CHEMICAL AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES
Products we buy as consumers, use in our homes, offices, cars, and put directly on our bodies, may contain harmful chemicals or toxins. If we took the time to read the labels on every product manufactured, we would see just how dangerous they can be to us.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, over 15% of chemical or toxic exposure work related injuries and illnesses were fatal in the State of New York (except NYC). Even though this statistic does not include New York City, when we think of how much exposure there is to raw sewage, or how often chemicals are dumped in the city on a daily basis, one can only imagine how risky it is out there at any given time.
DANGEROUS CHEMICALS AND TOXINS:
- Lead, and lead paint (***see more information below);
- Benzene;
- Cleaning solvents;
- Paint thinners;
- Chinese Drywall, asbestos, PVC pipes, and more;
- Insecticides and weed killers (herbicides);
- Pet products and toxic birdseed;
- Teflon;
- Phthalates (used in manufacting toys to cosmetics);
- Toxic airplane cabin air;
- Radiation;
- Oil spills;
- Creosote;
- Carbon monoxide;
- Gas leaks;
- Perchlorate;
- Tobacco smoke;
- Welding rod fumes;
- “Popcorn” lung (Diacetyl exposure);
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (known as “PCBs”);
- Toxic landfills, and more.
*** According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, lead was banned from household projects beginning in 1978. By 1986, lead was restricted on the sale of faucets, pipes and similar materials. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, effective January 1, 1996, the Clean Air Act banned the sale of leaded fuel for use of on-road vehicles. However, leaded fuel continues to be used off-road vehicles, that include aircraft, race cars, farm vehicles, and marine equipment.
HEALTH ISSUES THAT CAN OCCUR INCLUDE:
- Chronic fatigue or drowsiness;
- Diziness, disorientation, tremors, or vertigo;
- Bone diseases;
- Skin rashes, irritations, or infections;
- Birth defects;
- Miscarriages;
- Cancer(s);
- Brain damage, memory loss, or confusion;
- Irregular heatbeat or heart conditions;
- Coma, organ failure(s), or death;
