It’s easy to assume that everything that you can get from a supermarket, pharmacy or doctor is good for your health and couldn’t be harmful to your body; however, every day the average person is exposed to chemicals through food, cosmetics and the general environment. Whilst many substances are regulated for safety, research has shown that one commonly used chemical can have harmful effects on human health when exposed frequently or for a prolonged amount of time. Understanding these substances and where they appear in daily life can help individuals make safer choices to reduce potential health risks and live a healthier and longer life.
So, if you would like to make some small changes to your life to ensure that you’re looking out for your and your family’s health, here are some chemicals that we are exposed to daily, how they are harmful and how to make switches to protect your health.
Bisphenol A or BPA
One of the most widely discussed harmful chemicals is Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, which is a compound used in plastics and especially food packaging. Some studies have linked BPA exposure to hormone disruptions for both men and women, as it can mimic estrogen in the body. When this chemical interferes with the endocrine system is can cause issue switch reproduction, leading to developmental problems in children and has possible links to certain cancers developing within the body. Although some products try to avoid this chemical, advertising themselves as BPA-free, some of the replacement chemicals used can have similar effects.
What to do: To avoid BPAs, the best practice to implement is to avoid plastic food packaging and containers where possible. This could mean bringing your own glass containers to fill at supermarkets or switching to your local butcher, baker or grocer to avoid plastic. Buying from local businesses and local produce can also reduce the chance of consuming other chemicals, such as steroids in meat or pesticides in fruit and veg.
Phthalates in personal care
Another group of chemicals that often raise concerns are phthalates, which are often used to make plastics more flexible in personal care products, fragrances and packaging. These chemicals can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact, which is why they’re often found in moisturisers and perfumes. Some studies have associated them with fertility problems, which is especially concerning as they are usually found in women’s beauty and care products and also developmental issues in younger children. Most of the time consumer have no idea about these chemicals as they are not labelled on product packaging, on items that are used every day, sometimes multiple times a day.
What to do: To avoid these products as much as possible, it’s recommended to avoid plastic packaging as much as possible. Alternatives such as glass bottles or cardboard packaging are not only better for your health but also more environmentally sustainable, as they are reusable and can decompose more easily when recycled.
Formaldehyde
Commonly found in building materials, household objects and cosmetic preservatives, formaldehyde poses threats to the eyes, skin and respiratory system if exposed. Long-term exposure has also been linked to increased cancer risk, particularly nose and throat cancer, although regulations are set in place to limit levels in these materials and products.
What to do: To ensure that you limit exposure to this chemical, thoroughly research the ingredients of any beauty or cosmetic products that are listed on the back of packaging or on websites such as Refy Beauty. In addition, if you suspect that your home contains any of these materials with formaldehyde, order an at-home testing kit to check if your health is being affected negatively.