It accumulates in human tissues, potentially causing memory loss, skin rashes, appetite loss, heart problems, major organ damage and birth defects.
Used in the US in products like tortillas, muffins, and sausage rolls as well as water-based cosmetics like shampoos and creams, propylparaben has been linked to effects on hormones and fertility.
Artificial food dyes are petroleum-derived substances that make soda, candy, snacks, condiments and other foods colorful, but their safety is controversial.
Also called the “yoga mat” chemical because its primary use is in plastic and rubber products like yoga mats and flip flops, this industrial chemical is also used as a whitening agent
These are synthetic antioxidants used in dry mixes, cereals, chewing gum, and dehydrated potato products — but also in rubber, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and petroleum products.
Used for coloring in products like Skittles, Starburst, baked goods, and sandwich spreads, titanium dioxide can build up over time in the body and has been shown to be genotoxic (
It was totally banned in the EU in 2020, after scientists concluded that there was no sufficient margin of safety for the chemical.
These chemicals are widespread in things like makeup, shampoo but also vinyl flooring and shower curtains, for example.