It’s no secret that toxic chemicals are all around us, often hidden in cleaning products, personal care items, and even food packaging. While many of these chemicals are safe, a number of them have harmful effects on our health and lead to a range of health issues.
Toxic chemical exposure is significant enough that researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine have highlighted its financial impact. They estimate that daily exposure to PFAS chemicals could cost the U.S. between $5.5 billion and $63 billion annually.
If chemical exposure is so common, it’s crucial to understand how to stay safe. That’s what we’ll be exploring today, so keep reading.
How Common and Serious a Problem Is Chemical Exposure?
Chemical exposure should be a serious concern for the average American. According to Dr. Aaron Bernstein, Director of the CDC’s NCEH and ATSDR, 90% of Americans have detectable levels of toxic chemicals like PFAS in their blood. He adds that in recent years, we have learned that exposure to PFAS increases the risk of many other diseases as well.
Toxic chemicals are a serious problem, and their effects aren’t limited to manufacturing and industries. We can witness their effects even in everyday life at home and at work. For instance, weed killers have been linked to causing cancer, and we all know how dangerous PFAS chemicals are in non-stick cookware.
At work, professions like firefighting are rife with toxic chemical dangers. Have you ever seen those reports about AFFF lawsuits on TV or on the internet? Ever wondered what that was all about?
Well, as TruLaw explains, firefighters who have been exposed to aqueous film-forming foam are seeing an increase in cancer diagnoses. It’s a terrible situation because many manufacturers continued to make these extinguishers while knowing of the risk they posed to health.
How Do You Protect Yourself From Chemical Exposure?
With these facts in mind, it is clear that knowing how to protect yourself ought to be a top priority. You might think it just takes common sense, but there are a number of aspects that most people still overlook. In this context, let’s look at three steps you can take from today.
Start Looking for Safer Alternatives Wherever Possible
One of the most effective ways to avoid harmful chemicals is by choosing non-toxic or less hazardous products. You don’t need to change everything at once because even gradual switches to safer alternatives can make a significant difference. With cleaning products, many of them contain chemicals and contribute to long-term health risks. Instead of using these harsh chemicals, consider switching to natural alternatives.
This may include vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice. You can also purchase products that are labeled as non-toxic and free from phthalates and parabens. Similarly, with personal care products, try to research the ingredients in them. You want to stay away from synthetic fragrances, parabens, or sulfates, which are known to disrupt hormones and cause allergic reactions.
Parabens are widely used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products. They have been detected in human urine and breast tissue and raise concerns because of their ability to mimic estrogen in the body. This mimicry can disrupt normal hormonal functions and has been linked to reproductive health issues. Avoid!
If You Have to Use Chemicals, Learn How to Properly Store Them
For some reason, people tend to be disturbingly lax when it comes to storing dangerous and toxic chemicals. There are essentially three key factors to keep in mind when storing them. They are location, containment, and regular checks. So many people transfer chemicals into secondary containers, but this has huge risks.
Since 2021, there have been over 825 hazardous chemical incidents, with 270 happening in 2023. Chemical mishandling incidents and injuries from exposure in a work setting show even higher figures.
According to data from the National Safety Council, exposure to harmful substances or environments led to 658,240 nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2021-2022. Many of these incidents prove to be fatal as well, with over 839 deaths being related to such exposures.
Original containers come with labels that provide crucial information about the chemical, including its name, concentration, hazards, and handling instructions. This information is vital for safe handling and emergency response.
For instance, storing chemicals in their original packaging lets you know when they expire. This allows you to preserve their integrity over time. There are chemicals that can degrade to unstable forms, such as peroxide formers, and shouldn’t be stored beyond a certain date.
If you transfer these chemicals to an unmarked bottle and forget to note the expiry date, that can be dangerous to whoever uses it next.
Be Extra Careful With Backyard Gardening
Tending to a home garden can be a fulfilling experience for a lot of people. However, it is easy to unknowingly expose yourself to harmful substances found in soil, fertilizers, pesticides, and the like.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, over 20 million Americans decided to dabble in creating a vegetable garden for the first time. This trend has ended up contributing to increasing demand for pesticides as gardening activities continue to grow in popularity.
Before planting, consider testing your soil for contaminants such as heavy metals or pesticides that may have accumulated over time. This is especially important in urban areas where soil may be more likely to be contaminated.
Moreover, whenever possible, opt for organic gardening practices that minimize or eliminate the need for synthetic chemicals. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies can help control pests with minimal chemical use by utilizing natural predators instead of relying solely on pesticides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 symptoms of chemical exposure?
Exposure to toxic chemicals can manifest in various symptoms, depending on the type and level of exposure. These include respiratory issues, such as coughing or wheezing. Skin irritation such as rashes or itching. Headaches and dizziness can also occur along with neurological symptoms like fatigue and memory loss.
What is the most common type of chemical exposure?
The most common type of chemical exposure in daily life is inhalation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They are found in household products like paints, cleaning agents, air fresheners, and even furniture. VOCs are gases released from these materials, and continuous exposure to high levels can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues.
How do you treat chemical exposure?
Treat chemical exposure by removing the source, flushing affected areas with water, and seeking medical help immediately. For inhalation, move to fresh air; for skin contact, wash thoroughly. Call poison control for ingestion or more guidance and always follow up with medical care for long-term effects.
To summarize, staying safe from chemical exposure is something people need to start taking more seriously. The easy access to toxic chemicals in everyday life makes people underestimate how dangerous they can be. After all, if you can buy something at a local hardware store, how risky can it be, right?
Unfortunately, many people have had that question answered with serious injuries and health risks. Be responsible and keep yourself safe.
