Ben Keningale explores the hidden dangers lurking in the products found in most homes.
Power stations, factories, airports. All major sources of pollution that have damaging affects on the environment. Yet, in our quest to reduce emissions, cut waste and limit use of non-renewable energy, we seem to have forgotten that we, as humans, are also part of that environment.
And even when we are aware of harmful chemicals that could affect us directly – It was the main factor for me when considering going organic – we are still are not seeing the full picture.
The fact is that we are continually being bombarded with nasty compounds everyday of our lives, and they often come from the most unexpected places.
If you take a look in any of your kitchen or bathroom cupboards and you will find what you already know are pretty horrible chemicals. You only have to smell them! But the fact is that there are more insidious chemicals lurking in your home. Read on, if you dare...
Brominated Flame Retardants
Your television, your sofa, even that comfy jumper you’re wearing, could all contain BFRs, chemicals designed to stop your possessions catching light. While this is an obvious benefit, investigations have show links between BFRs and toxicity of the liver, toxicity of the thyroid gland and neuro-developmental disorders. It is also an “accumulative chemical” having been found in human breast milk as well as in animals such as eagles and salmon, which have no direct exposure to the chemical.
Pthalates
Again, pthalates are extremely hard to avoid. They are used to make plastic flexible, so are ideal for drinks bottles and food packaging. They can also be found in cosmetics, insect repellents, wood finishes and lubricants. They are a particularly problematic chemical because they easily leach into the foodstuff they are protecting and have been linked to abnormal development of male and female reproductive systems, cancer and asthma.
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid)
PFOA is used in the production TEFLON, that magical coating that stops our eggs from sticking to the pan. Although unconfirmed, PFOA has been cited as a carcinogen by a number of sources, to the extent that 3M, the main supplier of PFOA, have ceased production of the chemical.
PFOA has been found in the blood of 90% of Americans in a survey of donations held in blood banks. Despite this fact, and the link of PFOA with cancer, DuPont, who make Teflon, still produce PFOA themselves. This is not surprising, considering DuPont’s track record.
Sodium Laureth Sulphate
This is the stuff that makes your shower gels, soaps and shampoos all sudsy like. It is also used as a powerful industrial degreaser. I find it strange enough that a chemical that is noted as a potent irritant is found in toothpaste and baby shampoos, SLS has been linked to fertility problems, cancers and hormonal disruption. SLS is also very cheap, which is why we will not see its demise any time soon.
From: BEST OF 2008: Eco-friendy and sustainable shoes