The Hazards Lurking at Home
By: Alice Park
April 1, 2010

With so many scary-sounding, potentially toxic compounds turning up in our household products, it’s hard to know which agents are really worth worrying about. Here is a guide to some of the most commonly found toxins, the latest information from animal and early-stage human studies, and what all that means for your home.

#4  FLUORIDE

What It Is: A form of the basic element fluorine
Found In: Toothpaste, tap water
Health Hazards: Neurotoxic and potentially tumorigenic if swallowed; the American Dental Association advises that children under 2 not use fluoride toothpaste
What You Should Know: Government studies support current fluoride levels in tap water, but studies on long-term exposure and cancers are ongoing.

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