Your Shampoo Could Make You Sick
A brand new study found that over 5,000 tons of 33 potentially harmful chemicals or compounds were emitted in just one state in just one year. It likely happened all across the country, but the study from the Silent Spring Institute focused on the state of California in 2020.
The study explains that volatile organic compounds – or VOC’s – are toxic liquids or solids used in consumer products that turn into gases after exposure to sunlight and air, potentially causing harm to the liver, kidneys or central nervous system. They have also been linked to asthma and cancer.
Shampoo, mothballs, liquid dishwashing soap, room fresheners, paint removers, body lotion, manufactured flooring and carpet are some of the most common household items that could contain these dangerous chemicals. The EPA indicates that the highest exposure is often inside your home, where concentrations can be ten times greater than outside in open air. Among products used on the body, formaldehyde was the most common VOC found in the study. It’s commonly found in nail polish, shampoo and make up.
For products used in the home, general purpose cleaners, laundry detergents and art supplies are the biggest offenders. For more information on this study, and to give you a better idea of the products you need to take a look at, click here.