Sustancia química que es medida por el Programa para el Biomonitoreo de California

Structure of triclocarban
CAS Number
101-20-2

Triclocarban is used to kill bacteria. It was previously a common ingredient in bar soaps labeled as "antibacterial" or "antimicrobial," but this use was banned by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as of September 2017. This is because there are no extra health benefits of using soap with triclocarban compared to ordinary soap, and the wide use of antibacterials poses health concerns. Some other personal care products, like cosmetics, as well as some clothing and pet grooming sprays, may still contain triclocarban.

Fact Sheet

Triclocarban is found in:

  • Some deodorant bar soap made prior to the FDA ban.
  • Some personal care products, like cosmetics.
  • Some clothing, such as pantyhose.
  • One type of pet grooming spray used to reduce scratching and biting of irritated skin.

Possible health concerns of triclocarban:

  • May interfere with the body’s natural hormones.
  • May make it harder for antibiotics to fight infections. This is because overuse of triclocarban and other antibacterials may cause changes in bacteria that make them harder to kill.

Possible ways to reduce exposure to triclocarban:

  • Avoid consumer products and personal care products labeled “antibacterial” or “antimicrobial.”
  • Check labels on personal care products and pet sprays, and avoid those that list triclocarban as an ingredient.
  • If you can’t tell from the label whether a product contains triclocarban, contact the manufacturer.

For More Information

FDA consumer information: https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm378393.htm

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Black and white chemical structure for methyl paraben
CAS Number
various

Parabens are widely used as preservatives in personal care products, such as cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners.  Parabens are also used as preservatives in some over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Fact Sheet

Parabens are found in

  • Cosmetics and personal care products, including some:
    • Make-up, such as mascara, eye shadow, lipstick, and foundation.
    • Facial cleansers and scrubs.
    • Moisturizers, lotions, and sunscreens.
    • Shampoos, conditioners, and shaving creams.
  • Baby products, such as some lotions, baby wipes, and diaper rash ointments.
  • Some over-the-counter and prescription medications.
  • Some household products, such as some stain removers and pet shampoos.

Possible health concerns of parabens

Scientists are still studying how parabens might affect people’s health.  There is concern that some parabens:

  • May interfere with the body’s natural hormones.
  • May decrease fertility.

Possible ways to reduce exposure to parabens

  • Consider choosing cosmetics, personal care products, and baby products that use natural preservatives, such as vitamin C (might have words like “ascorbate” or “ascorbic” on the label).
  • Try natural oils for skin and hair, such as coconut oil, olive oil, and sunflower seed oil.
  • For infants, consider using plain washcloths instead of baby wipes, and wash their skin with ordinary soap and water.

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Periodic table entry for uranium that includes the atomic number, abbreviation and mass
CAS Number
various

Natural uranium is a weakly radioactive metal that is found in many types of rock, and low levels of it can end up in some drinking water sources and foods. Enriched uranium is derived from natural uranium, but is much more radioactive. Enriched uranium is used as fuel in nuclear power plants and in nuclear weapons. Depleted uranium, a byproduct of uranium processing, is used in military and medical applications. Depleted uranium can have toxic effects similar to natural uranium, but is less radioactive.

Fact Sheet

Uranium is found in:

  • Drinking water sources in some places, such as parts of the Central Valley and some areas of Southern California.
  • Some foods, such as root vegetables and leafy greens, grown in areas containing uranium in soil or water.
  • Radiation-shielding equipment containing depleted uranium, used in medical and other applications.
  • Specialized ammunition and other military equipment made with depleted uranium.

Possible health concerns of uranium:

  • Can cause kidney damage.
  • Can increase cancer risk.

Possible ways to reduce exposure to uranium:

  • If your water comes from a private well, have it tested for metals, including uranium. (If your water comes from a public water supplier, it is already tested regularly for uranium.)
  • If you work with uranium, follow all occupational safety guidelines for your industry.

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Periodic table entry for thallium that includes the atomic number, abbreviation and mass
CAS Number
various

Thallium is a metal that is found in nature.  It is used in various specialized applications in electronics, medicine, and research.  Historically, it was used as a rat poison, but this use was banned in 1972 because thallium is very toxic to humans.  Thallium is released into the environment at very low levels from raw materials used by some industries, such as oil and gas operations, cement plants, and steel manufacturers.

Fact Sheet

Thallium is found in:

  • Components used in electronics, such as semiconductors.
  • Some drinking water sources, such as well water that has been affected by industrial or wastewater discharges. This could include discharges from some oil and gas operations.
  • Air and dust near certain industrial facilities that can release thallium, such as cement plants and steel manufacturers.
  • Cigarette and other tobacco smoke.

Possible health concerns of thallium:

Thallium is highly toxic and can harm many important processes in the body. Thallium:

  • Can harm the nervous system.
  • Can damage vision.
  • Can cause hair loss.

Possible ways to reduce exposure to thallium

  • If your water comes from a private well, have it tested for metals, including thallium.  (If your water comes from a public water supplier, it is already tested regularly for thallium.)
  • If you work with materials that contain thallium or at facilities where thallium may be released into the air, follow all occupational safety guidelines for your industry. 

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Periodic table entry for molybdenum that includes the atomic number, abbreviation and mass
CAS Number
various

Molybdenum is an essential nutrient that we get mainly from food. It is normal and healthy to have some molybdenum in your body. Molybdenum is also a metal used in various industries and products. For example, a compound called molybdenum trioxide is used to make metal alloys like steel more durable. Molybdenum trioxide is also used as a flame retardant in some plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). You might be exposed to higher levels of molybdenum or molybdenum compounds through certain jobs, like working with steel.

Fact Sheet

Molybdenum is found in:

  • Certain foods, including legumes (beans, lentils, and peanuts), nuts, rice, and liver.
  • Some dietary supplements.
  • Metal alloys used in a variety of applications, including:
    • Some artificial joints for the hip and knee.
    • Welding supplies and equipment.
  • Flame retardants in some plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic.

Molybdenum is an essential nutrient

  • A small amount of molybdenum is needed to support many important processes in the body, such as metabolism and protecting cells from damage.

Possible health concerns of too much molybdenum, or of molybdenum trioxide:

  • Too much molybdenum:
    • May cause gout-like symptoms, such as joint pain.
    • Might contribute to reproductive problems.
  • Molybdenum trioxide may increase cancer risk.

Possible ways to avoid exposure to too much molybdenum, or to molybdenum trioxide:

  • If you work with molybdenum or molybdenum trioxide, or do any welding or metalworking:
    • Be sure that your work area is well ventilated, and use proper protective equipment.
    • Follow other safe work practices, including washing hands frequently, keeping work dust out of your home, and washing work clothes separately.
    • Keep children away from welding fumes and other metal vapors and dusts.
  • If you have a metal hip or knee replacement, follow your doctor’s advice for monitoring metals, including molybdenum, in your blood.

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Periodic table entry for manganese that include the atomic number, abbreviation and mass
CAS Number
various

Manganese is an essential nutrient that we get mainly from food. It is normal and healthy to have some manganese in your body. Manganese is also a metal used in many industries and products. You might be exposed to higher levels of manganese through jobs that involve working with metals, such as welding.

Fact Sheet

Manganese is found in

  • Certain foods, such as nuts, grains, beans, and leafy green vegetables.
  • Some drinking water sources.
  • Certain metal alloys, such as steel.
  • Some welding rods.

Manganese is an essential nutrient

  • Some manganese is needed to support many important processes in the body, such as building bones and healing wounds.

Possible health concerns of too much manganese

Too much manganese:

  • May be associated with learning and behavior problems in children.
  • Can harm memory, thinking, mood, and balance in adults.

Possible ways to avoid exposure to too much manganese

  • Eat a well-balanced diet with adequate iron, which can help you maintain a healthy level of manganese.
  • If you do any welding or metalworking, be sure that your work area is well ventilated and use proper protective equipment.
  • Keep children away from welding fumes and other metal vapors and dusts.

For More Information

Manganese fact sheet http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts151.pdf

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Diesel exhaust is a mixture of thousands of chemicals, including 1-nitropyrene (1-NP). These chemicals are released as gases or particles (such as black soot) from vehicles and machinery that run on diesel fuel. Vehicles that run on biodiesel fuel produce similar exhaust.

Fact Sheet

Diesel exhaust comes from:

  • On-road vehicles that run on diesel fuel, such as semi-trailer trucks, light-duty trucks, and some buses and passenger cars.
  • Diesel-powered freight and passenger trains, and cargo and cruise ships.
  • Heavy-duty equipment, such as bulldozers and tractors, used for construction, agriculture, landscaping, mining, and similar types of work.
  • Diesel-powered generators.

Possible health concerns:

  • Can make asthma worse and contribute to other respiratory diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • May harm the lungs and lower resistance to respiratory infections.
  • May make allergic reactions to dust, pollen, and other allergens worse.
  • Can make existing heart conditions worse.
  • Can increase cancer risk.

Possible ways to reduce exposure:

  • When walking, riding a bike, or exercising outdoors, choose areas away from roadways whenever possible, or side streets with less traffic. Avoid busy highways and paths near train routes.
  • When in heavy traffic, keep vehicle windows closed and put the air on recirculate (look for this symbol or check your manual: Image of a vehicle air recirculation button ).
  • Always start and operate diesel engines in a well-ventilated area.
  • If you have a diesel car or truck, don’t idle inside garages, especially garages attached to your home.
  • If you have a backup or portable diesel-powered generator, put it well away from your home, to make sure that exhaust does not come in through open windows or doors.
  • If possible, use a high-efficiency filter in your home’s central heating and air system.
  • Consider buying a portable air cleaner (or “air purifier”) that can remove small particles from the air in your home (see below).
  • Because chemicals from diesel exhaust can collect in dust:
    • Wash your and your child’s hands often, especially before preparing or eating food.
    • Clean your floors regularly, using a wet mop or HEPA vacuum cleaner if possible, and use a damp cloth to dust.
  • Report diesel trucks in California if they are:
    • Idling where “No idling” signs are posted, or idling for more than five minutes.
    • Not following designated truck routes.

    Call 1-800-363-7664 or fill out the form at this link: www.arb.ca.gov/enf/complaints/icv.htm

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Black and white chemical structure of triclosan
CAS Number
3380-34-5

Triclosan is used to kill bacteria. It was previously a common ingredient in liquid soaps labeled as “antibacterial” or “antimicrobial,” but this use was banned by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as of September 2017. This is because there are no extra health benefits of using soap with triclosan compared to ordinary soap, and the wide use of antibacterials poses health concerns. Triclosan is still used in other personal care products, such as some toothpaste and cosmetics, although certain companies are phasing it out. It is also added to many household products and building materials.

Fact Sheet

Triclosan is found in:

  • Consumer products, including:
    • Housewares, such as cutting boards, serving utensils, storage containers, humidifiers, and vacuum cleaners.
    • Home furnishings, such as mattress and pillow covers, shower curtains, and rugs.
    • Children’s toys and sporting goods, such as exercise, playground, camping, and boating equipment.
  • Some personal care products, including some toothpaste and cosmetics like blush and eyeshadow; and combs, brushes, and razors.
  • Building materials, such as some countertops, caulking, concrete, tiles, flooring, and bathroom fixtures.

Possible health concerns of triclosan:

  • May interfere with the body’s natural hormones.
  • May make it harder for antibiotics to fight infections. This is because overuse of triclosan and other antibacterials may cause changes in bacteria that make them harder to kill.

Possible ways to reduce exposure to triclosan:

  • Avoid personal care products that list triclosan on the label, unless you have a medical reason for using them. For example, toothpaste with triclosan may help prevent gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).
  • Avoid products labeled “antibacterial” or “antimicrobial.”
  • For housewares and other consumer products, look for untreated materials, which could include wood, glass, stainless steel, and natural fabrics like wool. If you can’t tell whether a product has been treated with triclosan or other antibacterials, contact the manufacturer.

For More Information

FDA consumer information: https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm378393.htm

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Black and white chemical structure of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)
CAS Number
various

Phthalates are added to vinyl to make soft and flexible plastic products, such as shower curtains.  Phthalates are also found in scented products, coatings like nail polish and paint, and a variety of other consumer goods.

Fact Sheet

Phthalates are found in

  • Products made from flexible vinyl plastics, sometimes called “PVC” or labeled with the recycling symbol “3”, including:
      • Shower curtains, flooring, and coverings on wires and cables.
      • School lunchboxes, binders, backpacks, modeling clay, and some soft plastic and inflatable toys.
      • Some plastic food packaging and some plastic containers.
      • Tubing and gloves used in food processing and medical care.
  • Fragrances in some candles, air fresheners, and personal care products like lotions, perfumes, hair products, and deodorants.
  • Some nail polish, paint, floor finishes, caulk, and adhesives.
  • Some medications and dietary supplements.

Possible health concerns of some phthalates

  • Can interfere with the body’s natural hormones.
  • Can affect development in the fetus, infants, and children.
  • Can decrease fertility.
  • May contribute to allergies and asthma.

Possible ways to reduce exposure to phthalates

  • Choose non-plastic alternatives when possible.  Otherwise, avoid flexible vinyl plastics, sometimes called “PVC” or labeled with a “3”.
  • Eat more fresh food and less processed and packaged food.
  • Choose products that do not list “fragrance” on the ingredient label.
  • Because phthalates come out of products and collect in dust, wash your hands often, especially before eating or preparing food, clean your floors regularly, and use a damp cloth to dust.

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Black and white chemical structure of BDE 47, a PBDE
CAS Number
various

PBDE flame retardants were commonly added to furniture, infant products, and electronics for many years.  They have spread through the environment and break down slowly.  U.S. production of some widely used PBDEs ended as of 2006, and the last major PBDE mixture is due to be phased out by the end of 2013.   The U.S. government is also working to prevent the addition of any PBDEs to new products, including imports, sold in the U.S.

Fact Sheet

PBDEs are found in

  • Polyurethane foam in furniture, pillows, motor vehicle seats, and baby products, like car seats and changing table pads, especially if manufactured before 2006.
  • Some hard plastic casings for electronics, such as TVs and computers; some mattresses, upholstery fabric, draperies, wires, and cables, especially if manufactured before 2013.
  • Some carpet padding made from recycled or scrap polyurethane foam.
  • Dust in homes, offices, and cars that contain products made with PBDEs.
  • Some high-fat foods, like sausages, high-fat cheeses, butter, and fatty fish. 

Possible health concerns of PBDEs

  • May interfere with the body’s natural hormones.
  • May harm the developing fetus and infant, possibly affecting later learning and behavior.
  • May decrease fertility.

Possible ways to reduce exposure to PBDEs

Reducing exposure to PBDEs is difficult because they have been extensively used in furniture and other products.  Actions that may help reduce exposure are listed below.

  • Because PBDEs come out of products and collect in dust:
      • Wash your hands often, especially before eating or preparing food.
      • Wash your children’s hands often.  Infants and toddlers get a lot of dust on their hands when they play or crawl on the floor.
      • Clean your floors regularly and use a damp cloth to dust.
  • Replace upholstered furniture that is torn or has crumbling foam.
  • Avoid using carpet padding made from recycled or scrap polyurethane foam.
  • Include plenty of variety in your diet.

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  • Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) Fact Sheet | Fact sheet | : PBDEsFactSheet.pdf