Chemicals in plastics and other products seem harmless, but mounting evidence links them to health problems — and Washington lacks the power to protect us.
With so many scary-sounding, potentially toxic compounds turning up in our household products, it's hard to know which agents are really worth worrying about. Here is a guide to some of the most commonly found toxins:
Bisphenol A (BPA):
What It Is: A chemical used in plastic production.
Found In: Water bottles, baby bottles, plastic wraps, food packaging.
Health Hazards: The government's National Toxicology Program has concluded that there is some concern about brain and behavioral effects on fetuses and young children at current exposure levels.
What You Should Know: Switch to glass products when possible.
Flouride:
What It Is: A form of the basic element fluorine.
Found In: Toothpaste, tap water.
Health Hazards: Neurotoxic and potentially tumorigenic if swallowed. The American Dental Association advises that children under 2 not use fluoride toothpaste.
What You Should Know: Government studies support current fluoride levels in tap water, but studies on long-term exposure and cancers are ongoing.
Phthalates:
What They Are: Chemicals that give plastic its resilience and flexibility.
Found In: Toys, raincoats, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, detergents, food packaging, shampoos.
Health Hazards: Animal studies show reduced sperm counts and reproductive abnormalities. There is evidence of a link to liver cancer in humans.
What You Should Know: Congress passed legislation in 2008 to ban six phthalates from toys and cosmetics.
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA):
What It Is: A component of Teflon nonstick coatings.
Found In: Tap water, nonstick pots and pans.
Health Hazards: Has been found to cause hormone disruption and reproductive abnormalities in animal and human studies.
What You Should Know: The EPA is urging makers to stop using PFOA by 2015. Until then, avoid heating empty Teflon cookware to high temperatures.
Perchlorate:
What It Is: An oxidant in rocket fuel.
Found In: Drinking water, soil, some vegetables.
Health Hazards: Disrupts thyroid's hormone production.
What You Should Know: Environmental groups are urging the government to lower perchlorate levels in drinking water.
Decabromodiphenyl Ether (DECA):
What It Is: A flame retardant.
Found In: Electronics, furniture, carpets.
Health Hazards: Permanent learning and memory deficits, hearing defects, decreased sperm count in animals.
What You Should Know: Following EPA advice, the industry began phasing out the chemical in December 2009.
Asbestos:
What It Is: A naturally occurring fibrous mineral.
Found In: Housing insulation, drywall, artificial fireplace logs, toys.
Health Hazard: Mesothelioma, a fatal cancer.
What You Should Know: Asbestos in products is not always labeled, and while most manufacturers have abandoned it or reduced its levels, it's still not banned by the U.S. government.
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