Chemicals that are toxic to humans (and probably animals too!)

BPA-free plastic bottles have been on the market since 2008

Why should people be concerned about the synthetic chemicals that surround us? As our exposure to synthetic chemicals becomes more widespread, scientific evidence is linking these chemicals to human disease. Last year Canada’s Environmental Defence group released a report that involved testing the umbilical cord of three newborns for the presence of 310 synthetic chemicals. 137 different chemicals, including DDT, PCBs and flame retardants, were detected in the three newborns. This shows that Canadian children are starting life with poisons in their systems!

In order to consciously avoid ingesting poisons, we need to become aware of what to look for in the products we buy. There are over 8,000 synthetic chemicals in commerce today but the following is a list of some of the more common ones and where they are found.

• Bisphenol A (BPA) - found in certain plastics
• Thryoid toxin triclosan – toothpaste, numerous other personal care products, footwear               -used as an antibacterial agent in a host of products
• Aluminum – antiperspirants, cookware
• Mercury – fish and dental amalgams and as a preservative in vaccines
• Paraben - cosmetics
• Phthalates – cosmetics, especially high levels are found in perfume (there are many types of phthalates which are found in dozens of products)
• DDT – a pesticide
• Polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs) - electrical equipment, heat exchangers, hydraulic systems
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – rich in phthalates, is found in flooring, pipes, toys, school supplies, shower curtains and packaging
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) – flame retardants, specifically the brominated kind, are in a wide range of common products: building materials, electronics, furnishings, road vehicles and airplanes, plastics, polyurethane foams and textiles
• V6 – a newer flame retardant found in baby foam products and household and automobile dust
• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) also known as C8 – used to make Teflon and other non-stick coatings in cookware

While some of these chemicals are banned in Canada, most are not, and those that are continue to have an impact on the environment and our health. While this list is not easily memorized, it is my hope that you can become familiar enough with these chemicals to avoid them when you see them. And further, to investigate what is contained in items that you intend to buy which could contain harmful chemicals.