There Are Toxic Chemicals In Everyday Products

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Erica Hartmann, Assistant Professor at Northwestern University, explains that there are many toxic chemicals we use in our household on a daily basis that can disrupt our hormones. Despite the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ban, many brands continue to use these chemicals when they manufacture products like soaps, scissors, markers, building blocks, and even pacifiers.

About two decades ago, Hasbro was fined for false advertising when it claimed that Playskool toys were healthier for children as they contained "Triclosan", an anti-microbial chemical considered harmful now. Latinos Health reported that in 2017, the FDA has banned soap manufacturers from using Triclosan along with eighteen other chemicals used in anti-bacterial soaps. The FDA claims that such chemicals are increasing our resistance to antibiotics and disrupting our hormonal balance too.

According to the Daily Mail, thousands of everyday products, such as detergents, plastic and metal food containers, toys, pool wings, and cosmetics, contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Most flame retardants contain Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) while hard reusable bottles and food containers made from polycarbonate plastic containing Bisphenol A. Disposable water bottles contain phthalate. The EDCs can affect one's IQ and can cause neurological and behavioral disorders, such as autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Many of these products do not come under the purview of the FDA and hence, are not covered by its ban. Several studies have suggested that antimicrobial products may increase our antibiotic resistance. It is estimated that infections (such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that are antibiotic-resistant cause about 23,000 deaths in the U.S. every year.

The research conducted by Hartmann conducted at the Biology and the Built Environment (BioBE) Center at the University of Oregon found that the dust in an athletic and educational facility had both higher concentrations of Triclosan as well as antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria. It is not yet clear whether Triclosan had come from soaps or other products. It could be helpful if regulators enforce consistent standards about labeling practices across manufacturers. Labels should warn consumers about any toxic ingredients that have been used in various products.