“Eternal chemicals”. There are devastating Eurostat data. Poles are afraid

Harmful chemicals, the so-called endocrine active substances (EDC), are ubiquitous in our everyday environment – from clothing, through cosmetics, to food packaging. Their presence increases the risk of developing serious diseases, including cancer and metabolic diseases.

Increased awareness and concerns about chemicals

The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection report indicates that in some products the standards regarding the content of chemicals may be exceeded even several hundred times. It is estimated that as many as 73% of chemicals used in EU industry may have harmful effects on health. The results of these reports translate into Poles’ assessment of this matter.

According to Eurobarometer data, 25% of respondents strongly agree and 57% somewhat agree with the statement: “I am worried about the impact of harmful chemicals in everyday products on my health.”

The same studies report that 27% are definitely concerned and 60% are rather concerned about the potential health effects of exposure to PFAS, i.e. the so-called eternal chemicals. It should be noted that these are extremely durable and commonly used chemical compounds that can lower immunity, influence hormonal balance and even contribute to the development of cancer.

– Thousands of substances used, including: for the production of plastics, paints, detergents, clothes, furniture, cosmetics and medicines, may have a harmful impact on health – says Aleksandra Rutkowska, M.D., biotechnologist, assistant professor at the University of Gdańsk and president of the DetoxED startup (detoxed.pl).

– We encounter them every day – they are invisible and at the same time extremely harmful. They have the ability to penetrate the bloodstream when clothes and cosmetics come into contact with our skin, consume water or food, or inhale household dust.

Dangerous chemicals in every home

– Our endocrine system is involved in many important processes in the body, and EDCs, by disrupting its functioning, can cause various health problems. Exposure to these substances affects reproductive health, the development of obesity, diabetes and even cancer – explains the doctor. Olga Wdowiczak, environmental health specialist at HEAL Polska, an organization that has been fighting for years to tighten regulations on harmful chemicals at the EU and national level.

– One of the groups particularly sensitive to the negative effects of EDCs are children. Toxic substances may disturb their proper development and lead to diseases that will appear later in life – adds Wdowiczak.

HEAL Polska specialists note that there are simple ways to help protect yourself against exposure to harmful chemicals. They have been collected into a list of ten recommendations and tips, presented in the form of an infographic.

Harmful chemicals. How to protect yourself?

Based on HEAL recommendations, we can:

• Replace pans with damaged non-stick coatings, as damaged coatings may release harmful substances.

• Avoid artificial fragrances and air fresheners that may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are harmful to health.

• Remove dust regularly – preferably with a damp, reusable cloth, which reduces exposure to EDCs contained in dust.

• Choose clothing without labels such as “anti-odor” or “antibacterial”, which may contain silver nanoparticles.

• Limit the use of cosmetics, especially during pregnancy, to protect the developing baby from the potential effects of toxic substances.

• Use natural cleaning products – plant-based detergents or homemade solutions.

• Avoid plastic food packaging – especially those containing bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can migrate into food.

• Choose cosmetic and hygiene products with simple compositions, which reduces the risk of exposure to harmful substances.

• Pay attention to the composition of care products for children who are particularly exposed to EDCs.

• Buy houseplants, such as Spathiphyllum, which help filter air pollutants inside your home.

Reducing exposure – is it enough?

As experts note, protection against EDCs cannot be limited only to individual actions, such as eliminating specific products. It is crucial to introduce consistent regulations at the national and EU level.

Systemic and individual actions can be combined to effectively reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals. The full version of the HEAL infographic, with detailed information and advice, is available on the organization’s website.