Module 9.2 The Six Classes

The Six Classes approach is a program of the Green Science Policy Institute that "focuses on reducing the entire of chemicals of concern, rather than phasing out problematic chemicals one at a time."

In this blog, I will comment and address the Six Classes of chemicals that the Green Science Policy Institute state that is of high concern. These classes are:
Highly Fluorinated Chemicals
Antimicrobials
Flame Retardants
Bisphenols and Phthalates
Some Solvents
Certain Metals


Highly Fluorinated Chemicals
These chemicals are commonly used for their non-stick and waterproof qualities due to their hydrophobicity. A surprising 98% of Americans have traces of fluorinated compounds in their systems. These chemicals are used in carpets, cleaners, clothing,  cookware, cosmetics, food packaging, furnishings, outdoor apparel, paints, papers, protective coatings and sealants, and firefighting foams. The most common chemical is C8 or PFOA, and is linked to kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, decreased fertility, and thyroid problems and decreased immune response to vaccines in children. Fluorinated chemicals also do not break down naturally in the environment. They are difficult to degrade and rid of.
With the advice from the Green Science Policy Institute, we can phase out highly fluorinated chemicals by staying away from textiles and carpeting, purchase cast iron, glass, or ceramic cookware rather than Teflon and avoid personal care products with "perfluor-" "polyfuor-", and "PTFE" on the label.


Antimicrobials 
As I've discussed in previous blogs, antimicrobials are added to products to kill or inhibit the growth of microbes. These are often unnecessary and kill microbes that are beneficial to the human systems. They are found in numerous of objects such as cleaning/personal care products, clothing and linens, and building materials an furnishings. One of the most famous antimicrobials is Triclosan. Triclosan is a toxic chemical associated with hormone disruption. Because of their high-volume use, antimicrobials is causing widespread contamination in the environment and wildlife. The FDA and other studies show that there is no perceived health benefit of antimicrobials in consumer products.
With the advice from the Green Science Policy Institute, we can phase out antimicrobials by avoiding products that are advertised as "antimicrobial", "antibacterial", or "anti-odor"


Flame Retardants
Flame retardants are organohalogen and organophosphate chemicals, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and chlorinated tris (TDCPP). These chemicals are found in furniture, building materials, wire and cables, electronics in order to slow ignition and prevent fires. Some flame retardants can enter our system through inhalation and is associated with lowered IQ and hyperactivity in children as well as cancer and hormone disruption in adults. Some environmental concerns with flame retardants are that they are unnatural pollutants that can bioaccumulate up our food chains. To phase out flame retardants, we must invest in preventing ignitions with other fire-safe products, look for the label "TB117-2013" that indicates the item does not use flame retardants and avoid polyurethane foam in carpets.


Bisphenols and Phthalates
Bisphenols and phthalates that are commonly found in the process that makes plastics stronger and/or more flexible. Bisphenols are present in polycarbonate plastic products (water bottles, food storage containers and packaging) and Phthalates are found in polyvinyl chlorides (PVC) products such as toys, plastic wrap, adhesive, and food packaging. These products are hormone inhibitors and disrupt hormone and other body systems. The health concerns with bisphenols and phthalates are asthma, neurodevelopmental problem, and behavioral development problems. We are exposed to these toxic chemicals through indigestion and contact with food, water, and dust. We are also susceptible to skin absorption as well. There has been a worldwide overabundance of plastic products in our environment. It is an incredible issue that is disrupting our ecosystem in all aspects.
In order to phase out bisphenols and phthalates, we must phase out the use of certain plastics. Plastics should be labeld with "BPA-free" and avoid plastic products marked with recycle codes 3 or 7.


Some Solvents
The major solvents of concerns are aromatic hydrocarbon solvents and halogenated organic solvents. These solvents are found in oil-based paints, paint strippers, adhesives, cosmetics, markers, aerosols, nail polish remover, and household cleaners. Some major health concerns can be temporary such as dizziness and headaches, while some long -term exposure is associated with cancer risk. We are often exposed through inhalation or skin contact. People who work with gasoline and paints are at greatest risk of exposure. Major environmental concerns are the spills or releases to air, soil and water. Chlorinated solvents are slow to break down in the soil and thus contaminating our ecosystems.
Some ways we can phase out these materials are used to water-based paints, opt for OUT of dry cleaning, and use eco-labeled cleaning products.


Certain Metals
Metals that are dangerous for our health are mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Mecury is found from coal-burning plants and can be taken up by and concentrated in fish in the ecosystem. Arsenic can be found in foods, like rice, that are from contaminated waters and soils. Cadmium is found in cigarette smoke, metal costume jewelry and rechargable batteries. Lead exposure can be caused from paints and homes build before 1978.  These metals can cause a variety of health concerns such as brain development, behavioral problems, and cancer risk. The largest environmental concerns are that these metals cannot be broken down and accumulate in our ecosystems.