M9.2 Six Chemical Classes

The Six Classes Approach identifies the most harmful chemicals. It questions who regulates the safety of chemicals in everyday products. The answer is no one organization, not the EPA, the USDA, or the FDA have the ability to regulate the safety of the chemicals we are exposed to daily.
This approach evaluates six of the most concerning chemicals and asks a vital question, "are these chemicals necessary?"


Highly Fluorinated Chemicals 
Highly fluorinated chemicals stay in the environment forever. Products that are non-stick and water-repellent are made of highly fluorinated chemicals. Some carpets and personal care products also include highly fluorinated chemicals. Levels of this chemical are found in 98% of the American population.
The health risks of being exposed to highly fluorinated chemicals include kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, decreased fertility, and thyroid problems.

Antimicrobials
Antimicrobials are found in many hand soaps, personal care products, kitchenware, and building materials. They are mostly known (incorrectly) as a safer option for most people since they believe they kill germs. Unfortunately, this is not the case. They actually inhibit the growth of healthy microbes. Triclosan is included in antimicrobials and can result in adverse health effects like damage to hormone function and reproductive health, as well as heighten allergy sensitivity.

Flame Retardants 
Flame retardants are used to stop fires, unfortunately they also cause harm. These chemicals are added to materials and products to reach anti-flammable regulations. They can contaminate dust and end up entering our bodies. They can travel far and long. Flame retardant chemicals are found in furniture foam, carseats, and textiles.
 Babies and toddlers exposed to flame-retardant chemicals can result in disruption to brain development. Other effects in adults include reduced IQ scores, hormone disruption, cancer, and decreased fertility.

Bisphenols and Phthalates
The many uses of bisphenol and phthalates include making plastic stronger and are found in PVC pipes plastic products. When we stop using products that include these chemicals, the levels of bisphenol and phthalates in our bodies decrease within a few days,
The health effects of these products include hormone disruption, asthma, neurological development, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and reduced fertility in both men and women.

Some Solvents
Solvents are chemicals used to dissolve or dispense other substances. Some solvents are necessary, but some are not and are harmful to human and environmental health. Harmful solvents are found in paints, adhesives, cosmetics, aerosols, and household cleaners.
harmful solvent particles are absorbed into the air then absorbed through our skin.
The health effects of short-term exposure to solvents are dizziness, headaches, and brain fog, Long-term effects include cancer risk.

Certain Metals 
Metals are naturally occurring in the earth's crust and be harmful to the human body, including damage to brain development. These metals include mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead.
Mercury can be found in fish and high levels in humans can damage the nervous system and kidneys.
Arsenic can cause skin, blood, and lung cancer and is found in rice, mushroom, and grapes.
Lead can be found in paint and dust and is one of the most damaging metals to human health and cause a variety of problems in maternity health and birth defects.

Resources:http://www.sixclasses.org/videos