Phthalates are used to soften plastics and bisphenol A is a key ingredient in certain types of hard plastics. Bisphenol A is also found in some dental sealants. Heavy Metals Lead is used in glazes, lead crystal, brass plumbing fixtures, solder, food cans, lead batteries and as a stabilizer for PVC plastics. Dust from lead- based paint settles on window sills and other surfaces. Soil may be contaminated by leaded gasoline.
Most dental fillings are mercury amalgam.
More than half of all cadmium is used in rechargeable batteries. It is also used as a stabilizer in plastics. Mercury and cadmium, released by fossil fuels during combustion, end up in the air, water and soil. They are used as additives in latex paints and cosmetics, as anti-oxidants and stabilizers in some plastics and in some pesticides. Nonoxynol-9, a form of NPEs, is the active ingredient in contraceptive spermicides.