Toxic Chemicals in Products
Toxic chemicals are affecting the every day lives of you and your family, through the products we routinely purchase and use. Here’s some examples:
BPA. Bisphenol-A has been used as an additive in plastics and canned foods for decades. The chemicals leaches into foods and beverages, and then into our bodies, causing dire consequences including hormone disruption and early puberty.
Flame Retardants. These nasty chemicals–and there are many–are ineffective at stopping fire, but still can be found in couches, chairs, carpets, nursing pillows, strollers and electronics. They have been linked to cancer, reduced fertility, thyroid hormone disruption and lower IQ. Babies, infants and children are particularly susceptible to the effects of flame retardants.
Phthalates. Phthalates are often used to lend hard plastics more flexibility, and to serve as an adhesive, solvent or dye in other products. They are often found in cosmetics, fragrances, personal care products, cleaning products, detergents, fabric softeners, air fresheners, pharmaceuticals, children’s products and many more. Like other toxic chemicals, developing fetuses and young children are the most vulnerable. Phthalates have been linked to testicular cancer, obesity, reduced female fertility, lower sperm counts, decreased testosterone levels, premature births and low birthweight.
Heavy metals. Many PVC plastics, jewelry, electronics and even cosmetics contain heavy metals that are harmful to our nervous systems, and are linked to developmental delays and disorders. Lead is still found in many consumer products — even those for babies and children — despite being highly toxic in tiny amounts. As with other chemicals we are exposed to lead in the home by breathing in or ingesting the dust. Low-income families and children are often at a higher risk of exposure to lead if they live in homes where old lead paint may be an exposure pathway.
MARKET CAMPAIGNS
Help get highly toxic chemicals out of the Top Ten retail stores in the U.S. Check out the Mind the Store site here, and then contact KEF to join in on actions here in Kentucky that can help protect the health of our families and communities.
This website is one-stop shopping for all the information you need on chemicals in products, new health research and action alerts.
Lead in lipstick? Formaldehyde in hair products?
No thanks. Click here for up-to-date information on action on toxics in health and beauty products