Firmitas

Commonplace Chemicals and Their Health Effects
Revision 44
© 2005-2023 by Zack Smith. All rights reserved.

Introduction

This page is an information repository for the kind of information that large chemical companies generally do not want you to know. It's essentially a page of my notes. I provide it in the hope that it will be useful to people other than myself.

I finally grew tired of only seeing sporadic references to the toxic or otherwise unpleasant effects of various chemicals that are in our food, soil, air, beds, lotions, shampoos, carpets, cars, et cetera. I decided to consolidate all of the information that I found in one place.

Note: I don't guarantee the accuracy of any information herein for any purpose and I suggest that you always do your own research.

Terms & Acronyms

Emulsifier:
a substance (for example, lecithin, also soap) that is soluable in both water and oil, and which is consequently used to combine the two.
CNS
central nervous system
PEG
polyethylene glycol
MSG
monosodium glutamate
glutamate
neurotransmitter that if consumed in food serves as a neurotoxin
aspartate
neurotransmitter that if consumed in food serves as a neurotoxin

Contents

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

The List

A

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
1,3-diphenylpropane ? sol-gel
4-methylimidazole 4-MEI byproduct caramel color carcinogen
Acacia gum E414; gum arabic coating food
Acesulfame potassium sweetener drinks
Acridine dyes experimental treatment for herpesvirus medication mutagen frameshift; potent carcinogen
Acrylamide byproduct? soaps neurotoxicity; genotoxicity; carcinogenicity; reproductive toxicity
Aflatoxin strong carcinogen contaminant peanut butter; peanuts; corn; cottonseed cancer produced by fungus Aspergillus flavis
Ammonium xylenesulfonate thickener; improves water solubility shampoo
Antimony trihydride ? Possibly PVC Possibly causes SIDS sudden infant death syndrome
Asbestos insulator homes; vehicle brakes asbestosis; mesothelioma serpentine & other ultramafic rocks
Aspartame Nutrasweet sweetener foods; drinks cancer
Atrazine pesticide agriculture hormone disruptor, possible cause of gender dysphoria
A-Terpineol ? ? causes respiratory problems; including fatal edema; causes central nervous system damage
Azodicarbonamide flour whitening agent; dough conditioner flour; yoga mats; shoe soles; jar closures respiratory problems; degrades to semicarbazide which causes DNA damage in mice

Asbestos details

  • Asbestos mining led to a health disaster in Libby, Montana.
  • Asbestos is linked to a type of cancer called mesothelioma.

B

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
Bacitracin topical antibiotic ? contact dermatitis
Benzalkonium Chloride antibiotic moist-wipes; cosmetics highly toxic; mutagenic; reproductive damage; kidney damage; corrosive
Benzene C6H6 ? used in making plastic and textiles, found in Coca-Cola and other soft drinks carcinogen
Benzopyrene toxin found in smoke & soot mutagen frameshift; potent carcinogen
Benzyl acetate ? ? linked to pancreatic cancer
Benzyl alcohol ? ? upper respiratory tract irritant
BHA preservative food carginogen
Bisphenol A ? food-grade plastics leaches into food to damage brain; disrupts hormones; may be carcinogen petroleum?
Boric acid insecticide mattresses; eye washes damages testes; can cause death
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) emulsifier sugary drinks memory loss; skin damage; nerve damage
Butylparaben preservative soaps irritates skin; affects male reproductive system; paraben is an estrogen mimic
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) preservative food disrupts sex hormones ; possible carcinogen
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) preservative food disrupts sex hormones ; possible carcinogen

C

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
C8 used to manufacture Teflon Teflon pans; clothing causes birth defects; vapors produced when heated are toxic to birds
Cadmium various batteries; found in chocolate carcinogen naturally occurring
Calcium bicarbonate ? ? ? calcium carbonate reacting with carbonic acid CO2
Calcium carbonate AKA calcite abrasive toothpaste ? limestone
Calcium iodate ? chicken feed
Calcium pantothenate form of Vitamin B5 chicken feed
Camphor ? ? causes central nervous system disorders
Caramel coloring coloring cola drinks; lunchmeats; beers; etc. cancer risk due to use of ammonia in manufacturing
Carrageenan thickener toothpaste contains free glutamate seaweed
Choline chloride growth accelerator chicken feed
Chloroform ? ? neurotoxin; anesthetic and carcinogenic
Cobalt chloride ? antiperspirants; hair dyes; buttons; tools contact dermatitis
Cocamide DEA foaming agent lather shampoo
Cocamidopropyl betaine detergent soaps irritates skin and eyes; penetration enhancer; can be contaminated with diethanolamine indirectly causes cancer
Copper oxide ? chicken feed
Coumarin flavoring spices; Mexican synthetic vanilla toxic to the liver; cancer; harms cognitive development Tonka beans and tree; non-Ceylon cinnamon

D

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
Diactyl-TarTaric Acid Esters of Monoglyceride DATEM emulsifier; volume enhancer dough e.g. Panera bagels
Diethanolamine DEA ? bubble baths; shampoos; soaps; facial cleansers hormone disrupter; liver and kidney cancer; forms carcinogens
Difethialone
Dioxin pesticide ? carcinogen; damages skin
Deltamethrin
Dicalcium phosphate AKA monohydrogen phosphate dietary supplement cereal; flour; noodles; chicken feed

E

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
Erucic acid it's in mustard oil heart damage: myocarditis found in mustard oil
Ethidium bromide For staining DNA In biology lab mutagen damages DNA; carcinogen
Ethoxyquin preservative in pet foods e.g. chicken feed possibly harmful when ingested; touched; etc.
Ethyl acetate ? ? A narcotic on the EPAs Hazardous Waste list
Ethylene fruit ripening repressed in Flavr Savr tomato ? naturally produced in fruit; also produced by burning gas
Ethylene glycol decreases freezing point of liquids automotive antifreeze neurological effects; multiple organ failure; death. hydrocarbons

F

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
Ferrous carbonate siderite ? chicken feed
FGD gypsum ? agricultural fields; drywall contains mercury arsenic lead Coal power plant scrubber waste
Fluoride ? water supply; toothpaste fluorosis; fluoride is an enzyme poison: meaning it obstructs the metabolism of your cells; neurotoxin Industrial waste
Formaldehyde AKA formalin preservative foam bedding; upolstery; car seats; cosmetics; shampoos; preservation of dead animals and human cadavers carcinogen; contact dermititis methanol
Fructose natural sweetener fruit ; processed foods not metabolized properly unless eaten with fiber e.g. in whole fruits like oranges and apples fruit

G

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
Gelatin food additive candy; mousse; Frappucinos; Jello potential Mad Cow risk animal skin, cartilage and/or bones boiled in vats with acid
Glycerin moistener toothpaste; soap ? veggie oils
Glycerol sweetener food mild dieuretic; possibly dangerous for diabetics
Glycerol stearate; Glycerol monostearate; Glyceryl monostearate; Monostearin; Glyceryl stearate emulsifier many uses; e.g. shampoo reproductive cancer risk
Guar gum thickener food; cosmetics ? legume Cyamopsis tetragonolobus

H

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
Hexane solvent for extraction of oils traces found in oils e.g. soya; which end up in foods; skin products neurotoxin
High-Fructose Corn Syrup sweetener; masks bad flavors most processed foods accelerates neolipogenesis i.e. storage of fats into adipose tissues; accelerates atherosclerosis; boosts pancreatic tumor growth corn

I

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
Isopropyl alcohol ? ? contact dermatitis petroleum

J

K

L

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
L-cysteine preservative bread neurotoxin human hair
Lead various fuel for small aircraft; power cables; found in chocolate harms nervous system; lowers IQ; infertility
Lecithin emulsifier; also replacement for cocoa butter ? usually contains MSG soy etc.
Limonene ? ? carcinogen
Linalool ? ? a narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders
Locust Bean Gum; Carob Bean Gum thickener ? abdominal pain and diarrhoea

M

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
Magnesium Tallowate cleaning agent soap unknown
Manganous oxide ? chicken feed
Menadione Diemethylpyrimidinol bisulfate ? chicken feed
Mercury lighting; gold sequestering laptop computer displays; compact fluorescent bulbs attacks the brain naturally occurring element
Methanol ? fuel denaturer possible carcinogen; CNS depressant; causes acidosis; gets converted to formaldehyde
Methionine supplement nutrient amino acid chicken feed
Methylisothiazolinone biocide kills parasites shampoo; lotions; cosmetics; industrial settings; paints contact burns; dermititis; allergic sensitization; if taken orally it enters brain and spinal cord: kills brain cells
Methylparaben preservative soaps irritates skin; affective male reproductive system; paraben is an estrogen mimic
Modified food starch thickener; also sweetener when it refers to MSG food FDA says any chemicals used to modify the starch do not need to be reported to consumer!
Monocalcium Phosphate leavening agent in bread bread; chicken feed
Monoethanolamine MEA ? bubble baths; shampoos; soaps; facial cleansers hormone disrupter; liver and kidney cancer; forms carcinogens
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) flavor enhancer fast foods; processed foods; seasoning; Chinese take out neurotoxin

N

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
Nicarbazin antibiotic fed to chickens
Nitrous acid HNO2 ? ? mutagen damages DNA; carcinogen
Neomycin sulfate topical antibiotic ? contact dermatitis

O

P

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
Paraffinum liquidum lubricant emollient soaps dry skin; penetration enhancer; can be contaminated with PAHs polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which are linked to breast cancer
Parfum fragrance soaps potentially some of: hormone disruption; toxic to liver; neurotoxin; causes asthma; headaches; depression; mood swings; etc
Pectin gelling/thickening agent; demulcent food; throat lozenges ? fruit: it is in the cell wall
PEG-5 cocamide emulsifier; foam stabilizer; surfactant shampoo
PEG-14 M sorbitan laurate thickener solvent; emulsifier; surfacant soaps unsafe for use on damaged skin; penetration enhancer; irritates skin; can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide which are linked to breast cancer
PEG-80 thickener solvent; emulsifier; surfacant soaps penetration enhancer; irritates skin; can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide which are linked to breast cancer
PEG-150 distearate thickener solvent; emulsifier; surfacant soaps penetration enhancer; irritates skin; can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide which are linked to breast cancer
PEG-300 surfactant ? skin irritation; probably harmful to kidney+liver if ingested
Pentane ? ? narcosis; irritation
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Fire suppresson Firefighting foam liver cancer
Polyglycerol polyricinoleate PGPR; also known as E476 emulsifier; replacement for cocoa butter choclate & other candies link to hyperactivity in children; concern that it might change offspring sex ratio; I am not finding much research possibly derived from animals
Polypropylene terephthalate forms film; type of polyester providing feeling of smoothness soaps carcinogen linked to pancreatic cancer; contains phthalate which mimics estrogen and is linked to breast cancer
Polyquarternium-7 forms film on skin making it seem soft soaps contact dermatitis; formaldehyde releaser; can be contaminated with acrylamide which is a CNS toxin
Potassium benzoate preservative drinks e.g. soda in presence of Vitamin C and heat this chemical form the carcinogen benzene
Potassium bromate increases dough size bread making cancer, nervous system damage, kidney damage
Potassium phosphate E340 ? food hypocalcaemia
Propylparaben preservative soaps irritates skin; affects male reproductive system; paraben is an estrogen mimic
Propyl gallate preservative meats; chewing gum; vegetable oil endocrine disruptor; carcinogen

Q

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
Quaternium-15 formaldehyde-releasing agent preservative cosmetics; toiletry; skin moisturizers; hair products allergies; dermatitis; breaks down to formaldehyde

R

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
Ractopamine increases muscles in pigs pig farming if you eat such pigs, you get abnormal heart rate, high blood pressure, increased tumor growth
Red dye number 3 coloring foods thyroid cancer risk

S

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
SM-102 vaccines
Saccharin sweetener drinks e.g. soda; also sold by itself not metabolized; inhibits uptake of vitamin biotin
Sodium benzoate preservative drinks e.g. soda in presence of Vitamin C and heat this chemical forms carcinogen benzene
Sodium bicarbonate leavening agent; freshness; antacid foods; toothpaste ? from earth but purified
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate detergent/booster; co-surfactant shampoo ? oleochemical or petrochemical
Sodium hydroxide AKA lye pH acidity adjuster soaps irritates skin & eyes; can burn. ashes etc.
Sodium laurel sulfate SLS dispersant; detergent association colloid toothpaste; soaps dry skin; irritates eyes; penetration enhancer; can be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane which causes breast cancer coconut oil
Sodium monofluorophosphate tooth decay prevention toothpaste e.g. Toms ? fluorospar ore calcium fluoride
Sodium nitrite meat preservation deli meat; processed meats increased cancer risk
Sodium phosphate (E339) preservative; leavening agent meats; cheese; cake mix hypocalcaemia; vascular damage; accelerated aging
Sodium selenite ? chicken feed toxic?
Sodium stearate Cleaning agent in soap association colloid soap
Sucralose Splenda sweetener foods; also sold by itself enlarged liver & kidneys chlorination of sucrose

T

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) preservative; antioxidant to prevent oxidation of frying oil snacks; cereals; fast food toxic to kidney & bladder; causes ataxia in rats; may cause child behavioral problems; possible carcinogen petroleum -- TBHQ is a form of butane
Tetrasodium EDTA preservative soaps irritates eyes and skin; contact dermatitis; contact allergies; penetration enhancer
Tetrasodium Etidronate water softener soaps
Thrombin meat glue composite meat products
Titanium dioxide whitening yogurt and other dairy foods; marshmallows inflammation; neurotoxin; possible carcinogen
Triclosan antibacterial; pesticide detergents; dish-washing liquids; soaps; deodorants; cosmetics; lotions; anti-microbial creams; various toothpastes; in various plastics and textiles. toxic to aquatic life; carcinogen; breaks down into dioxin petrochemicals?
Triethanolamine TEA ? bubble baths; shampoos; soaps; facial cleansers hormone disrupter; liver and kidney cancer; forms carcinogens ?

Triclosan details

It is banned in the USA.

U

V

W

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
White mineral oil ? Jujyfruits candy carcinogen same as mineral oil petroleum

X

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
Xanthan Gum E415 thickener; prevents sedimentation; mouth feel food e.g. ice cream ? bacterium
Xylitol flavor; sweetener; antibiotic toothpaste may be toxic to dogs birch trees

Y

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
Yellow dye #6 coloring food kidney & adrenal gland tumors in rats

Z

Chemical Used for Used in Health effects Derived from
Zinc oxide zincite ? chicken feed, sunblock
Zinc Pyrithione ? anti-dandruff shampoo kills skin cells

Links


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