M9.2: Six chemical classes

The six videos are short and informative. They are great overviews for learning about each of the classes of chemicals.

I explored more in-depth about bisphenol and phthalates. They are found in substantial amounts in marine and freshwater ecosystems which can cause hormone disruption, harming aquatic life.
Many plastic products have been now labeled BPA free but they are often replaced with Bisphenol S and Bisphenol F which are less studied but appear to have similar hormone disrupting effects. Similarly, phased-out phthalates are often replaced with other phthalates with similar harmful properties. Early life exposure to BPA is linked to asthma and neurodevelopmental problems such as hyperactivity, depression, and aggression. It's been found to link with obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, decreased fertility, and prostate cancer in adults. Prenatal and early exposure to phthalates is linked with asthma, allergies, and cognitive as well as behavioral problems. In adult men, it is associated with reduced fertility and reproductive development in boys.