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Toxipedia: P

PABA (Para-aminobenzoic acid)

a crystalline para form of aminobenzoic acid that is part of the vitamin B complex, is required by many organisms for the formation of folic acids, and is widely used in sunscreens to absorb ultraviolet light.

particulate

Pathogens

A pathogen, otherwise known as an infectious agent or more commonly a germ, is a biological agent that causes disease or illness to its host. Though they are not all negative, and the body contains many natural defenses against some of the common pathogens, they are the known cause of viruses such as HIV and Influenza.

PERC (perchloroethylene)

a colorless, nonflammable, nonexplosive liquid, used in dry-cleaning solutions and as an industrial solvent which can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea and irritation.

percarbonate

An oxidizing agent used as an alternative to chlorine bleach. Made from sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide, percarbonate is used as a cleaning agent for protein films.

perfumes

A perfume is any substance that emits a pleasant odor. Often, the scents are derived from plants or animals. Though the fragrances in most perfumes are environmentally benign, perfumes often contain other chemicals that are not. These include synthetic petroleum compounds such as benzene and other chemical irritants such as ethanol and ethyl acetate.In1988 the Food and Drug Administration banned 1988 methylene chloride (a carcinogen listed by the EPA as a hazardous waste) which was once a common ingredient in perfumes.

pesticide

Pesticides are used to protect plants from predators such as insects ( insecticides) weeds (herbicides) and fungus (fungicides). Most are petroleum-derived synthetic organic chemicals. Although regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, traces of pesticides are detectable in most conventionally grown produce. High exposure to pesticides (sustained by professional pesticide applicators) has been linked to lung cancer, brain cancer, neurological disorders, and male infertility.If you choose to buy organically grown foods which are grown without the use of pesticides, look for The Organic Growers Association certification.

petrochemical

petroleum distillates

Petroleum Distillates are chemicals obtained from the process of refining petroleum. They irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system, and their neurotoxic effects can cause organic brain damage. Many petroleum products are also carcinogenic. They are used in furniture polish, car waxes, heavy-duty cleaners, laundry stain removers, lice shampoo, pet flea-control products, and home and garden pesticides.

petroleum product

petroleum-based surfactants

phosphates

Minerals derived from calcium phosphate often used as water-softening agents in laundry detergents and automatic dishwashing detergents.Phosphates encourage rapid growth in plant life. Because they fertilize well, when introduced to an enclosed lake system, phosphates can cause an over production of algae. After the algae dies and begins to decompose, it can lead to a depletion of oxygen in the lake.

Photovoltaics (PV)

Photovoltaics (or PV) is the field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells for energy by converting solar energy (sunlight, including ultra violet radiation) directly into electricity.

polyester

An inorganic plastic that releases toxic fumes and does not absorb perspiration

polyethylene

All plastics emit vapors. Thermoplastics -- plastics that soften with heat and harden as they cool down, such as vinyl and acrylic -- have a soft enough structure to vaporize easily, and will give off more gas as they are heated. Polyethylene is found in many common products, including chewing gum, drinking glasses, plastic bags, squeeze bottles, toys, carpet fibers, and food wrappers. It is a possible carcinogen.

polymer

Characterized by their long chain structural units, strength and elasticity, polymers are chemical compounds or mixtures of compounds formed by polymerization (a chemical reaction in which two or more molecules combine to form larger molecules that contain repeating structural units). Plastics, rubber and even human tissue are all considered polymers.

Polyurethane

Any of various polymers containing the urethane radical; a wide variety of synthetic forms are made and used as adhesives or plastics or paints or rubber. Decomposition products include carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and hydrogen cyanide. Polyurethane polymer dust can cause irritation to the eyes and lungs.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic, commonly referred to as vinyl, is one of the most hazardous consumer products ever created. PVC is dangerous to human health and the environment throughout its entire life cycle, at the factory, in our homes, and in the trash. Our bodies are contaminated with poisonous chemicals released during the PVC lifecycle, such as mercury, dioxins, and phthalates, which may pose irreversible life-long health threats. When produced or burned, PVC plastic releases dioxins, a group of the most potent synthetic chemicals ever tested, which can cause cancer and harm the immune and reproductive systems.

positive ion

post-consumer

Post-consumer material has completed its life as a consumer item and has been discarded for disposal or recovery. It often refers to paper products such as newspaper, white paper and magazines, that have been recycled to make new products.

pre-consumer

Material that has been discarded by commercial enterprise for disposal or recovery. Pre-consumer waste often refers to material such as paper products that has been recovered from industry and recycled into new products.