Do you know what makes polystyrene different from styrene? Are there really over 84,000 chemicals in our world? What does it mean when someone says a chemical is “endocrine active?” With so much conflicting information and news about potential health impacts of common household chemicals, a new resource provides something refreshing – FACTS based on scientific evidence.
The resource is a site called ChemicalSafetyFacts.org, and it’s guided by a mission to provide transparent information about chemicals used in everyday products. While “safety” is in its name, the site also provides fun and interesting “news you can use” about the important role common chemicals play in our world every day.
Can we talk baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) for a minute? I use it when I’m baking my amazing chocolate chip cookies, and I keep a box in my refrigerator to help ward off odors. However, what I didn’t know is that baking soda is an ingredient in many skins and personal care products, to help keep them from spoiling. It can also help keep teeth clean, which is why it’s an ingredient in many kinds of toothpaste. It’s also a common ingredient in cleaning products – baking soda mixed with vinegar can help unclog drains or remove grime in ovens.
In fact, baking soda has been used for thousands of years…dating back to the time of the ancient Egyptians (who used it to brush their teeth and make bases for their paintings). You can read more about baking soda and its qualities at ChemicalSafetyFacts.org.
If you’re ever curious on how insect repellents affect our bodies or wondering if microwaving food in a plastic container is safe…then head to the “Chemistry Topics” section. It’s full of amazing tips, hints, and information that you might not have thought about otherwise.
If you want to learn more about a chemical ingredient in a product you use regularly, you can use the ‘Chemical Search’ function at the top of the website. When in doubt, search it out!
Are you a member of the media or blogger and want to write an article or look up other information about chemicals? Take a look at the site’s Media Center. It has infographics, guides, and tip sheets that provide content for stories on a range of chemistry and scientific topics. PLUS, if you need even more help, you can request an interview with an expert to get a better perspective over a topic.
If you want to keep up with this website and the helpful information it provides, then be sure to follow ChemicalSafetyFacts.org on Facebook and Twitter.
This is so helpful. As a mother, know exactly what is in a product I use is so important to maintain my family’s health.
At least I learn something here, what is good for my family or need to stay away from. I guess I need to dig more into this.
I religiously read the labels of the products I use because I would like to know the components that go into those everyday household items. Thank you for letting us know through this post.
This is a pretty awesome site! As a science teacher, this is near and dear to my heart.
This is very helpful and informative. We have heard the warnings of cooking in the family aluminum pot. This article has me thinking, we often line our cooking sheets with aluminum foil when we cook our protein in the oven. Now I question if there is a concern with that process. I’ll have to look into it.
It scares me to think of all the potential risks involved using toxic chemicals to clean kitchens…