The terms chemistry and chemicals have become buzzwords that stand for bad, unhealthy and negative things. However, there are also useful chemicals that we no longer want to do without today. which chemicals are actually dangerous to health?

 

Humans have developed more than 150,000 new chemicals. These chemicals can be found in everything that surrounds us: in food, clothing, in the home and, of course, in healthcare. The development of chemicals has made mankind what it is today. This is because the use of chemicals also means hygiene, combating disease and making work easier. 

How harmful are chemicals to human health?

Antimicrobials

The antimicrobial triclosan combats odour-causing bacteria and fungus and is therefore used in mouthwashes, deodorants, soaps and cosmetics. 

In 2007, it was discovered that triclosan disrupts the hormone balance in rats when they are exposed to high doses of the chemical. Although it is not yet known whether the endocrine system is also disrupted in humans, many cosmetics companies have already reduced the use of triclosan in their products or replaced it with other agents. 

In Europe, triclosan has so far been considered harmless, but is still being investigated.

Non-stick coating

Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are used in cookware, floor coverings, waterproof clothing and dental floss. They repel water and grease and are therefore very useful in everyday life. However, PFCs have long been suspected of being carcinogenic. Although this has not yet been proven, it is certain that PFCs are deposited and accumulate in the blood. Whether and to what extent non-stick coatings are harmful to the human body in the long term remains to be seen.

Parabens

Parabens are used in many cosmetics and serve as preservatives. In 2004, the rumour arose that parabens can cause breast cancer. After years of thorough research, it has not yet been possible to prove whether there is a link between breast cancer tissue and parabens. 

Despite a lack of evidence, many cosmetics companies have given in to public pressure and started to look for alternatives for their products.

Plastic

Many plastics, as well as ink and tablet coatings, contain phthalates, so-called plasticisers for plastics. It is clear that phthalates have an effect on the human body in high doses, but at low doses there is still no cause for concern. This is a good thing, because phthalates are very widespread and therefore difficult to avoid.

Flame retardant

Flame-retardant substances are mainly used in clothing and furniture. One group of flame retardant chemicals are polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are associated with infertility and developmental disorders. Many of these substances are now banned.

The substitute tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is suspected of increasing oestrogen levels in the blood and causing cancer. However, there is not yet sufficient test material to confirm the suspicion.

Heavy metals

Thanks to lead-free petrol, lead consumption has fallen drastically since the 1970s. However, this has not yet solved the problem: There is still a lot of lead in the soil and in drinking water, which then enters our bodies with our food. 

Mercury is also still a cause for concern. Unlike lead, mercury accumulates in the body and destroys the central nervous system. According to experts, mercury in dental fillings (amalgam) is not a major problem, as there is extremely little of the heavy metal in the fillings. The mercury content in water is much more of a concern. To reduce the risk, the consumption of predatory fish should be avoided.

Pesticides

Pesticides are biologically active substances that specifically attack the central nervous system. Fortunately, there are strict regulations and controls on the use of pesticides in food. High doses of pesticides in the body indicate a link to brain damage and autism. Environmental researchers are working hard to develop safer alternatives to pesticides.

Burnt food

If the food turns black during roasting, frying or toasting, high doses of acrylamide are found in the food, a chemical that is carcinogenic in rats. However, there is no evidence that acrylamide is also carcinogenic in the human body. One theory even says that the blackish-coloured parts of the food function like activated charcoal and cleanse the body. 

In any case, it is safer not to let the food burn until research knows more about it.