There is substantial evidence now that some chemicals in consumer products are harmful. Tests have shown these chemicals are in our bodies and some of them are accumulating. You might be surprised by how ubiquitous these chemicals are, toxic chemicals in food containers, toys, furniture, computers, televisions, carpet, drapes, clothing and more. Exposure to these common chemicals is said to be associated with birth defects, cancers and reproductive problems.
Chemical Contamination in Our Bodies
8 Ways to Reduce Your Chemical Load
Organization on toxins
Chemicals of concern:
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
PBDEs are chemicals used as fire retardants in foam furniture, mattresses, carpet padding, drapes, adhesives, the plastic of TVs and computer monitors and other electronics. They accumulate in people and wildlife and disrupt brain development and hormone systems. Americans have a significantly higher concentration of these chemicals in their bodies than anyone else in the world.
source
This report is the best semi-technical report I've found so far
Reducing your exposure to PBDEs in your home
Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine
articles on PBDEs
Phthalates are nearly ubiquitous in modern society, found in, among other things, toys, food packaging, hoses, raincoats, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, wall coverings, lubricants, adhesives, detergents, nail polish, hair spray and shampoo. Phthalates can serve as “plasticizers,” a group of chemicals used to make plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) more flexible or resilient. Phthalates are also used to disperse fragrances in consumer products. If you purchase a product and it says "fragrance" on the label chances are it contains Phthalates.
Phthalates have been found to disrupt the endocrine system. Several phthalate compounds have caused reduced sperm counts, testicular atrophy and structural abnormalities in the reproductive systems of male test animals, and some studies also link phthalates to liver cancer, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control’s 2005 National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. Though the CDC contends the health hazards of phthalates to humans have not been definitively established, for some years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has regulated phthalates as water and air pollutants. source
Phthalates appear to make the overall genital tracts of boys slightly more feminine.
Child Obesity is Linked to Chemicals in Plastic
Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to make plastic containers, canned-food linings and dental sealants. Studies suggest that BPA, which resembles the sex hormone estrogen, can impair brain, ovary and sperm development in children exposed to it directly or in utero and that it may increase their risk for cancer and obesity.
This past January the FDA finally admitted that it had "some concern" about the potential efffects of BPA on fetal and child health; the NIH also promised to spend $30 million on related research in the coming years.
EWG on BPA
Below are links to separate posts:
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - Vinyl
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) - Teflon, Scotchgaurd
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - Formaldehyde
