While consumers cannot avoid all chemicals, they can make informed decisions about common household products.
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More than half of American adults experience rashes or other skin irritation after exposure to common cosmetics, personal care, cleaning, cooking and gardening products.
The chemicals commonly found in these products can be harmful to children and even pets, says Natalie Johnson, an environmental toxicologist at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health and a mother of two young children. But with a little effort, consumers can reduce their exposure to chemicals known to cause allergic reactions, she says.
“We don't live in a chemical-free world, chemicals are all around us, but there are environmentally friendly products available,” Johnson said.
Chemicals in Personal Care Products
Johnson said personal products such as shower gel, shampoo, moisturizer and makeup contain numerous chemicals, including parabens, sulfates and oxybenzone, which are major causes of skin irritation.
Parabens
Parabens are chemical preservatives found in lotions, cosmetics, shower gels, etc. to prevent bacterial contamination. Research suggests that parabens mimic hormones and may cause endocrine disruption.
“The FDA has reviewed the available data and concluded that exposure to low levels of parabens does not significantly increase adverse health effects,” Johnson said. “However, many products currently on the market are paraben-free and may be a good choice.”
Sulfate
Sulfates are chemicals that are added to shampoos to help them create a lather, but they can also strip your hair of its natural oils.
“There are more and more sulfate-free shampoos on the market, and I've tried some bar shampoos recently, and there are bar conditioners available,” Johnson says, “but you still need to work up a good lather, as they don't create the natural lather that regular shampoo does.”
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is a key chemical ingredient in sunscreens that protects skin from dangerous UVA rays that can damage DNA and increase the risk of skin cancer. Research suggests that oxybenzone is a suspected hormone-disrupting chemical that can be easily absorbed through the skin.
“We definitely recommend using sunscreen to reduce your risk of skin cancer, and there are now sun-protective hats and long-sleeved clothing made from lightweight materials available,” Johnson says. “We also recommend avoiding tanning beds, as they have been linked to skin cancer. If you want to achieve a tan, there are many self-tanners on the market that have chemical content information. It is the consumer's responsibility to find out what chemicals are in different products, but these products are regularly tested by the US Food and Drug Administration and are deemed safe. The Environmental Working Group has a long list on their website.”
Chemicals in household cleaners
Household cleaning products can contain chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that create an unhealthy living environment.
“There's a high risk of chemical exposure and it can impact indoor air quality,” Johnson said. “We spend a lot of time in our homes, which are closed off to increase efficiency, and we need air conditioning, especially in the summer, but that reduces ventilation and increases our exposure to chemicals.”
Volatile Organic Compounds
VOCs are released as gases from certain solids or liquids. They are commonly found in paints, dyes, strippers, finishes, personal care products, aerosol sprays, electronics, cleaners, room fresheners, new cabinets, furniture, bedding, new carpets, rugs, flooring, gasoline, fuels, and solvents.
Studies have found that VOCs can cause short-term and long-term adverse health effects, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Additionally, some VOCs have been proven to be carcinogens.
“I don't use air fresheners much because they can release VOCs into the home,” Johnson says. “Instead, I vacuum regularly, change air vent filters, and launder linens to reduce allergens and dust. I'm also sensitive to perfumes and air fresheners, which are known to trigger asthma and irritate the respiratory tract. Personally, I prefer fragrance-free, 'green' cleaning products, or a good homemade cleaning product based on vinegar.”
Kitchen Chemicals
Harmful chemicals have been found in tap water as well as many types of cookware.
Teflon
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are thousands of chemicals used in many products, one example being Teflon, the coating that gives cookware its non-stick properties.
If the nonstick coating on your cookware is scratched, chemicals can be released into your food during cooking. Some of the original PFAS have been linked to adverse developmental effects in children exposed during childhood, increased risk of kidney, prostate and testicular cancer, and immune suppression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention monitors human exposure to PFAS, and researchers are studying these chemicals.
“We use cast iron pans a lot because they're naturally nonstick, but it's hard to avoid exposure to all PFAS because they're found in so many different products,” Johnson says. “Also, it's important to cook in a well-ventilated area because fumes produced during cooking can increase harmful chemicals.”
Heavy Metal
Exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, increases the risk of cancer and other diseases. Heavy metals, especially arsenic, are found in tap water in some areas of Texas.
“There are resources that consumers should consider,” Johnson says. “Public water systems are tested regularly so they know what's in their water and if it's safe. If you have a private well, you'll have to pay for testing. You can also consider using a filtration system with a carbon filter that will help remove these metals from your drinking water.”
Chemicals in Gardening and Food
While spending time outdoors has many proven benefits, gardening can expose you to pesticides and herbicides that are harmful to pets, other animals, and even humans. These chemicals are also commonly used in agriculture, and fresh produce you buy at the grocery store or farmers' market may contain traces of these chemicals.
Pesticides and Herbicides
Pesticides are chemical products made to kill insects and other pests, while herbicides are made to chemically kill weeds.
Several studies have linked use of certain pesticides to effects on the brain, including developmental delays and neurodegenerative diseases in children. Farmworkers and others who use large amounts of the herbicide glyphosate, the active ingredient in products such as Roundup, can develop respiratory problems and asthma.
“Look at the labels, know what's in the products you buy, and make sure you follow the label claims properly,” Johnson said. “Consuming a combination of organic and non-organic foods can help reduce your exposure to pesticides.”
While it's nearly impossible to avoid chemicals entirely, U.S. agencies like the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency regularly review research and make recommendations and regulations regarding the use of harmful chemicals. For added peace of mind, consumers can also do their own research. Johnson recommends the Environmental Working Group, an independent nonprofit. “The group's Healthy Living app has evaluated more than 120,000 products to help consumers identify products that are safer for both personal use and the environment,” Johnson says.
