01

Bisphenol A (BPA)

This synthetic chemical compound is the raw material for the production of epoxy resin. It’s part of many everyday products:

• Plastic children’s toys, Plastic bottles, Thermal paper, Inner lining of food cans to prevent corrosion. However, the contents of the can itself can also become contaminated.

Health effects
BPA has been shown to have hormone-like effects. Even the smallest amounts can lead to the development of:

• Diabetes mellitus, Developmental disorders, especially in children,  Obesity, Heart attacks, Thyroid dysfunction, Infertility
  and other diseases.

Solutions
Avoid products with BPA(pay attention to product content label),  Choose seasonal and fresh organic food, Consult environmental labels such as Blue Angel.

02

Bromine and chlorine

Flame retardants are intended to prevent, limit or at least slow down fires. They are used wherever there are potential sources of ignition, such as:

• Electrical appliances (to prevent electrical short circuits), children’s high chairs, children’s beds, strollers, mattresses, upholstered furniture.

The flame retardant contains, among other things, bromine and chlorine, which are harmful to health and are also formed in the event of a fire toxic dioxins.

Health effects
When absorbed through skin contact, it enters the organism and damages the nervous system. Can only be broken down naturally with great difficulty. Accumulates in fatty tissue, in breast milk and in house dust.

Solutions
Pay attention to environmental labels such as Blue Angel (building products), Oeko Tex (textiles) and GUT (textile floor coverings).

03

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde, which is toxic and harmful to health, is used in the production of glued wood-based materials and chipboards. This contaminates the air in closed rooms as an escaping gas.

Formaldehyde is also released when smoking or burning incense sticks. In the worst case, the smell alone can make you look old. If furniture smells unpleasant, this indicates the presence of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde. The odors may disappear over time, but it is better if they never appear.

Health effects
If formaldehyde is inhaled from indoor air, this toxic substance enters the cells of the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa. There, however, it is broken down again within minutes. Fortunately, these harmful substances do not reach the internal organs. The harmful effect is limited to the tissues directly exposed to the air.
As soon as the concentration of formaldehyde drops again, the irritation and discomfort quickly disappear again. No tissue damage remains.
Short-term increased concentration of formaldehyde in the air:

• Eye and throat irritation, runny nose or even nasal congestion, stinging in the throat and nose
• If irritation persists: Headache,  Tiredness, unspecific malaise
• With increasing concentration: Complaints become more severe and damage to the mucous membrane in the nasopharynx possible
• Exposure for months or years:  Impairment of lung function,  increased risk of chronic respiratory diseases, increased risk of tumors in the nasopharynx

Solutions
Purchase formaldehyde-free wood materials, solvent-free paints, varnishes and cleaning agents.

• Allow new furniture to air out in an unused room, if possible.
• Do not buy such toxic spinners and avoid cheap furniture.
• Ventilate regularly to keep concentrations low
• Look for environmental labels such as
  pay attention to

04

Phthalates DEHP/DOP

These plasticizers are added almost everywhere, but mainly in various plastics. These chemicals make the materials more supple, stretchy and flexible.
Phthalates are not only cheap to produce but also extremely versatile. These are particularly popular added to PVC (polyvinyl chloride), as the material is actually rather brittle and brittle. You can also find them in:

• paints and coatings, floor coverings (linoleum, laminates, coatings), colored pencils, sealants, shower curtains, electrical cables, household foils, beverage bottles, rubber, hairspray, resins, cables, children’s plastic toys, adhesives, cosmetics, varnishes, medicines, furniture, food industry, sun creams, wallpapers, carpets, textiles, thermal paper for receipts, Packaging
  This list is not exhaustive. The smell of a new car also comes from toxic phthalates.

Health effects
Phthalate compounds in particular tend to release fumes and gases and can cause the following ailments:

• Diabetes can be triggered, liver damage. Significantly restrict learning and thinking abilities in children. Disturbance of the hormonal balance (particularly dangerous for fetuses and children in the womb). Infertility in men as they are similar to the effects of certain hormones. Triggers or promotes behavioral disorders.

Solutions
Pay attention to the phthalate-free quality seal on a wallpaper. Pay attention to environmental labels such as Blue Angel (building products).

05

Pyrethroids

Since most insect repellents contain the inexpensive, neurotoxic and relatively long-lasting neurotoxins pyrethroids. These are used not only in the home but also in agriculture. Pyrethroids are absorbed mainly through inhalation, through food and through the skin through contact with house dust or other contaminated materials.

Health effects

• Loss of appetite, burning eyes, skin irritation, itching, headache, tiredness, dry cough, irritation of the mucous membranes, feeling of weakness, sweating, dizziness, nausea
  

Solutions
You should exercise caution with these chemicals, especially with children, and it is best to avoid them altogether. And as an alternative, use natural insect repellents made from lavender or lemon oil.