A Review on the Effects of Daily Use Chemicals on Human Health

Abstract

Everyday chemicals found in personal care products, cleaning products, plastics, and household items are increasingly recognized as contributors to a wide range of adverse health effects. Those chemicals include phthalates, parabens, bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan, synthetic fragrances, and flame retardants, many of which have been linked to endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental disorders, reproductive toxicity, metabolic disorders, and some cancers. This review combines the results of contemporary toxicological and epidemiological research to provide a comprehensive overview of human exposure pathways, mechanisms of toxic action, and associated health risks. Special attention is paid to sensitive groups such as infants, children, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing disease, who are likely to be more affected by chronic exposure to low doses of these contaminants. The article also discusses international control policies such as the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the Food and Drug Administration’s Consumer Products Regulations, and the European Union’s REACH regulations. While some progress has been made in banning or restricting certain toxic chemicals, enforcement is still spotty, and thousands of chemicals are still used without proper safety assessments. Furthermore, shortcomings in the science base of regulations such as the failure to assess aggregate exposures and chemical combinations create formidable obstacles to protecting public health. To address these challenges, the review discusses alternative options, from natural and environmentally friendly consumer products to the importance of public education in reducing exposure. Proposed policy recommendations include adopting the precautionary principle, accelerating international harmonization, increasing green chemistry research funding, and expanding biomonitoring programs. Finally, this review emphasizes the urgent need for integrated, science-based strategies in chemical safety that integrate regulatory reform, public education, and industrial innovation to reduce the health risks of everyday chemicals and ensure long-term environmental and human health sustainability.