5 Dangerous Chemicals your Children Might Come Across
Article by Guest Writer Alyssa Johnson
Our children come across harms way more and more nowadays. Technology, and the misconstrued idea that dangerous situations are simply not out there, or cannot happen to an individual, is giving us a false sense of security. The truth is, there are still many things that are affecting our safety, in both the products we use, and environment around us. Understanding what may be putting our children in harms way, and relaying certain warnings can be a critical step to prevent danger. Here is a list of 5 dangerous chemicals that your children might just come across.
1. Polychlorinated Biphenyl. Also known as PCB, this carcinogenic chemical, can be found in numerous places. Where you are most likely to find it is in fluorescent light fixtures. When these light fixtures become old, damaged, or broken the chemical can leak out and cause highly dangerous environments in classrooms, gymnasiums, and even public libraries. It is important for children never to touch these light fixtures and to notify parents, and supervising adults immediately upon discovery of a damaged light fixture. While PCB’s are outlawed, some older buildings and poorly maintained buildings still show reminisce of these dangerous chemicals.
2. Radon. Radon, is an invisible, odorless, radioactive gas produced by the decay of a naturally occurring element radium. Radium can be found anywhere, most prevalent in soil. When radium comes in high levels, radon gas can be a serious problem. Radon can then seep through cracks in home’s foundations, and accumulate in lower floors, especially basements. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, about 21,000 deaths per year. To prevent a tragedy you can go to your local hardware store, and purchase an EPA approved kit, to test for Radon in the home. These usually run around $35 dollars, and may prove to be priceless.
3. Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde although a fun word to say can be very dangerous. It may be more common inside your home than you might think. Formaldehyde can be found in fertilizers, glues, plywoods, disinfectants, and insulations. This chemical can cause server asthma attacks for those who are at risk. It can also cause respiratory allergies in children. You can combat risk by choosing formaldehyde free products, or when using items that might release formaldehyde vapors, make sure you have a good ventilation system set up.
4. Dioxane. Dioxane is a chemical found in may different skin care products, most prevalent in acne products. These chemicals are harmful to your skin cells and slowly kill away healthy organ tissue. With long term use your child, or in this case most likely teenager, will be more susceptible to cancer of the skin. It will also damage your bodies natural anti-bodies and can leave acne even worse when the products are no longer being used. Chose safer products that work with your bodies natural processes. Also avoid products that have any form of dioxane chemicals.
5. Pesticides. Pesticides are dangerous for a number of different reasons. First, it isn’t always us who is doing the pest control, and something as simple as wind or groundwater can take pesticides to dangerous levels. Exposure to pesticides can lead to rashes, nervous system disorders, and even cancer. Children are at high risk because of their high hand to mouth contact. Ways to prevent such dangerous pesticides include, first not using them. Second, maintaining a clean environment for your children. Finally, warn you children not to touch certain things because they may be “bad.”
Do you have any thoughts? Please share them below