Firstly, green living is TODAY associated with raised mesothelioma awareness. As well, chemicals create toxins which lead to mesothelioma. Therefore, consumers MUST be aware of toxins.
In addition and in 1976, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) started the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) getting involved. Now they regulate all chemicals in commercial markets and manage the TSCA Chemical Substances Control Inventory. They compile and make public this inventory by publishing it!
However the TSCA still allows 60,000 chemicals still in use. The Environmental Working Group report from 2016 shows the EPA regulates only five of the 60,000 chemicals.
Then In June of 2016 starts the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. EPA now carries out evaluations and risk-based chemical assessments. As well, it now increases transparency and public access to chemical information. EPA also publishes a list of 10 chemical substances for the agencies chemical risk evaluations.
However, in June 2018, EPA stopped reviewing exposure. That’s exposure caused by substance presence in the air, ground, or water. Instead, the agency focuses on instances of direct contact in the workplace and areas where exposure are greater. That’s just so OY!!
Here are three of the chemicals on the EPA’s list.
1) To begin, Asbestos is carcinogenic to humans. Worse off it creates a rare cancer called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is fatal. This is a fibrous mineral. It is in construction, manufacturing and industrial products in the U.S. throughout the 20th century. Asbestos is heavily regulated today. Yet it is not fully banned in the U.S. It is still in some vehicle parts, fireproof clothing, and construction materials. Asbestos is still found in some consumer products, including toys and cosmetics. That’s BAD!! So Bad! Those create further cases of mesothelioma.
2) Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a carcinogen. In addition, it’s colorless and sweet-smelling liquid. It evaporates quickly in the air. Also, it’s in some dry cleaning solvents. Plus also in adhesives, lubricants, paints, varnishes, paint strippers, pesticides, and cold metal cleaners. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s page on TCE states it causes kidney, liver cancer and malignant lymphoma (a blood cancer)!!
3) Finally, 1,4-dioxane is an industrial chemical causing human carcinogens. According to a factsheet from the EPA it’s in groundwater at various sites throughout the U.S.. It is a by-product of many things like paint strippers, dyes, greases, and antifreeze. It is in consumer products like deodorants, shampoos, and cosmetics. A 2007 study by EWG, reports certain cosmetic products are contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. Also traces of the chemical are in food supplements and food packaging adhesives. Worst part, Also, on crops being sprayed with certain pesticides.
In conclusion know what’s inside your products. That’s so you protect your health and know what substances are harmful. That’s the first step. Steps for living well while living green!
