestock
Perfluorinated chemicals (PFOA, PFOSA, PFOS) Perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonamide, perfluorooctane sulfonate
Properties Health effects* Products
resists breaking down (persistent); can build up in the blood and the liver (bioaccumulative), may be toxic may cause developmental defects, damage the immune system, interfere with thyroid hormone non-stick cookware (PFOA used in manufacture), outdoor water repellent clothing, food containers; carpets, upholstery

Copyright © freerangestock

Bisphenol-A (BPA)
Properties Health effects* Products
may disrupt hormone system, immune system may damage male reproductive system; may increase risks for some cancers; may lead to obesity, insulin resistance, polycystic ovarian disease, miscarriage baby bottles, water bottles, linings of food and drink cans, dental fillings and sealants, electrical and electronic goods
Can

* as found in tests on animals, which is a standard way to determine which chemicals are harmful for humans and need to be strictly controlled or banned.

Pictures were kindly provide by the Freerange Stock.



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