Chemicals You’ve Heard Were Dangerous But Never Knew Why!

10. Glyphosate

This chemical is a systemic herbicide - or weedkiller. It was first introduced to the market in 1974 under the name “Roundup,” which is still used today. Glyphosate effectively gets rid of a wide spectrum of plants, like broad-leaved and woody plants, as well as grasses, and is one of the most commonly used herbicides. Although it has generally low toxicity to people when ingested orally, people have passed away from a deliberate overdose. Glyphosate also hasn’t been proven to have carcinogenic effects on people, but a small amount of evidence suggests that it may increase the risk of cancer in people who are exposed to large amounts of the chemical while working - such as in agricultural occupations. However, California recognized the substance as carcinogenic in 2017, and an ongoing case prohibited the state from enforcing product labels on things containing glyphosate due to the overwhelming evidence that it isn’t a cancer risk.

9. Triclosan

Also known as TCS, this is a common chemical in many products, including detergents, soaps, and toothpaste. It was originally used in the 1970s as a hospital scrub, but it has greatly expanded since then. TCS is an antifungal and antibacterial agent that acts as a bacteriostat, meaning it prevents bacteria from reproducing without necessarily eliminating it. We become exposed to triclosan via skin absorption, which is common when we’re washing our hands, taking a shower, doing the dishes, or using mouthwash. This chemical is classified as a “contaminant of emerging concern” because it is being investigated for health risks. One concern is that TCS has been connected with higher food allergy risks because exposure to certain bacteria reduces allergies. This brings us to a more significant danger the overuse of triclosan could result in: bacteria resistance. Dangerous bacteria such as E. coli can develop a resistance to triclosan, rendering it useless.

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