Projects
-
Detox Your Dorm
The problem: Dorm rooms are usually small spaces with a lot of furnishings, electronics, and other items that may contain flame retardants, highly fluorinated chemicals, phthalates, and other chemicals of concern. What you can do: Detox Your Dorm! Follow our summary of tips on how to keep a toxic-free dorm
-
Looking Your Best
The problem: Cosmetics and personal care products such as moisturizers, shampoos, makeup, sunscreens, hair styling gels, and shaving products, routinely contain parabens — a class of chemicals commonly used as a preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and increase the product's shelf life. However, parabens have been shown to
-
Flame Retardants Feeling the Heat
The problem: Toxic flame retardants are found in a variety of consumer products, including upholstered furniture, textiles, and many electronic devices. The chemicals, which have been linked to cancer, decreased brain functioning, and thyroid problems, can migrate out of products and accumulate in dust. Originally, manufacturers added the chemicals to
-
Foul Fragrances
The problem: Fragrances are often added to products such as perfume, scented candles, air fresheners, and dryer sheets to create a desired scent, or even to mask other scents. A single fragranced product might contain as many as 300 different chemicals, many of which are irritants and allergy triggers. Phthalates,
-
Dirty Detergents
The problem: Cleaning products are a source of exposure to toxic chemicals. Studies have shown that alkylphenols, a family of chemicals used as surfactants in detergents, disinfectants, and surface cleaners, are abundant indoors. Widespread exposure to alkylphenols is concerning because the chemicals are known to mimic the natural hormone estrogen.
-
Plastics: Handle with Care
The problem: Plastics commonly used in food packaging can leach hormone-disrupting chemicals into food and beverages. For example, BPA is often found in the plastic lining of canned goods, as well as in hard, clear plastic items such as older water bottles. Phthalates are chemicals routinely added to make plastics
-
The Trouble with Triclosan
The Problem: A widespread fear of bacteria in recent years has led to a whole suite of consumer products marketed as “antibacterial” or “antimicrobial.” Today, you can buy antibacterial soap, cutting boards, pencils, binders, scissors, yoga mats, you name it. One chemical that makes these products antibacterial is triclosan, which