Everyday Chemical Dangers

Silent Spring not only brought the dangers of chemical pesticides to the public’s attention. It also made us question the safety of the many chemicals present in our everyday lives.

• How safe are the chemicals in our foods?
• What are the chemicals in our cosmetic products?
• Are there any dangerous chemicals in our weed killers, insect spray etc...?
• How safe are the chemicals in our cleaning products?

 

These questions and many more often go through the minds of modern day consumers. We are more aware of the chemical nature of our modern lives due to books like Silent Spring.

 

Chemicals in our homes

Thousands of new chemicals are released the environment every year. These chemicals are often used to either preserve or improve products in one way or another.
The modern consumer demands a certain standard of product. Unfortunately, this standard can only be delivered through the use of chemicals.

Nearly everything an individual buys has been treated with chemicals in one way or another. From the foods they eat which may contain a variety of different chemicals to gadgets, cosmetic products, furniture and clothing. In most instances the use of chemicals is necessary and unavoidable but as Rachel Carson points out in her book there are some occasions where the use of chemicals as been more than excessive.
The situation is more regulated now than it was back in the 1950s and most chemicals are rigorously tested before they are used with everyday products. But these trials can only safeguard the public from the acute short-term effects of these chemicals. Their long-term effects in most instances are still relatively unknown. Also their combined effect with other chemicals within living systems goes largely untested.

 

Children are more vulnerable to chemicals

Chemical pollutants are more of a danger to children than adults. This is because children are still growing and developing and the chemicals they incorporate into their systems have the potential to disrupt their development. Also children’s behaviour makes them more susceptible to chemical pollutants. They display a lot of hand to mouth activity when they are young. They also tend to play in the remote areas of a house where they are more likely to come in contact with chemicals that have floated in through the air or chemicals that may have bonded to dust.

 

Everyday chemicals to look out for

Here is a list of some common everyday chemical hazards.

• Asbestos
• Formaldehyde
• Lead
• Pesticides

 

These chemicals enter our lives in a number of ways. They can be parts of the materials used to build our homes and decorate their interior. The chemicals can be incorporated into our furniture or we might use the chemicals in our gardens to control weeds and pests.
We have to be aware of the presence of chemicals around us and their possible side effects  in order to protect ourselves and our children.