essay about harmful chemicals

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The Impact of Toxic Chemicals on the Environment and Human Health

1. introduction.

The use of toxic chemicals in any area of human activity or for any practical purpose generates concern for human health and the environment. The release of toxic substances into the environment is a universal problem, common to all countries. As toxic substances can spread through air, ground or water, this problem cannot be confined to certain regions, countries or continents. Environmental pollution in one country or zone can have harmful effects on the inhabitants of another country, who will become subjects of extra dangers and will therefore require additional protection. Environmental pollution generated by the use of toxic substances is of global concern. The harmful impact is often regional. The contamination can result in local or regional environmental and economic damage. In the past seven years, there have been four accidents which generated major episodes of environmental contamination: the marine oil spill in Alaska, a deep sea dumping of industrial waste in the North Sea, an industrial incident which resulted in toxic contamination of a tourist zone in India, and of course, the Chernobyl nuclear accident. In addition to these dramatic cases, there are thousands of other incidents which occur regularly, but do not attract the attention of the world public. It has been reported that, on average, in the past decade, there have been more than 5000 chemical accidents per year in the USA. Eighteen major accidents with results such as death, permanent injury and irreversible damage to the environment were registered in the period 1986-1987. Hundreds of thousands of chemicals are in daily use. Contrary to other techniques developed by man, over time, the environmental pollution generated by the release of chemicals is rising. In the past, many toxic chemicals were released into the environment as a result of industrial activity. In modern society, consumer activities are also responsible for the release of many toxic chemicals. It has been estimated, in the U.S.A., that in the 1960s, 80% of the environmental contamination was generated by industrial uses. Consumer use generated only 11% of the contamination. Twenty years later, industrial pollution was responsible for 9% of the contamination, while chemical pollution generated by use at home produced 87%.

2. Types of Toxic Chemicals

There are myriads of toxins that people are exposed to in the industrialized world. Toxic products are found in our food, drinking water, indoor and outdoor air, children's toys, common household products, garden equipment, and even in birth fluids. We are exposed to organic chemicals from direct use in homes and lawns, through the air, and their movement from soils and outdoor surfaces into homes. Atmospheric emissions of toxic compounds originate from industrial processes, incineration of wastes, and internal combustion engines. In addition, hazardous chemicals are found natively on Earth. Some occur in minerals and are released during mining, as well as from burning coal. Toxic metals migrate through the food chain and are emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels. These materials have various sources and delivery pathways to the human body. Many of these substances can contaminate urban air, which can then be inhaled, ingested in food or water, or taken in through the skin. These contaminants have become ubiquitous in urban environments around the world and, in many places, levels of the most critical pollutants frequently exceed health benchmarks. There is little doubt that some of these pollutants are harming public health because concentrations are higher near industrial sources, within some dense urban communities, and especially inside homes, where most people spend more than 90% of their time.

2.1. Pesticides

The term pesticide is a composite function of late 20th-century language in that it originates as a combination of the words pest and homicide (or suicide). Pesticides constitute the largest group of toxic substances to which humans are exposed in many countries. The number of pesticide poisonings recorded by the major poison control centers in the U.S. far exceeds that for any other type of chemical except for drugs, and only a small fraction of cases are known to the network. It has been estimated that the economic cost due to adverse effects on human health in the U.S. alone is over a billion dollars per year. Other estimates suggest 5-6 billion for the world in general. Furthermore, these statistics support findings that pesticide-related injuries and diseases are on the increase. Pesticides have a very wide spectrum of toxicological properties. They may show either acute, sub-acute, or chronic toxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, teratogenicity, histopathogenicity, or carcinogenicity. The delayed action of some pesticides such as DDT, dieldrin, and lindane, and several others which are stored in the body and slowly excreted, is an extremely important factor which must be taken into account, as well as bioamplification. Widespread concern has arisen from the increasing reports that some pesticides may affect not only the endocrine system but also other receptors through mimicking the action of hormones. The presence of a chemical in the environment that has the ability to interfere with the endocrine system is potentially a very serious threat to wildlife and human inhabitants, particularly through exposure of vulnerable phases of development.

2.2. Heavy Metals

The term heavy metals applies to atoms whose atomic weight is between the atomic weight of lithium and a certain value of iodine. Heavy metals are a group of metals in elements that are known to be toxic for all living organisms. They are found in different types of chemical compounds. Most of the heavy metals have dangerous capabilities and can cause a wide range of toxic effects, including carcinogenesis, neurotoxicity, and endocrine disruption. Some of them are also known as accumulative toxins. The group of heavy metals generally includes both potentially essential elements such as cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, or zinc, and non-essential elements such as cadmium, lead, and mercury. Some of the heavy metals have a very important role in the health of an organism, but the other part of them is totally dangerous for living organisms. Heavy metal pollution is a serious global problem. Modern rapid industrial and agricultural growth, especially after World War II, has released large amounts of heavy metals into the environment in a number of different ways, causing hazards. The increasing pollution trend has threatened the health and well-being of people and the stability of ecosystems because of their high toxicity and long half-life in the environment. In occupational settings, exposure to heavy metals is a problem in industries such as welding, smelting, paint and pigment production, ceramic and glass making, numerous workers using batteries (automotive, electronic), and plating, as well as other industries. A variety of health effects occur with chronic exposure to heavy metals. Metal dust or fumes might be inhaled, or heavy metals might be ingested with food or water. Dermatitis or pneumonitis may occur in response to heavy metal exposure by inhalation. These effects can result from exposure to metal dusts, mists, or fumes. High exposures to certain heavy metals may cause premature delivery and low birth weights. A variety of other adverse pregnancy outcomes have been reported, including stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, and developmental retardation. Lead exposure is strongly associated with delayed onset of puberty. Measured blood levels of other heavy metals are not consistently associated with measures of time to onset of puberty. Lead toxicity in children can lead to learning disabilities. Some of these learning disabilities, particularly those associated with arithmetic and reading, are thought to be permanent. High levels of lead exposure have been associated with decreased intelligence in children. Lead absorption interferes with the activity of essential enzymes. Infants, children, and pregnant women may be at greater risk of experiencing adverse health effects from exposure to heavy metals. Infants and young children may have more hand-to-mouth contact with contaminated objects than adults. They also may be more affected by the same dose of a heavy metal than adults. Pregnant women and their fetuses are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of lead and mercury exposure, and the potential health effects of exposure to other heavy metals are less well studied. However, pregnant women continue to be exposed to high levels of heavy metals and are at risk for adverse health effects, including preterm birth and miscarriage. These issues have prompted determination of the reduced reference doses for total exposure from all pathways: oral, dermal, inhalation, and prenatal exposure through the mother's diet and inhalation. Since heavy metals are known reproductive and developmental toxicants, people exposed to these substances by eating contaminated water or food should be guided to avoid ingesting metal exposures.

2.3. Persistent Organic Pollutants

As noted above, many chemicals may be toxic, environmentally harmful, and difficult or impossible to eliminate from the environment and degrade. Another subcategory of toxic chemicals are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) also known as PBTs due to their lasting environmental and biological persistence and toxicity. The term "Persistent Organic Pollutant" (POP) refers to a substance that is toxic, resists qualitative environmental breakdown, moves great distances in the environment, accumulates in organisms, and is readily transferred up the food chain. POPs have adverse effects on wildlife and both long-term and short-term effects on humans, and have the potential to disrupt hormonal and reproductive systems, as well as destroy the immune system. POPs are man-made organic compounds and are used in, or are by-products of many commonly used consumer chemicals and products, including chlorinated solvents, as well as in the manufacturing processes for industrial chemicals, plastics, and pesticides. One of the ways to deal with persistent organic pollutants is to dispose of them using specially designed apparatuses, such as incinerators. In the past, hazardous waste incineration was the main technology applied for the destruction of persistent organic pollutants. However, it is generally known that hazardous waste incineration has many drawbacks, including high energy costs, emission of greenhouse gases, and secondary waste that still necessitates disposal. In addition to these issues, modern society is also very concerned about incidents due to accidents with hazardous waste incinerators, which can result in environmental and human disasters that far exceed the risks posed by non-hazardous waste incinerators. In fact, hazardous waste incinerators are becoming increasingly unwelcome in many regions of the world. In particular, it has become very difficult to site such a facility in Europe or the United States due to the strong refusal of the local population.

3. Routes of Exposure

In order to understand the magnitude by which a toxic substance in the environment will affect human health, it is important to understand the route of exposure at the population level. Another aspect of exposure that should be understood in terms of population is the frequency and duration of exposure in relation to the expected duration of life, since it has to be remembered that we are speaking of a potential threat caused by toxic chemicals that might occur in the long term. The threshold damage produced by most substances is a function of the dose multiplied by the time duration of exposure. Only in acute exposures does the duration have relatively low importance compared to dosage levels. Routes of exposure identified to date are ingestion, inhalation, absorption, and transplacental. They can be identified statistically in order of relative importance as intakes from water, fresh foods, sodas and approved additives, foods containing acceptable pesticide residues, imported foods, chemotherapy, vaccines, temperate zone air, carcinogenic prescriptions, and occupational environments. Ingredients comprising the chemical composition of most toxic materials are useful in so many ways that it is difficult to avoid accidental contamination. The physician, lawyer, and other occupational professionals may think they are safe from all hazards due to isolated or rare exposure to toxic substances. They are also considering, from this aspect, the importance of each of the known routes of exposure. After ingestion, air is the most important vehicle for the transportation of foreign materials to all areas of the body. Other routes have been investigated as hazards to health but always are of importance if there are environmental portions. All four routes have been related to alleged or proven hazards for both somatic and genetic damage. The lung is the most important portal of entry and widely recognized as a sieve for toxic substances but it is not understood that its absorptive area is about the same as the skin because the average individual has 12 square inches of lung surface area against 15 square feet of skin. Consequently, skin absorption ranks second in importance as a toxic pathway, leading the lung after the ingestion of food and water. Development hazards appear to be occurring only through the two embryonal pathways, involving the maternal lung, the maternal gastrointestinal tract, and ingesting and cutaneous absorption of material by the unborn child before birth. Methodological fallacies seem to be at the basis, where appropriate, of most precautions against the legal liability of the manufacturer in the product liability lawsuit. How can a statistically frequent statistical matter of humans or populations be proven beyond a nondemonstrable doubt to be a noncarcinogen in the human carrying a substance which has been proven by appropriate stringent experimental design to produce tumors in a variety of mammalian species? Knowledge is derived from careful intercultural and interpersonal comparisons of significant proportion of exposure of the human population. The precautions taken to prevent accident exposure cannot be similar to those taken to prevent environmental or occupational exposure. Regulations applied to the manipulation of a toxic preparation already contained within a controlled product are irrelevant when the same toxic substance in the identical elemental quantity is found as the residue of an overdose in food, air, or water. The amount of a toxic substance reaching the body, without the momentary effect of decreasing the normal fluctuating percentage of the internal content by exposure given by the removal of biologic replicable events, are factors rather than the factor of the route to the accumulation of the substance within the organism.

3.1. Inhalation

Inhalation is the major route of exposure for people in developed countries in many non-occupational settings. People breathe contaminated indoor and outdoor air, whereas occupational populations, including farm workers and those who live near chemical facilities, also inhale contaminated air. Inhalation exposure can also result from skin contact with contaminated air or the removal of skin contamination, for example, from laundering clothing. Indoor and outdoor air pollutant concentrations, as demonstrated in heavily farm spray-drift exposed farm communities in the USA, are high enough to contribute to appreciable mammalian dose loading, namely body burden, tissue, and fluid concentrations. When inhaled, gases and particles enter the respiratory system. The latter follows lung tissue scavenge, inertial impaction, and deposition by diffusion and sedimentation. If large enough, material is scavenged and removed via the mucociliary escalator and expectoration. For opposite reasons, consistent with geometrical effects, some preferential deposition regions within the respiratory system exist for insoluble particles, whereas gases are thought to be uniformly distributed.

3.2. Ingestion

Ingestion is the only mode of entry for toxic chemicals taken into the body in food and beverages (except for some evidence, which has suggested that mists and small particles of a few pesticides and industrial chemicals may enter through the surface of the eyes as well). This is the primary mode of mercury and lead intake. Poisons taken into the body in the breath or through the skin can either cause their damage and leave the body unchanged (like using steam or a hot iron to scald the skin) or be modified and detoxified to a material that leaves the body in the urine (like gasoline and paint thinners). This second method of entry for diethylstilbestrol has no parallel for other classes of toxic chemicals taken into the body in food. Diethylstilbestrol can also enter into the body through the sexual organ from which it gets its name.

3.3. Dermal Contact

Inhalation is the most important route for workers, but perhaps the most important route for non-occupationally exposed individuals is dermal. The reasons were given in subsection 3.2, "The skin route," so it needs no further emphasis. Most reports show dermal contact to be less important than ingestion or inhalation, but again this is because pollutants measured are mainly Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Organic mercurials, PCBs, and dioxins are important exceptions whose relative uptake by skin can be important. RPA are also important exceptions whose relative uptake by skin should be important. These are of great relevance to people who obtain their protein from fish. Worker exposure to volatile hydrocarbons is, of course, greater than for the general population, but fisherfolk in non-industrialized regions may be exposed to much higher concentrations when they clean up oil spills from tankers or when they load crude oil. Even in the three northern islands of Japan, there was a significant association with high blood total hydrocarbons in fisherfolk handling crude oil from Kuwait. It has now been shown that Kuwait crude contains large amounts of benzene, toluene, and C7-C12 aromatics, but this was not known at the time of the spill.

4. Effects on the Environment

Various chemicals are used in many economic and operational activities of people. When burned, industrial waste and waste from manufacturing and energy production, if not disposed of adequately, can release harmful substances into the air, water, and soil. Large combustion devices consist of "boilers" (which are fired using gas produced in MT plants) for which specially treated waste material is used as fuel, and they release harmful substances in large quantities. The first phase of the cycle of use of substances entails their production, with the result that substances poured into or excreted into the environment during manufacturing processes as waste are released. Some of this waste is buried in ground disposal sites, but the majority is released into the environment after receiving some form of processing. The emission of such substances into the air usually arouses particular concerns, but attention must also be paid to substances poured into rivers and seas as industrial wastewater and to the consequences of inappropriate burying of solid waste. The aim of processing waste is cost reduction, yet where substances have adverse effects on health, their relay in the ground, air, etc. prevents this objective from being achieved completely, and soil or ground conditions may deteriorate. It is inevitable that human health is the party that receives the greatest impact, but there are also direct or indirect consequences for society, the economy, and the environment.

5. Effects on Human Health

First, direct effects on human health result from the exposure of either consumers or people informed about exposure to inherently toxic substances and then exposure levels. A less direct, but increasingly important, factor is the potential for other environmental impacts to cause adverse health effects in large numbers of people far from the site. People could be exposed to those other impacts, which in turn could affect the human immune system. Of concern, however, is the possibility that any deleterious effects on the human immune system are widespread in highly susceptible segments of the population. A case in point is that a growing body of experimental evidence indicates that animals, including humans, are genetically susceptible to the effects of ozone. This susceptibility would support the contention that such individuals are at risk of becoming highly toxic compounds such as carbon tetrachloride and chloroform. There is no doubt that industrial chemicals represent a significant and present environmental health threat, causing approximately 100,000 deaths in the production and use of hazardous chemicals. Another example of the adverse effects from the release of hazardous chemicals occurs in high-energy and accident situations. Relief funds may be available for individuals who have been overexposed to such chemicals. It is thus the largest chemical spill in history, but also points out that other substances released during high-energy situations can have a significant negative impact on human health. An interesting study is underway in middle school students who live near the Los Angeles Loop, air pollution, and the occurrence of damage to lung tissue and alter the macrophage activation pathways.

5.1. Acute Effects

In order to have a more critical view of the relative toxicity of certain organic compounds and heavy metals, it is necessary to know the dose which causes the adverse effects. This can vary considerably. For some substances, very high doses are needed, whereas for others, the effect is proportionate to the dose received (aspirin versus parathion, for example, or arsenic) and the lethal dose may be much lower than the dose which causes delayed effects (arsenic and mercury). In general, the inorganic elements show overt mortality at much lower levels than organic pesticides, but these cause a greater number of rather subtle effects at sublethal doses. The term "acute toxicity" actually includes lethal expresses as its prominent feature, but also embraces action too rapid to permit manifestation of delayed or chronic toxic effects. Acute toxicity may be exhibited all at once, or there may be an extended period in which the substances are administered in what appear to be "subacute doses." Usually it involves a very high dose of the problematic substance in relation to the tested organism's size. Even within the categories of pesticides, disease-causing bacteria, toxins, and radioisotopes, the time frame allowed for observable evidence of toxic action varies, so different scales are applied to different substances. In addition, data are collected from a wide variety of sources, including human poisoning cases, medical studies, and deliberate animal testing.

5.2. Chronic Effects

Following a long-term exposure to toxic chemicals, a variety of symptoms can occur, including damage or malfunction in different body organs. The term "chronic" is also used to describe adverse effects that are gradual in onset, persist for long periods of time, or reoccur over time. It refers to the situation in which undesired effects develop over a period of time after a single exposure to a chemical or a series of repeated exposures. The critical effect appears when the chemical accumulates in the body at a relatively slow rate and is generally linked with long-term low-level exposures to a toxic substance. Pathological changes referred to as chronic effects develop gradually over a period of years. Such changes are common when a chemical is stored and accumulates in the body. Long-term exposure to toxic substances has been linked to a number of diseases. For example, organic mercury poisoning can lead to chronic effects known as Minamata Disease. People working in the plastics industry suffered similar symptoms. People chronically exposed to beryllium develop a serious lung disease called Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD) or Berylliosis. High-level exposure over a long period of time to certain inorganic arsenic compounds has, in some cases, been associated with the development of an early symptom of chronic arsenic effect on the skin: cancer, benign skin lesions, skin discoloration, and hyperkeratoses (*). In the long-term course of this poisoning, internal organs might also be damaged. By causing mutations, arsenic probably plays a role in the genesis of cancer of the bladder, kidney, or lungs. Such tumors have been found in humans and in laboratory animals. The organophosphorus pesticide parathion has been linked with chronic effects on agricultural workers. Fertility effects from long-term exposure to carbon disulfide have also been reported. Long-term exposure to certain aromatic hydrocarbons has been linked to the occurrence of blood-related diseases and leukemia. High-level exposure to other aromatic hydrocarbons has been associated with damage to the kidneys or liver. The potential for causing damage as a result of repeated low-level exposure necessitates the need for stringent monitoring of workers who may be exposed. The continued exposure to amosite and crocidolite asbestos fibers constitutes a serious risk for the development of lung disease after long-term inhalation (for 10-30 years). These fibers may remain in lung tissue for long periods and accumulate. The fibers induce chemotaxis of leukocytes and the release of mediators of inflammation. This contributes to the development of lung disease in an unknown manner. Non-carcinogenic respiratory diseases that can be associated with asbestos include pulmonary fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, and secondary lung diseases. Exposure to silica can lead to silicosis, lung cancer, and other medical problems.

5.3. Carcinogenicity

Cancer is not just a public health issue, but a social and economic one as well. Mortality and morbidity data demonstrate that the incidence of cancer increases with age, and this increase has complex connections to lifestyle, genetics, and cultural factors. There is no debate that the cancer incidence will continue to grow in the future, but there is broad consensus that a significant proportion of all cancers can be avoided. Increases in cancer rates are contributed to by factors such as exposure to chemical agents in the environment, tobacco use, diet, and viral infections. These factors are often influenced by increasingly adopted lifestyles that are not just modern, but have been engineered by the same economic and social development processes that are responsible for the accumulation of environmental contaminants. The toxicology and epidemiological literature demonstrate that a wide variety of synthetic organic chemicals are known to be human and/or animal carcinogens. Overall, sufficient evidence exists for associating particular cancer sites with long-term continuous exposure to ubiquitous chemicals such as benzene, polychlorinated biphenyls, and pesticides. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has identified hundreds of chemicals as likely human carcinogens, and the SELECTCARE database, containing the results of over 300 animal cancer bioassays at the National Cancer Institute, lists nearly 300 chemicals that have been demonstrated as carcinogenic in animal tests.

6. Regulatory Measures

Regulatory measures are essential to control and manage the use and discharge of toxic chemicals in the environment. In a perfect world, people, industries, and companies would live and act according to their moral responsibility to preserve the environment and ensure the sustainability of future generations. But, the real world is different and, consequently, governments, at national and supranational levels, have the duty to establish frameworks. These frameworks force people, companies, and industries to follow rules and guidelines. In essence, the existence of the framework is necessary to protect common goods, such as air and water, from misbehavior. In the mid-twentieth century, an unprecedented number of chemicals have been invented, and others have been produced in quantities never seen before. Consequently, environmental and health impacts were also unprecedented. Ignorance and lack of information, no early warning systems, reactive instead of proactive actions, and lack of preventive measures have contributed to these impacts. Additionally, the public did not perceive or was not informed about these impacts. Consequently, the institutional framework was weak, and regulations and legislation were insufficient. When pollution impacts began to be perceived, people became more aware of the situation. The result of public pressure gave rise to more restrictive legislation and the establishment of the first environmental agencies in many countries. Today, many laws, regulations, and treaties govern the production, distribution, use, and disposal of toxic chemicals.

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Dangers of Lawn Chemicals: Impacts and Alternatives

Every year, an astounding 80 million pounds of pesticides are sprinkled across the lawns and gardens of North America . These chemicals, which originated from attempts to repurpose gases used in warfare for domestic utility, are now designed to keep our lawns lush by any means necessary. They may fulfill their promise of aesthetic perfection—but at a considerable cost . Striving for the ideal green space, regrettably, often overlooks the quiet consequences that these substances introduce into our environments, and our lives.

In this final entry of our lawn series, we aim to uncover the hidden toxicity of these chemical applications, examining their impact on our health, our wildlife, and our planet.

Chemical Consequences for Wildlife Health

Impacts on insect pollinators.

Pollinators are among the most intensively affected by lawn chemicals, with bees being particularly vulnerable. This is because most insecticides are broad-spectrum, meaning they don’t target a specific type of insect and instead effect any insect it comes in contact with. Chemicals such as neonicotinoids and pyrethroids can disrupt bee learning and navigation and weaken their immune systems, causing death and reducing populations. In addition, growth-regulating herbicides such as aryl triazinones and acetolactate synthase inhibitors can destroy the plants that pollinators—especially caterpillars of butterflies and moths— need to feed on. This greatly diminishes the availability of host plants where adults can lay eggs, severely disrupting their life cycles.

Consequences for Aquatic Wildlife

The impact of lawn care products extends beyond our gardens and into our waterways. Runoff from rainfall, which has been worsened by climate change in some areas, can carry herbicides and insecticides into streams, rivers, and lakes, contaminating them. Organophosphate insecticides, phenoxy and benzoic acid herbicides, and triazole fungicides are all highly toxic to fish and can degrade or even completely destroy aquatic ecosystem health. Similarly, pyrethroids, while less likely to leach into waterways, can still be found in significant quantities in many water bodies, where they are highly toxic to invertebrates.

Effects on Birds

Birds have not been spared from the effects of these chemicals. Many birds are poisoned and killed by eating contaminated insects or plants treated with pesticides. Beyond acute poisoning, substances like historically used organochlorines (such as DDT ) are known for causing long-term reproductive damage, including eggshell thinning, which can lead to population declines and possibly even extinction. Because 96% of terrestrial birds require insects to feel their young, both insecticides and herbicides can drastically reduce the amount of food available to birds in spring.

Pets, Humans, and other Mammals

Mammals, including our beloved cats and dogs, encounter similar risks from lawn chemical exposure. Rodenticides and herbicides are toxic if ingested. For instance, pets and wildlife roaming free on treated lawns can absorb chemicals through their paws or ingest them while grooming. Pyrethroids in particular can cause infertility, damage to immune systems, and cardiac disease in humans . Even some ‘mammal-safe’ pesticides, such as triazoles, can ultimately break down into compounds that become toxic to mammals. Pesticide exposure is linked to severe health issues including cancer—for wild mammals, pets, and humans alike.

Long-term Ecological Impacts

On a larger scale, the widespread use of lawn chemicals significantly impacts local biodiversity. By eliminating crucial species within an ecosystem, these chemicals disrupt ecological balance and stability. The phenomenon of bioaccumulation and biomagnification—wherein chemicals are passed down from prey to predator and effects are worsened further along the food chain—means that these chemicals can remain active in the environment for decades. This has been the case for DDT, which was banned in the U.S. in 1972 and is still found in animal tissue over 50 years later.

Toxicity of Common Lawn and Garden Chemicals

It’s vital to understand the environmental impacts of the myriad of synthetic lawn care products available on the market. Below is a table summarizing some of the most commonly used products, highlighting their active ingredients and the non-target wildlife/systems they are toxic to.

Look Beyond the Label

When selecting products, remember to approach marketing claims with caution. Labels often emphasize human safety and overall effectiveness, but often don’t fully disclose potential environmental impacts.

Take, for instance Roundup , a popular choice among gardeners. Roundup originally used glyphosate content until legal concerns about cancer in humans pushed the company to reformulate. The company advertised its new ‘glyphosate-free’ formulation as a healthier version of the product. However, even this new formulation kills 94% of exposed bumble bees .

BioAdvanced Fungus Control , on the other hand, is inherently highly toxic to fish, but not insects. However, when used alongside neonicotinoid insecticides (including the company’s own products), a synergistic effect occurs. When combined, these products dramatically increase overall toxicity to and declines of bees.

For an expanded list of the wildlife harmed by the 30 most common lawn pesticide chemicals, see here .

Safer Alternatives to Chemical Lawn and Garden Care

If you find yourself disturbed by the widespread environmental and health consequences of these chemicals, know that there are affective alternatives. The first step is to challenge your notion of what a ‘pest’ is. The idea that all insects are ‘bad’ fuels unnecessary use of pesticides, when the vast majority of insects are in fact beneficial.

Natural Pest Prevention

To reduce pesticide use, you can adjust garden and lawn are practices so that chemical control is not needed, or is needed less:

• Replace non-native plants, including turf grass, with locally native species . These are far more resistant to native pests and generally need less care than non-native plants.
• Choose a natural garden design with a diversity of native species. A mosaic of different plant species will both make it harder for pests to become established, and make any damage done less aesthetically obvious.

Natural Pest Removal

If you objectively do have a pest issue, you’ll be glad to hear that there are safe and sustainable ways to handle them. While there are instances where pesticides might be necessary, such as controlling disease-carrying mosquitoes or managing aggressive invasive species, everyday garden maintenance can often be achieved without pesticides—especially when tending to native plants rather than turf grass.

Integrative Pest Management (IPM) is an effective strategy that combines several natural approaches to controlling pests with minimal environmental impact:

• Encourage natural pest predators to visit your garden by installing bird and bat houses.
•  Consider hand-picking or using devices such as traps, insect vacuums, and exclusion barriers to directly remove or deter pests.
• If pesticides are required, opting for a least-toxic alternative can help reduce risk to human and wildlife health. Many least-toxic pesticides are organic botanicals, essential oils or derived from other plant or natural mineral sources. Beyond Pesticides provides a list of least-toxic fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, and insecticide products that are compatible with organic land management.

Read the previous blogs in this series:

• Part 1: Why We Have Lawns
• Part 2: Why We Shouldn’t Have Lawns
• Part 3: Grow Beyond No Mow May

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Essay on Harmful Effects of Plastic

Students are often asked to write an essay on Harmful Effects of Plastic in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Harmful Effects of Plastic

The problem with plastic.

Plastic is a material we see every day. But, it’s not as harmless as it seems. Plastic causes serious harm to our environment and health.

Environmental Impact

Plastic is not biodegradable. It takes hundreds of years to break down, causing soil and water pollution. Animals often mistake plastic for food, leading to their death.

Health Hazards

Plastic contains harmful chemicals. When we use plastic containers for food or drink, these chemicals can enter our bodies, causing health issues.

We must reduce our plastic use to protect our planet and ourselves. Remember, every little effort counts!

250 Words Essay on Harmful Effects of Plastic

Introduction.

Plastic, a revolutionary material, has significantly impacted various sectors, including packaging, healthcare, and technology. However, its pervasive use and inadequate disposal have led to severe environmental and health implications.

One of the most devastating effects of plastic is its contribution to environmental pollution. Plastic is non-biodegradable, remaining in the environment for hundreds of years. It not only mars the beauty of nature but also poses a threat to wildlife. Animals often mistake plastic for food, leading to fatal blockages in their digestive systems.

Marine Life Threat

Marine life is particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution. Plastic waste in oceans often entangles or is ingested by marine creatures, causing injury or death. Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic, further compound the problem by infiltrating the food chain, affecting both marine and human life.

Human Health Risks

Plastic also directly impacts human health. The production and disposal of plastic release toxic chemicals, such as dioxins and phthalates, which can cause cancer, endocrine disruption, and developmental issues. Moreover, microplastics have been found in our food and water, posing potential health risks.

Climate Change

The production and decomposition of plastic contribute to climate change. Plastic production involves the release of greenhouse gases, while its decomposition in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

500 Words Essay on Harmful Effects of Plastic

Plastic, a human-made, non-biodegradable material, has become an integral part of our daily lives due to its versatility and durability. However, the harmful effects of plastic on the environment and human health cannot be overlooked. As we continue to consume plastic at an alarming rate, it’s essential to understand the detrimental impacts it poses.

Environmental Impact of Plastic

The environmental harm caused by plastic is vast and multifaceted. Plastic waste, often not disposed of properly, ends up in our oceans, killing marine life and disrupting delicate ecosystems. According to the United Nations, approximately 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans each year. This plastic waste degrades into microplastics, tiny particles less than 5mm in diameter. These microplastics are ingested by marine species, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification, causing severe harm to marine ecosystems.

Plastic poses serious risks to human health as well. The ingestion, inhalation, or mere contact with microplastics can lead to various health issues. These tiny particles can carry toxic chemicals, including endocrine disruptors, which interfere with our hormonal systems, potentially causing reproductive issues, obesity, and even cancer.

Furthermore, the incineration of plastic waste releases harmful dioxins, furans, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls into the atmosphere, which can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems when inhaled by humans.

Economic Consequences

In conclusion, the harmful effects of plastic are far-reaching, affecting the environment, human health, and the economy. As the consumption of plastic continues to rise, it is crucial to address this issue through sustainable practices, including recycling, reducing plastic use, and seeking alternative materials. Only through a concerted effort can we mitigate the harmful effects of plastic and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future.

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Chemical Pollution Essay

Introduction

Pollution has been a major concern for many years. Despite its tremendous impact on our health and the environment , we are nowhere near to controlling it. The chemical pollution essay addresses one such pollution that occurs due to chemicals in the atmosphere. This essay on chemical pollution will act as a guide for children to learn more about its causes and effects.

We might have often forbidden our children to not touch cleaning agents and solutions because they contain harmful chemicals that are injurious to them. Similarly, there are several dangerous chemicals around us. If their concentration increases than the normal level due to human activities, it leads to chemical pollution. Through this chemical pollution essay in English, children will be more familiar with this rising concern.

Causes of Chemical Pollution

Chemical pollution is a major threat to our health and the environment. We will see how chemical pollutants cause pollution in this chemical pollution essay. Most chemical pollutants do not degrade easily, and the chemicals, fertilisers and pesticides we use in agriculture can get into our bodies when we eat the food from the crops. You may think that the cleaning products used in our houses are harmless, but a glance at the warning labels can make you realise how dangerous these are.

In this essay on chemical pollution, we will also see how industries and vehicles contribute to pollution. Like carbon dioxide emitted from vehicles is a major chemical pollutant, oil spills from ships also cause chemical pollution and destroy our resources. Besides, many industries and factories handle harmful chemicals and a small accident while storing or disposing of them can cost our lives.

As chemical pollution happens through air, water and soil, we must be extra cautious while dealing with chemicals. The chemical pollution essay in English will now discuss the effects of chemical pollution. We, humans, have to bear the consequences of pollution, and there would be many health concerns like digestive and respiratory issues, poisoning or chemical intoxication. Moreover, the presence of harmful chemicals in the atmosphere will also cause global warming and other environmental issues.

Ways to Reduce Chemical Pollution

The essay on chemical pollution emphasises that we can control chemical pollution if we change our mindset. The chemical pollution essay discusses some tips to achieve this goal, and you can practise them at your home or workplace.

By using public transport or a bike, instead of your private car, you can contain the release of harmful chemical pollutants into the air. While utilising chemicals or paints in your house, remember to use them before it expires and give away the excess to people who require them. It is only wise to use recycled products to limit waste.

Further, the chemical pollution essay in English gives some effective steps to follow while in the workplace. If you are working in an industry or factory that handles chemicals and chemical containing products, try not to work in confined spaces and make sure that all the chemical containers are well-kept and sealed properly to avoid leaks and spillage. In this way, we can protect ourselves and the environment from destruction. You can check out other essays on various topics for children on our website.

Frequently Asked Questions on Chemical Pollution Essay

What is chemical pollution.

Pollution caused by the presence of harmful chemicals in air, water or soil is called chemical pollution. These pollutants do not naturally exist; they are released into the atmosphere due to human activities.

What are the major sources of chemical pollution?

Chemical pollution occurs in different ways. Pesticides used for agricultural purposes, the carbon dioxide released from motor vehicles, household chemicals, and chemicals manufactured in industries and factories are some of its sources.

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Free Chemical Hazards Essay Sample

A chemical hazard occurs when a given location is contaminated with potentially harmful chemicals. It can as well happen, when physical or biological elements of the earth are tampered with to a point that normal environmental functions are extremely affected. These harmful chemicals can be constructions and industrial wastes, chemical spillages and the toxic materials deliberately released to the environment.  Releasing toxic substances to the environment has been a way of life for years, but the major problem started with urbanization, that is the industrial revolution era.

Effects of Chemical Hazard on Air

This occurs when chemicals, biological wastes or specific matter are released to the environment whether natural or manmade, to cause harm to humans or living organism They can be in solid state, Liquid droplets or in gaseous state. Effects of air contamination include: High Ultra Violet radiation, acidic rain, enhanced ground level Ozone concentration, green house and increased Nitrogen Oxides levels. The most destructive chemicals to the air mostly when released by Nuclear explosions are; Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulfur Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide and Ozone Volatile Organic Compounds.

Nitrogen Oxide, released from high temperature burning in air, has a sharp biting smell that can cause a lot of discomfort to humans and animals; it is the most famous air hazard.

Sulfur Dioxide, Produced by manufacturing processes and by volcanic eruptions. When Sulfur is oxidized further it causes acid rain. Combusted coal and petroleum contain sulfur and so, it cannot be stressed enough the effect of these fuels as the source of power energy.

Carbon Monoxide is an extremely poisonous gas that is odorless, colorless and non -irritating, obtained from unfinished burning of firewood or coal. Vehicle exhaust pipes are the main and worst source of this hazard.

Carbon Dioxide, causes acidity in ocean, it is released from sources as production of cement, combustion and respiration. It has the same characteristics as Carbon Monoxide. Ozone Volatile Organic Compounds has Methane as a category which is causes global warming by green house gases. Non Methane can cause leukemia if humans are exposed to it for a long time. 

Other chemicals include; Particulate matter, which are smaller particles loosely hanging in gas and Persistent free radicals which causes heart diseases.  Lead and Copper are some of the toxic metals to the air. Ammonia used as fertilizer though beneficial is very hazardous. Radio activity mainly from explosions and natural reasons like radioactive decay are very caustic. Ground level ozone causes smogging.

Water resources

This is caused by releasing harmful substances which are more than the volume of the water. The damage is usually done to the lakes, rivers, oceans and other water sources. This substance release in  water environment whether directly or indirectly results to hazard to human health, marine work and the quality of water. Attaching a factory pipe to discharge its wastes to the water also known as point source and, oil spill are some of the ways of polluting water. In April 2010 Gulf Oil Disaster caused death to millions of animals both reptiles and birds. Water hazard include;

Sewerage – People in the immediate surrounding tend to suffer from water related diseases like Cholera and typhoid. Viruses can be carried down the drain to the environment which can cause severe illness to so many people. It can also kill marine animals if directed to the seas and lakes.

Radioactive Waste – A lesser concentration can cause cancer but in high concentration can lead to death. This hazard is released from nuclear plant which releases its radioactive waste into the water.

Chemical Waste – Toxic metals for example polychlorinated biphenyl’stakes a very long time to break down and so its effects can be felt for decades. So when they are released, one can only imagine its detrimental hazards to the water. 73 years ago a Japanese factory released a huge amount of mercury in to the ocean, which poisoned more than 2000 people who had eaten fish from the ocean. Many people died and many more disabled as a result of this.

Oil – this is caused by excessive shipping and people on the dry land pouring drains and during rainy seasons get swept to the oceans. Tanker spill is also very dangerous. Oil spill is not a strange occurrence since it happened in the United States of America in 1989; enough animals were killed to say the least. Oil spill disturbs the ecosystem and wash up the sandy beaches hence adversely affects tourism. The people living around the sea carry all the burden of the spill after this.

Thermal Hazard raises intense heat thus reducing Oxygen dissolution in the water making the water not to fit to support its aquatic life.

This is caused by dumping home and industrial waste carelessly. Excessive agricultural practices are harmful to land; this is done by littering locations with chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. Wastes from agriculture, mining, industries, sewage treatment, ashes and garbage are some of the solid matter released by human actions. Skin infections, birth defect, cancer and respiratory problems are some of the effects of land hazards to the animals and humans. Plants also suffer when they are grown in hazardous land.

Solutions currently implemented

It is hard to identify contaminated water but land and air can be noticed by even nonprofessional can. Therefore, the first step is to sample the water and measure the quantity of chemicals concentration. According to a study carried out in Iowa USA in 1997, 50% of the well’s water was found to be contaminated with hyacinth, a quarter of lakes were found to be unfit for swimming and fishing.

According to the report released in January 2011 in to the cause of the Gulf oil spill, concluded that safety and regulations were not adhered to. This ended up being blame game between the supplier who claimed that it was only engineering and technical conditions and the consumer claiming safety lapses. Fact is, this was a hazard and solutions had to be found.

Report concurred that, tight regulations and strict inspections were to be carried out for commercial vessels. Tankers in bad conditions should not be allowed to transport oil.  Education and professional training certification was to be carried in the industries. Conditions of the vessels should have been checked prior to transportation. It was agreed that ship movements should be inspected and regulated strictly. They also concurred that the tankers would increase their movement speed avoid accidents.

Deforestation – ‘Cut one tree, plant three trees’ is a slogan by the second president of Kenya; he said this because forest cover was diminishing leaving the land bare, rainwater would sweep fertile land to the lake with all its impurities. Trees, act as gutters to hold water and prevent soil erosion. Mercury emission is prevented by reducing coal burning and minimizing the amount of factory emission that cause acid rains.

In the recent global warming conference, John Gale spoke of “Carbon Capture and Storage: global potential and status”. He suggested that carbon could be turned into liquid and stored underground after capturingit. At this conference, the attendees tried to find solutions to green revolutions. They looked at different ways to avoid carbon emission to the environment.

Technologically, computer and electronics companies are advising their customers to return their electronic after certain years for recycling. There are international laws governing water because, it has no boundaries and laxity in one country’s regulations on its water can cause harm to other countries. Among the laws are ‘1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea’ with over 120 states signatories

In some countries if a person is found littering the roads, parks or streets, they get charged by the council police. Most people litter because they know that the government or someone else will take their mess. By charging them, collected revenue from defaulters enhances economy. If for instance a company directs its waste to the river or if a tanker company fails to take its safety regulations and spills oil in ocean, they have to pay for its clean up services and all the organisms’ death.

Educating people about the reason for conserving the environment is the utter most steps to attaining a clean world. Every person should be made aware that whatever decision they make in the present would determine their future. Education should start at a very tender age, probably at nursery school then children grow up knowing that it is their duty to conserve the environment.

Twenty Years ago Britain youth formed a group called “Surfers against Sewerage” which forced the government to clean up the sewerages. This was after they got tired of walking on sewerage and getting infections from this contamination. Many youths worldwide carry sessions to clean up their locations. There are success stories so far because there are countries that shoppers have woven shopping bags instead of paper bags. Most offices are trying to introduce the green revolution program in their operation. Vehicles are manufactured that do not emit petroleum gases. Eco-friendly coffins were introduced just recently though most people are unsure of using it.

Limitations are general attitude of human beings that, it is the work of the government to take care of everything. There must be somebody to do something so, they usually have thought that even if they threw litters all over, the council is paid to do that, after all they pay tax to gain such services. It is difficult to teach an old dog new trick, if someone grew up with the knowledge that they could eat bananas and throw the peel on the road then that is how they would live. With the expansion of businesses, buildings and the increase in human population, it has been hard to contain and direct wastes to the right channels.

Recommendation

It is up to every person to take care of their surroundings to make it safer for the future generations, animals, plants and the incumbent humans. There is something that each individual can do to have clean water, safe land and pure air. Before blaming the authorities one must stand up and make a change in society. The government should have strict legislative measures to make sure that those who do not abide by the law are punished. There should be no paper bags for carrying items from the shop; they should be replaced with bags that can be used more than once.

Driving cars that exhumes harmful gases should be avoided. There are diesels that are unleaded, which do not cause so much damage to the Ozone layer. There are some items from homes that can be recycled. Litters from homes should be disposed accordingly. Recycling inorganic matter like plastics and glass can be very helpful in the conservation. Teaching Kindergarten pupils the benefits of taking responsibility to avoid situation not be able to play in the future, plays a crucial role because, young children don’t forget what they learn.

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How do I know if my personal care products contain forever chemicals? Experts weigh in.

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

Updated on: August 26, 2024 / 5:14 PM EDT / CBS News

Although the dangers of so-called forever chemicals are well-documented, these harmful substances have been detected in a range of personal care products used by consumers on a daily basis. 

For example, flossing your teeth is good oral hygiene, but some flosses are coated in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as forever chemicals, which can make consumer products more durable. Ample research has linked PFAS to some cancers, infertility and other diseases. 

Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration said it found 31 different PFAS, in 570 cosmetic products, over the 12 months ending in March 2023. That begs the question, "How can I know if my personal care products contain forever chemicals?"

Cosmetic companies are required to disclose their product ingredients, including PFAS, according to FDA  regulations , which state "The ingredient declaration must be conspicuous so that it is likely to be read at the time of purchase." 

The problem is the toxins are often present even when they're not intentionally added in the manufacturing process. Consequently, consumers are in many ways flying blind when it comes to identifying products that are safe and won't expose them to PFAS, according to experts. 

Unintentional, but still present

A 2021  study  by researchers from the University of Notre Dame, Indiana University and the University of Toronto, found PFAS in a wide variety of cosmetic products, including lipsticks and mascaras. Even so, "there isn't a strong correlation between the listing of these chemicals on ingredient lists and the total PFAS content in the product," David Andrews, senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, told CBS MoneyWatch. 

More than half of 231 U.S. and Canadian cosmetic products tested by the researchers contained PFAS, yet most of those products did not list any PFAS compounds on their ingredient labels, the study found.

"So, that highlights some of the difficulties for consumers in terms of completely avoiding exposure to chemicals," Andrews said, adding that the chemicals' presence could be traced back to contamination during manufacturing or storage of the products. 

It's concerning, he said, and sheds light on the limitations of what individual consumers can do to protect themselves.

"It's a place where there should be more testing and regulatory oversight from the FDA of cosmetics manufacturers and their supply chains to eliminate any potential source of PFAS finding its way into the final product," Andrews said. 

Until then, there are steps consumers can take to try to ensure they aren't exposing themselves to forever chemicals that may be inadvertently present in products without being disclosed in their ingredient lists. 

Look at ingredient labels

For starters, check product labels for the presence of any added PFAS, or fluorinated compounds. 

"There are PFAS that do show up in ingredients. Perfluoro is an indicator of the use of these forever chemicals in cosmetics," Andrews said. 

Here are ingredient names to look out for, according to the EWG:

• Perfluorononyl Dimethicone
• Perfluorodecalin
• C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosphate
• Octafluoropentyl Methacrylate
• Perfluorohexane
• Pentafluoropropane
• Polyperfluoroethoxymethoxy Difluoroethyl Peg Phosphate
• Methyl Perfluorobutyl Ether

Ask for testing data

Go one step further by asking the product manufacturer to share PFAS testing data, Amrita Saigal, founder and CEO of Kudos, a 100%-cotton diaper brand, advised consumers. 

"Testing methodology matters, as the reality is that PFAS is everywhere from clothing to furniture to cleaning products," she told CBS MoneyWatch. "So even if you were to open and test a product that did not have any detectable PFAS as manufactured, there is a chance the test results would show a trace amount of PFAS picked up from handling."

Environmental cross-contamination often leads to small amounts of PFAS showing up in products, emphasizing the importance of thorough product testing for the presence of PFAS by reputable, third-party labs, she added. "A sloppy testing company can make it seem as though there is PFAS in any product, even those that don't have any," Saigal said.

Avoid these products altogether

Stay away from nonstick cookware, long-lasting mascaras and some waterproof clothing.  

"PFAS are generally very good at repelling water, stains and grease. Hence you tend to see them in products such as traditional nonstick cookware, raincoats and mascara," Saigal said. 

Instead, choose products made from natural materials like cotton and wool, which are less likely to contain added PFAS, she advised. 

Graham Peaslee, a University of Notre Dame physicist and one of the researchers behind the cosmetics study, urged consumers to avoid products that claim to have a "miraculous property," or are described as "long-lasting." 

Of the products his team tested, about nine in 10 waterproof mascaras contained PFAS, whereas only one in 10 ordinary versions of the beauty product contained the toxic chemicals. 

Peaslee added that larger companies that manufacture thousands of products and have robust supply chains are often slower to completely eliminate PFAS from the manufacturing process than smaller companies. 

"Smaller brands don't have tens of thousands of products, so it's easier to test them," Peaslee said. "The bigger brands are also testing their supply chains and removing PFAS form their formulations, but it takes years to do that." 

Also, because PFAS are expensive, products that contain them tend to be priced accordingly. Sometimes, noted Peaslee, a low price can indicate that a product is PFAS-free. 

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

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California Passes First-in-the-Nation Legislation to Ban Harmful Chemicals in School Foods

Landmark bill would prohibit schools from serving foods with dangerous additives.

• Judith Gutierrez
• Communications Director
• (323) 534-9800
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SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, the California State Legislature passed the California School Food Safety Act ( AB 2316 ) — first-in-the-nation legislation that would prohibit California public schools from serving foods containing six synthetic food dyes that have been linked to developmental and behavioral harms to children.

AB 2316 — which could prompt changes to popular foods marketed toward children — likely would have significant impacts beyond California. Historically, California’s food safety laws have influenced broader changes in the food industry, as companies often opt to reformulate products nationwide rather than create state-specific versions. 

“California has a responsibility to protect our students from chemicals that harm children and interfere with their ability to learn,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) . “As a lawmaker, a parent, and someone who struggled with ADHD, I find it unacceptable that we allow schools to serve foods with additives that are linked to hyperactivity and neurobehavioral harms. This bill will empower schools to better protect the health and wellbeing of our kids and encourage manufacturers to stop using these harmful additives.”  

AB 2316 was introduced following a report by the California EPA , which found that “consumption of synthetic food dyes can result in hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in some children.” The study also noted that current FDA approvals of these chemicals are based on outdated, decades-old research and that the percentage of American children diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has increased dramatically in recent years. 

“Healthy, safe school meals are foundational to our students’ wellbeing and ability to learn. As someone who depended on school meals growing up, I know how critical it is that our children receive food at school that is nutritious and is never harmful,” said Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “AB 2316 is an important step forward to ensure that California’s schools are healthy and equitable learning environments for all.”

The introduction of AB 2316 follows last year’s successful passage of AB 418 (Gabriel), the California Food Safety Act , which banned four dangerous chemicals from foods sold in California and helped to spark a national conversation about the need for the United States to modernize its antiquated food safety laws. Notably, in July the FDA announced its decision to ban the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food following a similar prohibition that was enacted in Assemblymember Gabriel’s AB 418 .

Like the California Food Safety Act, AB 2316 would not ban specific foods or products, but rather encourage companies to make minor modifications to products sold in California and could help prompt a nationwide transition to safer alternative ingredients.

AB 2316 is supported by more than 70 organizations representing doctors, teachers, nurses, school employees, administrators, scientists, environmentalists, and consumer protection advocates. This bill now heads to Governor Newsom’s desk, where it must be signed or vetoed by the end of September.

Jesse Gabriel proudly represents the San Fernando Valley in the California State Legislature.

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Kennedy Says Trump Will ‘Make Americans Healthy.’ His Record Suggests Otherwise.

As president, Donald J. Trump slashed protections for clean air and water and weakened school nutrition standards.

• Share full article

By Lisa Friedman

When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorsed Donald J. Trump last week, he recounted speaking with the former president about “the issues that bind us together,” including “having safe food and ending the chronic disease epidemic.”

Mr. Kennedy, a onetime environmental lawyer and longtime vaccine critic, insisted that a second Trump administration would lead to the elimination of pesticides and other hazardous chemicals in America’s food and water supply.

“We will make Americans healthy again,” Mr. Kennedy said.

“Don’t you want healthy children?” he asked. “And don’t you want the chemicals out of our food? And don’t you want the regulatory agencies to be free from corporate corruption? And that’s what President Trump told me that he wanted.”

As president, though, Mr. Trump ended more than 100 environmental policies , including bans on toxic chemicals known to pose serious health threats. He installed industry lobbyists in top jobs, where they took actions that helped the companies they once represented and worked to gut most federal health and safety agencies.

“They basically did what industry asked them to do,” said Rena Steinzor, who teaches administrative and food safety law at the University of Maryland. She said it was “laughable” to think a second Trump administration would be different.

Asked for comment, Brian Hughes, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, said in a statement that “we are proud” that Mr. Kennedy, who suspended his independent bid for president, had “been added to the Trump/Vance transition team.”

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University of cincinnati, essay 4: the dark side of cleaning products.

Every day, thousands of people use some sort of cleaning product to clean up after themselves and kill the germs living around them.  These cleaning products are often used without any regard to the negative effects they may have on a person’s health.  The cleaners are advertised to their customers as one that will disinfect their messiest surfaces and keep their linens smelling fresh all day long, but some of these companies fail to mention the fact that their products are harming their customers after each use.  In many commonly used cleaning products, a group of harmful chemicals called carcinogens can be found. Carcinogens are known to cause cancer or enhance a person’s chances of getting some form of cancer.  Less severe illnesses can also sprout from the use of cleaning good including problems with the respiratory and digestive systems.  Lots of products that families trust everyday contain the chemicals that can cause these symptoms after continued use.   The cleaning products that top the list with the largest amount of harmful toxins within include laundry detergent, Joy, Sunlight, Pledge, Murphy’s Oil Soap, Lysol disinfecting spray, Ajax bleach cleanser powder and Tilex (qtd. in Veronique Mandal A1).  These products are known to be the most harmful and yet they can be found in homes across the nation since many users of these products claim that they are unaware of their potential dangers.  All in all, everyday use of cleaning products, including Tide laundry detergent, Lysol disinfectant spray, Ajax bleach cleaner, toilet bowl cleaners and ‘green’ cleaning products, can do more bad then good for a family, containing harmful chemicals that can cause different illnesses and forcing the cleaners of the family to turn to alternative cleaning methods.

First, aerosol disinfectant sprays are cleaning products that can be found in thousands of homes across the nation.  Products like these, including Lysol Spray, can be commonly used thanks to its effortless cleaning power.  Busy, on the go families can easily have their home smelling fresher and removing germs with just the touch of this spray. Its convenient use has aided in Lysol disinfectant spray and similar products becoming a staple to a person’s cleaning supplies. With all the benefits to this product, it may be hard to believe that it has many downsides. Lysol disinfectant spray has been confirmed on an extended amount of sources to contain carcinogens, the cancer causing toxins. It can be dangerous to its consumers in a variety of ways.  A. C. Rohr et al. bring up a good point about aerosol products and said, “… some spray droplets remain airborne instead of depositing” (William W. Narzoff and Charles J. Weschler). If these harsh chemicals are staying in the environment, that they were use in, then the toxins will be breathed in by a family’s baby as well as the consumer their self. This will result in many health problems for the family, all from a cleaning product which could have been avoided.  These chemicals are not meant to come into contact with a person’s body, much less be inhaled by them.  Even if the person using the product tries to not stay in the same area directly after the use of product, such as Lysol, they are still at high risk of being effected with the toxic chemicals. The chemicals do not leave the atmosphere of a certain room as fast as some people would like to believe, leaving them to enter the room hours later and inhale the cleaner.

After exposure and intake of the chemicals within these spray cleaners, problems with a person’s health will arise. Not only are the original aerosol sprays bad for a person’s health, but the scented ones are even worse, containing additional chemicals. One dangerous chemical that is found in the average scented spray cleaner is glycol. Glycol can be found in other merchandise in addition to household cleaners.  One author stated, “Emission studies suggest that glycol ether release from aqueous cleaning products occur slowly over a period of hours or even a few days after application” (Narzoff and Wescheler).  This chemical is proven to stay in a family’s home for an extended period of time and if used in the high traffic areas of the house then it can easily be take into their respiratory system.  A researcher discussed, “The problem is, when the chemicals in these common household products hit your skin and lungs, they go directly into your bloodstream, bypassing your body’s natural defense system against toxins” (Dr. Joseph Mercola 1).  Once the toxins are in your bloodstream, they have access to all of the body’s organs and can easily cause damage.  One major complaint of this toxin is that it is a carcinogen and over exposure to it has been seen to cause damage to one’s liver.  One doctor claimed that overexposure to glycol is the reason behind some people getting liver cancer ( Mercola 1).

Not all users of spray disinfectant products will end up with cancer, but most people will not walk away unaffected. Smaller issues can easily come from the use of these types of products. Neilsen and Bauch explained, “Prospective study design indicated increased risk of eye, nose, and throat symptoms, asthma and bronchitis associated with ‘use of sprayers’ among current cleaners as compared with former cleaners” (Narzoff and Weschler).  The potential dangers of glycol are just one of many chemicals that can be found in spray cleaning products like Lysol.  If these dangers come from only one toxin in the product, just think of what can come from all the other chemicals in the product.  Knowing this just puts the dangers of these popular products into people’s perspective, something that they would not normally think about.

Second, spray cleaning products are just a small portion of merchandise that can be toxic to its users.  Cleaners containing bleach are also very harmful.  Toilet bowl cleaners get their bad representation because they contain bleach as well as chloride “Traditional toilet and oven cleaners and furniture polish have the highest amounts of toxins,” stated the Household Toxins Institute (Meredith Lynne Schreiber).  Bleach, or as it’s known chemically, sodium hypochlorite, is not good for any person in inhale to touch for an extended period of time.  When the bleach is mixed with chloride, another strong chemical, it has a dangerous effect. Shepherd et al explained, “Chloroform release from chlorine bleach chemistry”(Narzoff and Weschler).  People have heard of chloroform being a toxic substance and many people have heard of it being used as a gas, causing death to someone when they were to breathe it in. If chloroform is made from these two chemicals that are both found in this one product then this is obviously not a safe product. If it is overused, too much of each substance can be toxic to the user and can even make the chloroform gas, which can kill someone.

When this bleach is put into cleaning products, it is known to be an assassin to germs that lurk in and on different surfaces that can be found in the average person’s home.  This toxin is also well known for being used to fight stains in the laundry room, being found in laundry detergent.  As many users of this good could agree, it makes its presence known by projecting a strong smell into the atmosphere as well as brightening white colored fabrics or permanently discoloring colored linens.  This is a reminder to many that the chemical is much stronger than they would like to think.  Such a strong cleaning product cannot be safe to be around someone’s family, especially if their children are young.  Many readers could agree that it is not a good idea to bring children around products like this. Children’s bodies are not as mature as those of their parents and therefore, they are more sensitive to stimuli that would not bother the adult users of the bleach products.  This increased level of sensitivity is there because the body is trying to warn its owner that it should not be exposed to the bleach since it is a toxic substance.  In addition to this, it is also important to keep in mind that the bodies of younger children are obviously less developed than their parents, being the reason why they can be so sensitive to this toxic chemical. Children’s underdeveloped bodies are still growing and should not be exposed to things that can harm them because it will have a much more serious effect. This is comparative to why researchers believe that kids should not be allowed to drink alcohol; their bodies are still growing and dangerous variables, like bleach can have a serious effect.

Knowing about the harm that sodium hypochlorite can cause to children, many people will begin to wonder why families continue to use this product in the bathroom and on the laundry, both are areas where young children come into constant contact with. These families are not educated on the potential dangers in their cleaning products and the harm that each chemical can have on their family. People see their cleaning product of liking and read the front of the bottle, seeing in big bold letters that the product claims it will kill most of the germs on their commonly used surfaces. Many products on the market use the front of the products bottle to display that the solution within was scientifically made to eliminate a large amount of germs. Germs, or bacteria, were some of the earliest forms of organisms. Since their start, they have been genetically modified to make themselves better fit for a particular environment.  Kim Davis explained, “While strong disinfecting cleaners such as bleach have proven to help keep bacteria, viruses, and fungi in check, for the average home such products are chemical overkill that only provides temporary protection” (15).  The bleach is too strong, leaving only a small amount of these germs to remain. The reaming bacteria are known to be the stronger, more modified version.  These stronger germs are then left remaining on the surface of a household object and as organisms are made to do, they reproduce. The offspring of these germs are also made into stronger models, leaving them to be better protected against the next time they come into contact with the bleach (Christopher DiCarlo).  When these stronger forms of bacteria come about, they make someone’s home more dirty and dangerous than before. The bleach found in the toilet bowl cleaners is does the opposite from what the bottles claim. By using the bleach, the cleaner is actually creating a larger amount of stronger germs instead of killing more off.

After owners of these cleaning products find out that their favorite product is hurting their home rather than helping it, they may consider turning to alternative methods. There are some other products that people can buy including organic cleaning products. These products often have something about being ‘green’ on their bottle, allowing consumer to believe that they are better for their family’s health.   Lesstoxicguide.ca described, “even the promise of “no chemicals” is not a guarantee. An example of a “bad” natural ingredient is d-limonene, made from cold-pressed orange peels. It’s a powerful solvent, a neurotoxin and the active ingredient in some insecticides” (Catherine Lawson  F1).  This news would come as a surprise to those who believe that the green cleaning products are much healthier. These products may not carry the same type of toxins that the products listed above have, but they still contain ingredients that can be make a harmful product. Insecticides are dangerous to a family’s health and should therefore be avoided.

Since the cleaning products that are sold in stores, being green or not, contain harmful substances, consumers can feel as though they do not have any safe products to buy.  The families who are concerned about the toxins they bring into their homes will look to alternative methods until they can find a product that will clean their house while remaining safe around their children.  People like this will stumble upon the idea of making their own cleaning solutions.   Davis explained, “There are natural, safe solutions… Most cleaning can be easily handled using everyday ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, salt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, soap, borax, hydrogen peroxide” (15).  These products are common to most homes. They can easily be mixed to create cleaning products that will be safe for everyone living in the home. This is a great alternative to the toxic merchandise that most people buy on a regular basis. Homemade cleaning solutions are less expensive and have not been proven to contain carcinogens, meaning they will not cause major health problems in the future.

In conclusion, the cleaning products that are store bought and found in just about every home are very unhealthy for the consumer and their family.  Some of these products are disinfectant sprays, toilet bowl cleaners and laundry detergents.  This is due to these products being made of toxic chemicals.  After prolonged use, these chemicals can be seen to create major health problems including cancer, unhealthy digestive and respiratory system. When trying to avoid these dangers, people will have to turn to homemade solutions, since they are the only cleaning sources that are not shown to harm humans.

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Dangerous chemicals in dental floss? Consumer Reports explores the problem

The findings from a new consumer reports analysis of what’s in your dental floss might have you thinking twice about the type of floss you’re using., by consumer reports and pj randhawa • published august 23, 2024 • updated on august 24, 2024 at 9:50 pm.

Not enough of us regularly floss our teeth , and even fewer of us think about what's in our dental floss, but perhaps we should.

NBC 5 Responds found some surprising and potentially harmful chemicals lurking in some of the more popular brands of dental floss.

Dentists assert flossing makes a huge difference - and that isn't changing.

24/7 New York news stream: Watch NBC 4 free wherever you are

But the findings from a new Consumer Reports analysis of what’s in your dental floss might have you thinking twice about the type of floss you’re using.

"Some dental flosses use PFAS chemicals for a smoother glide," said Catherine Roberts with Consumer Reports. "However, these 'forever chemicals' have been linked to various health issues and environmental concerns. Some flosses also contain undisclosed flavors and are made of plastic.”

Consumer Reports and MADE SAFE, a nonprofit focused on product safety and sustainability, recently analyzed ingredients in a variety of flosses.

Get Tri-state area news delivered to your inbox. Sign up for NBC New York's News Headlines newsletter.

Why the latest mpox outbreak is raising alarm among health experts

Health-care marketplace Sesame to offer compounded versions of Wegovy through new $249 weight loss program

Got cold symptoms? Here's when kids should take a sick day from school

Ten flosses either failed to disclose their ingredients, contained PFAS, or included other components linked to health concerns, posing higher risks to consumers.

Three flosses stood out as favorites because they contain safer and more sustainable ingredients.

While companies aren't required to disclose all ingredients in dental floss, Tom's of Maine, Dental Lace, Cocofloss and Nudge provided Consumer Reports with complete ingredient lists and confirmed they don't intentionally add PFAS to their products.

Procter & Gamble, makers of oral-b glide, confirmed that their floss contains PTFE, a type of PFAS, citing its performance benefits. However, they maintain it's safe and free of certain phased-out PFAS.

The Humble Co. provided partial information, confirming PFAS-free status, but gave incomplete flavor details.

The other companies did not respond to Consumer Reports' inquiries or answer questions.

For people who hate flossing with string, how about a water flosser?

“Water flossers, like Waterpik, work well for removing food debris," Roberts said. "And although they may not be quite as effective as string floss at scraping away bacteria, they’re a great option for people who dislike string floss or find it difficult to use.”

Remember, the best flossing method is the one you'll use regularly.

Consumer Reports recommends choosing flosses that are coated with natural substances like beeswax or plant-based waxes and look for floss made from biodegradable materials like silk or cotton and are either unflavored or flavored using disclosed, natural ingredients.

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Harmful Chemicals In Personal Health Care Products Bibliography 12 Pages 3061 Words

            The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health cautions consumers concerning more than 900 harmful chemicals found in everyday personal health care products. These chemicals are said to be "dangerous to your health and well being". (par. 1) These chemicals, in addition to others, are used by consumers everyday. Consumers assume that the products containing these chemicals are safe and effective. According to the FDA "It is against the law to distribute cosmetics that contain poisonous or harmful substances that might injure users under normal conditions" (Regulating par 3). However, the FDA fails to define what "normal conditions" are or should be. Therefore, the interpretation of "normal conditions" is left up to manufacturers of cosmetics and the consumers of cosmetic products. Interpreting what "normal conditions" actually are when using cosmetics may never be fully answered. In a cosmetic market that is virtually unregulated and full of uncertainty, consumers are led to believe that the uses of health care products are 100% harmless.However researchers and physicians believe that cosmetic products contain chemically harmful ingredients that can cause adverse effects and reactions. .              Types of Chemicals.              Propylene glycol is one of the most used chemicals in many personal health care products. The scariest thing about this chemical is the origin of it and where it is most generally found. According to an article titled "Cancer Causing Chemicals in Personal Care Products," Propylene glycol is a substance that is found in "industrial antifreeze, brake/hydraulic fluid, paint and airplane de-icer" (Neways par. 27). The reason for concern when using this chemical in cosmetics is because of its capability to suppress the maturing process of the skin and cause destruction to actual skin cells (par. 27). During the manufacture of personal care products, with this ingredient, the Environmental Protection Agency orders employees to wear "protective gloves, clothing and goggles" in attempts to provide protection from this harmful chemical" (Awareness par.

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Toxic chemicals releases are down in Lake County; see the hotspots

• Updated: Aug. 26, 2024, 4:14 p.m.
• | Published: Jun. 11, 2024, 9:53 a.m.

Component Repair Technologies in Mentor, Ohio. Zachary Smith, Cleveland.com

• Zachary Smith, cleveland.com

PAINESVILLE, Ohio — Lake County follows the trend of Northeast Ohio manufacturers reducing the amount of toxic chemical emissions released in the region, with 2022 being the lowest year since 2018, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency .

In 2022, 47 toxic release facilities were tracked in Lake County by the EPA, according to data released earlier this year. These facilities released 908,364 pounds of 49 separate toxic chemicals into the environment.

More on Greater Cleveland's chemical emissions

• Toxic chemicals releases increase in Summit County; see the hotspots
• Toxic chemicals releases slightly increase in Ashtabula County; see the hotspots
• Toxic chemicals releases are more than doubled in Portage County; see the hotspots
• Toxic chemicals releases are up in Medina County; see the hotspots
• Toxic chemicals releases are down in Lorain County; see the hotspots

Stories by Zachary Smith

• A wild August for Cleveland weather: 5 tornadoes, flash floods, drought and 90-degree temperatures
• For the first time in the 21st century, part of Ohio in worst drought classification possible
• 12 major Ohio-based companies saw at least 3% stock growth last week
• 90-degree days sweep over Cleveland on the final week of August
• Cleveland Cultural Gardens’ 78th One World Day “celebrates the best of us”

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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The Dangers of Chemicals

Chemicals can impact the tegument by contact or they affect the organic structure either through the digestive system or via the lungs if air is contaminated with chemicals. vapour. mist or dust. There can be an acute consequence. i. e. the individual is affected instantly. or there can be a chronic consequence. i. e. the individual is affected in the medium to long term due to the accretion of chemical or substances in or on the organic structure. Introduction

Hazards in a workplace are controlled by a combination of “local controls” Specific to a jeopardy. and “management controls” for guaranting that these are implemented and remain active. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE TO REMEMBER.

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The execution of controls to repair a specific jeopardy. e. g. ironss to forestall gas cylinders tumbling over. or hearing defenders to cut down exposure to resound. must be supplemented by direction activities to guarantee they are being implemented. that they are equal. and that they remain effectual. The mechanism for the control of a jeopardy may non needfully be a physical one. but may be a regulation or pattern designed to cut down the hazard from the jeopardy. It is necessary to guarantee that one time jeopardy controls are put in topographic point they stay in topographic point and are used. and it is besides necessary to supply a feedback mechanism for guaranting whether or non the controls are equal and duties are Understood by all.

Control OPTIONSWhen a jeopardy has been identified and assessed as necessitating some control step. so the following procedure to travel through is the choice of which option is required. The concluding pick of an option is based on factors such as the possible badness of injury posed by the jeopardy. the likeliness of hurt or unwellness occurring. the cost of control steps. or whether it has been identified as a important jeopardy.

It is of import. nevertheless. to Look AT ALL OPTIONS before doing a determination. even though the identified jeopardy may already hold some controls in topographic point. CONTROL OF SIGNIFICANT HAZARDSHazards that are assessed as “significant” nowadays such a grade of hazard that the Act requires a more formal attack in covering with them. The primary purpose is the riddance of important jeopardies if operable. Sections 8. 9 and 10 of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 contain specific demands for the control of important jeopardies. These subdivisions require that the undermentioned stairss are to taken one time important jeopardies have been identified in an organisation:

1. Significant jeopardies to employees are to be eliminated where operable. 2. If this is infeasible. those jeopardies are to be isolated. 3. If this is besides infeasible. all operable stairss must be taken to minimise the likeliness that the jeopardy will be a beginning of injury to the employees. If this measure is followed:

• It must include the supply and usage of protective equipment ; and• Employee exposure to the jeopardy must be monitored. and wellness monitoring carried out with employee consent.Once the important jeopardies in the workplace have been identified. it is necessary to make up one’s mind which of the three stairss is to be used to command each jeopardy. Outline of the procedureFor each of the antecedently identified important jeopardies the undermentioned inquiries must be asked in order:• Can the jeopardy be eliminated?If so. name the stairss to accomplish this or. if non. why non?Test YOUR REASONS FOR NOT ELIMINATING IT AGAINST THE “ALLPRACTICABLE STEPS” REQUIREMENTS.OR IF NOT. THEN• Can the jeopardy be isolated from the employees?If so. what stairss are needed or. if non. so why non?Test YOUR REASONS FOR NOT ISOLATING IT AGAINST THE “ALLPRACTICABLE STEPS” REQUIREMENTS.OR IF NOT. THEN• What will be done to minimise the likeliness of injury from the jeopardy? • What equipment and vesture are needed to protect employees from the injury?• How are employees’ exposure to the jeopardy and their wellness in relation to the exposure being monitored?List the replies and soTest YOUR STEPS FOR MINIMISING THE LIKELIHOOD THAT THEHAZARD WILL CAUSE HARM AGAINST THE “ALL PRACTICABLESTEPS” REQUIREMENTSThe hierarchy of stairss above ensures that providing employees with protective equipment to guard against the jeopardy is non done without first sing and measuring the other more effectual options.

CONTROL OF OTHER HAZARDSThe procedure used for important jeopardies may besides be used to find the control methods for other jeopardies. However. should you take non to. so the following procedure can be used.The procedure outlinedFor each “other hazard” ask these inquiries in the undermentioned order: • Can the jeopardy be removed by design and technology?• Can the jeopardy be removed by permutation?• Can the hazard from the jeopardy be reduced by altering the procedure? • Can the hazard from the jeopardy be reduced by enveloping it to insulate it from workers?• Can the jeopardies be removed at beginning before they can impact the work force? • Can the jeopardy be reduced by segregating the procedure from workers other than those needed to the procedure?• Can personal protective equipment be used to cut down the hazard of hurt? • Can regulations or processs be developed to cut down the hazard of hurt? Put in topographic point and how you intend to implement these jeopardies. It is of import to recognize that the methods and systems for the control of jeopardies. whether important or non. Make NOT be in isolation from the other activities organisations undertake in order to transport out their concern. The hazard designation and control Risk Assessment Stairss: –

* Step 1 – Identify the Hazards* Step 2 – Decide Who Might be Affected* Step 3 – Ensure Necessary Controls are Adequate and In Topographic point* Step 4 – Record the Findingss* Step 5 – Review What you Have Done

A hazard appraisal should follow five simple stairss:

Identify the HazardsMeasure 1 – Look for the jeopardies. If you are making the appraisal yourself. walk around your workplace and expression at what could moderately be expected to do injury. Ignore fiddling points and concentrate on what could ensue in serious injury or affect several people or more. Try to look at your concern with a fresh brace of eyes.

Decide Who Might be AffectedMeasure 2 – Decide who might be harmed and how. Remember that some people may be at greater hazard. for illustration trainees. new members of staff. contractors. immature people. anticipant female parents or employees with bing medical conditions. Besides do non bury to include cleaners. visitants. care people. members of the populace particularly kids. and shift workers.

Ensure Necessary Controls are Adequate and In Topographic pointMeasure 3 – Evaluate the hazards and make up one’s mind whether bing safeguards are equal or whether more demands to be done. See how likely it is that each jeopardy could do injury. Even after all safeguards have been taken. some hazard normally remains. What you have to make is to make up one’s mind for each important jeopardy is whether this staying hazard is high. medium or low. First. inquire yourself: * Have you done everything you are lawfully required to make? For illustration. there are legal demands on bar of entree to unsafe parts of machinery. * Have you applied by and large accepted industry criterions? The purpose is to do all hazards little. If you find something that requires action. inquire yourself: * Can I acquire rid of the jeopardy wholly?

* If non. how can I command the hazard so that injury is improbable? Use the undermentioned hierarchy to cut down hazard:* Try a less hazardous option* Prevent entree to the jeopardy* Form the work activity to cut down exposure to the jeopardy * Issue Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE )* Provide lavation installations for the remotion of taint and first assistance

Record the FindingssMeasure 4 – Record your findings. If you have five or more employees. you must enter the important findings of your hazard appraisal. This means composing down the important jeopardies you have identified and what action you have taken to cut down the hazard. There is a legal demand to do certain that your hazard appraisal is suited and sufficient. You will necessitate to demo that: * Proper cheques were made

* You identified who might be harmed. and how* You dealt with all the obvious or important jeopardies* The action you took was sensible and reduced the hazard

Review What you Have DoneMeasure 5 – Review your appraisal. A hazard appraisal should be a on the job papers that is reviewed on a regular basis to guarantee that it is still effectual. You should see reexamining your appraisal. for illustration. when your chief concern activity alterations. if you move premises or when you purchase new pieces of equipment. If. when reexamining your appraisal. you identify new jeopardies so your appraisal may necessitate to be revised to command these new jeopardies. Functions and Duties

1. Designate. assign. appoint or prosecute a competent individual taking a squad of forces ( including contractors ) associated with the procedure or activity to carry on hazard appraisals ; 2. Ensure that the hazard control steps are implemented without undue hold after the completion of hazard appraisal ; 3. Inform all individuals working at the workplace of the hazards. and the agencies to understate or. where possible. extinguish the hazards ; 4. Supply a hazard appraisal registry to enter the findings of hazard appraisal ; 5. Endorse and O.K. the hazard appraisals conducted ;

6. Keep hazard appraisal records for review for at least three old ages from the day of the month of the appraisal ; and subject the records to the Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health if the Commissioner so requires ; 7. Review and update the hazard appraisal at least one time every three old ages or whenever there is a important alteration in the work. or after an incident affecting the work procedure ; 8. Ensure that all employees are cognizant of the hazard appraisal for the work activity they carry out ; 9. Develop and implement safe work processs ( SWPs ) for work which poses safety or wellness hazards to workers ; and 10. Keep a written description of SWPs and bring forth this to the inspector for review when requested.

MANAGEMENT CONTROLSThese are the activities that an organisation uses to pull off a safety and wellness programmed. There are normally a figure of basic direction control activities that are common to all jeopardies. although some jeopardies may necessitate more. These include:

• Involvement of employees in the development of wellness and safety processs.• An information system to guarantee employees are informed about and understand the hazards from jeopardies they work with.• An accident coverage and probe system.• Regular studies of the workplace.• Responsibilities being assigned to guarantee jeopardy controls are implemented and remain effectual.• An audit system for look intoing that the controls for specific jeopardies are in topographic point and working.• An equal preparation programme and equal supervising for all staff.• Implementing exigency processs. possibly in concurrence with local exigency services. to restrict the effects of an exigency. Duty

Duties are assigned to guarantee that the being of each jeopardy is made known to all those exposed to it. and that they are instructed in the usage of the correct procedures when exposed to the jeopardy.

ExampleAn illustration of the connexion between the direction control activities mentioned above and the local control activities can be made by looking at the following simple illustration. where the jeopardy could non be eliminated or isolated. Hazard: Exposure to talc when emptying bag into hopper.

Appraisal: Sustained inspiration of important sums of talc can bring forth diagnostic pneumonoconiosis. MSDS sheetsupplied with merchandise provinces safeguards needed.Local controls: – Ventilation goon over hopper ( interlocked with procedure ) .– Protective face mask ( worn when emptying bags ) .– Disposable overalls.Management controls:– Plant study every month to look into processs and the efficiency of airing system.– Training for staff in jeopardies of talc and grounds for protective vesture.– Audit every twelvemonth to guarantee preparation is given and that jeopardies and duties are known about and understood.Medical scrutiny of people utilizing talc every three old ages as portion of ongoing monitoring procedure.– Test every six months to what extent staff are exposed to talc. Use personal monitoring method.– Employees given the consequences of monitoringHazard Control PlanTo be developed in audience with direction and employees with specialist advice as appropriate.HAZARD TO BE CONTROLLEDA. HAZARD CONTROLSDuty1 ) To implement2 ) To superviseTIMEFRAME FOR IMPLEMENTATIONB. MANAGEMENT CONTROLSDuty1 ) To implement2 ) To superviseTIMEFRAME FOR IMPLEMENTATION

10 Types of jeopardies

Use these notes to assist you place and measure jeopardies that might happen in your workplace.

Chemical jeopardiesChemicals can impact the tegument by contact or the organic structure either through the digestive system or through the lungs if air is contaminated with chemicals. vapor. mist or dust. There can be an ague ( immediate ) consequence. or a chronic ( medium to long-run ) consequence from the accretion of chemicals or substances in or on the organic structure.

Noise jeopardiesExcessive noise can interrupt concentration. interfere with communicating. and consequence in loss of hearing. High impact noises are peculiarly detrimental. Noise can besides dissemble out signals. impacting communicating or danger warnings.

Radiation jeopardiesEquipment such as radioactive gauging devices or the radioactive hint component used in analytical chemical science produce Ionizing radiation. Non-ionizing radiation screens infrared radiation ( heat-producing procedures ) . optical masers. UV radiation ( welding. sunshine ) . and microwaves ( high-frequency welders. freezing drying ) .

Electrical jeopardiesThese include the hazard of hurt from all signifiers of electrical energy.

Lighting jeopardiesInadequate lighting degrees are a possible safety jeopardy. A common job country is the reaction clip needed for the eyes to set from a brilliantly lit to a darker environment — such as a forklift driver coming indoors from bright sunshine. Impermanent lighting is frequently unequal.

Vibration jeopardiesThis includes whole-body quiver — for illustration. truck drivers. people standing on vibrating platforms. and operators of nomadic equipment — and besides more localised quiver effects from such equipment as manus tools. chain saw. and pneumatic cocks.

Temperature jeopardiesExtremes of cold or heat can do jobs such as fatigue. exposure to infections or reduced capacity to work.

Biological jeopardiesThese include insects. bacteriums. Fungis. workss. worms. animate beings and viruses. For illustration. domestic fowl workers exposed to bird plumes and dungs to which they are allergic can contract a medical status. Brucellosis is a good known job in New Zealand associated with people managing meat and meat merchandises infected with German measles. Hepatitis and the AIDS virus are other biological jeopardies.

Ergonomic jeopardiesBiotechnologies ( the ‘fit’ between people and their work ) covers hazard of hurt from manual handling processs. falsely designed desks or workstations. sound and ocular dismaies. and color coding control mechanisms.

Physical jeopardiesThese include a broad scope of hurt risks— every bit diverse as being caught in or by machinery. buried in trenches or hurt by fall ining machinery. This class besides includes the jeopardies from working in confined infinites. being hit by winging objects. caught in detonations. falling from highs and stumbling on obstructions. HIERARCHY OF HAZARD CONTROLS

1. Elimination Most Effective Control

2. Substitution

3. Technology Controls ( Safeguarding Technology )

4. Administrative Controls ( Training and Procedures )5. Personal Protective Equipment Least Effective Control

Examples OF EACH STEP IN THE HIERARCHY OF HAZARD CONTROLS1. EliminationThe best manner to command a jeopardy is to extinguish it and take the danger. This can be done by altering a work procedure in a manner that will acquire rid of a jeopardy ; replacing anon-toxic chemical for a toxic substance ; holding workers perform undertakings at land degree instead than working at highs ; and other methods that remove the jeopardy all together.

2. SubstitutionThe 2nd best manner to command a jeopardy is to replace something else in its topographic point that would be non-hazardous or less risky to workers. For illustration. a non-toxic ( or less toxic ) chemical could be substituted for a risky one.

3. Technology Controls ( Safeguarding Technology )If a jeopardy can non be eliminated or a safer replacement can non be found. the following best attack is to utilize technology controls to maintain the jeopardy from making the worker. This could include methods such as utilizing noise stifling engineering to cut down noise degrees ; enveloping a chemical procedure in a Plexiglas “glove box” ; utilizing mechanical lifting devices ; or utilizing local fumes airing that captures and carries away the contaminations before they can acquire in the take a breathing zone of workers.

4. Administrative Controls ( Training and Procedures )If technology controls can non be implemented. or can non be implemented right off. administrative controls should be considered. Administrative controls involve alterations in workplace policies and processs. They can include such things as: * Warning dismaies

* Labeling systems* Reducing the clip workers are exposed to a jeopardy. and* Training.

For illustration. workers could be rotated in and out of a hot country instead than holding to pass eight hours per twenty-four hours in the heat. Back-up dismaies on trucks that are endorsing up are an illustration of effectual warning systems. However. warning marks used alternatively of rectifying a jeopardy that can and should be corrected are non acceptable signifiers of jeopardy control.

5. Personal Protective EquipmentThe usage of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) is a manner of commanding jeopardies by puting protective equipment straight on workers’ organic structures. Examples of personal protective equipment include: inhalators. baseball mitts. protective vesture. difficult chapeaus. goggles. and ear stoppers.

Personal protective equipment is the least effectual method for protecting workers from jeopardies. PPE should be used merely while other more effectual controls are being developed or installed. or if there are no other more effectual ways to command the jeopardy.

This is because:* The jeopardy is non eliminated or changed.* If the equipment is unequal or fails. the worker is non protected. * No personal protective equipment is fool-proof ( for illustration. inhalators leak ) . * Personal protective equipment is frequently uncomfortable and can put an extra physical load on a worker. * Personal protective equipment can really make jeopardies. For illustration. the usage of inhalators for long periods of clip can set a strain on the bosom and lungs. While there are some occupations. such as taking asbestos. where have oning equal personal protective equipment is perfectly indispensable. there are many occupations where employers manus out personal protective equipment when in fact they should be utilizing more effectual jeopardy control methods.

A WORD OF CAUTION:

When be aftering for jeopardy controls. retrieve that the control selected must non extinguish one jeopardy while making another.

For illustration. it is non acceptable to take air contaminations from one country by venting them to another country where another group of workers will be exposed. Hazard control steps should extinguish or cut down jeopardies for all who are potentially exposed to them.

HAZARD CONTROL: WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY?

The ability and duty to plan occupations safely in the first topographic point. or redesign them when a jeopardy is detected. lies with direction. It is the function of workers and brotherhoods to advance the usage of the “Hierarchy of Controls” . doing certain those employers are supplying the most effectual methods for jeopardy control possible.

Chemical jeopardiesA chemical jeopardy can be considered as any chemical agent that may compromise H2O safety or suitableness. as shown in Table 5. 1.Table 5. 1: Examples of chemical jeopardies that may happen in drinking-water supply systems. Chemicals from watershed/catchment| Chemicals fromReservoir storage| Chemicals fromWater intervention process| Chemicals from distribution | | | | |

Nitrate Arsenic Fluoride PesticidesOther heavy metalsOrganic poisons Herbicides Rodenticides| Algal toxins Cleaners Liner chemicals LubricantsPesticides Herbicides| Flocculants pH adjustors Disinfection byproductsImpurities in treatmentchemicals| Copper Lead Cleaners PetroleumproductsLiner chemicals|

The control measures ( see Chapter 6 ) needed and the frequence of monitoring should reflect the likeliness and effects of loss of control. In any system. there may be really many jeopardies and potentially a big figure of control steps. It is hence of import to rank the jeopardies in order to set up precedences. Simple hazard appraisal matrices are available and have been successfully applied toprioritising jeopardies in the H2O industry ( e. g. Gray and Morain 2000 ; Deere et al. 2001 ) . These typically apply proficient information from guidelines. scientific literature and industry pattern with good informed adept opinion supported by third-party equal reappraisal or comparing against other systems ( benchmarking ) . Benchmarking differs from other quality betterment techniques in that its focal point is on placing what the external best patterns are for cardinal concern maps and procedures and has been defined as:

“A method for easing uninterrupted betterment by consistently comparing one’s ain procedures. patterns and public presentation against the best pattern of others with a position to following. accommodating or heightening that pattern to one’s ain situation”

World Wide Web. osh. govt. nz/order/catalogue/archive/identifyhazards. pdfWorkplace Safety & A ; Health – Ministry of ManpowerGuidance for Hazard Determination for Compliance with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard hypertext transfer protocol: //www. usi. edu/RiskMGT/pdf/USIHazComChem. pdf

hypertext transfer protocol: //smallbusiness. healthandsafetycentre. org/PDFs/small % 20business/hs_insert. pdf

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