Biology

Rapid industrialization and consumerism have facilitated the humans to possess a variety of household products and consumer appliances that have, apparently, made life comfortable. However, these household products also have hazardous chemicals that enter the human cells through adsorption and absorption. Food and even drinking water are contaminated with toxic chemicals since they come into contact with plastics and metals that are sources to deadly arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium, which are well-known to cause cancer, and congenital as well as cognitive defects. Similarly, mineral oil, petrolatum, and propylene glycol, which are used in cosmetics, can cause the skin to become unhealthy due to retention of toxic under the skin by these dangerous chemicals (Maehr, n.d.).

What is the benefit of using such cosmetics that beautify the skin temporarily but cause permanent damage to the skin Floor cleaners contain pine oil, petroleum distillates, and naphtha, which have harmful effects on the human cells and the body because their inhalation can cause irritation of eyes and mucous membrane, and in the worse case, they could lead to cardiac arrest, coma, and fatal pulmonary edema (Home Air Purifier Expert, n.d.). It is clear that the hazardous chemicals used in the household products by the humans are not giving comfort, but they are causing allergies and life threatening diseases. The list of hazardous chemicals found in the human cells also include fire retarding chemicals found in fabric and furniture, and phthalates used in plastic packaging of food products (National Geographic, 2006). Is it safe to consume food in toxic plastic wraps Similarly, it was reported that lead used in paints and toys was a major cause of retarded mental growth and behavioral problems in children.

Hence, it is evident that the household products contain toxic chemicals that cause fatal diseases in children, adults as well as elderly, and their consumption should be minimized.