Note: The article appears in the April 12, 2010, hard version of Time Magazine. It was available online on April 5.

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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Environmental Toxins

Chemicals in plastics and other products seem harmless, but mounting evidence links them to health problems — and Washington lacks the power to protect us

List of the Top 10 Common Household Toxins

1. The Hazards Lurking at Home

2. Bisphenol A (BPA)

3. Oxybenzone

4. Fluoride

5. Parabens

6. Phthalates

7. Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)

8. Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

9. Perchlorate

10. Decabromodiphenyl Ether (DECA)

11. Asbestos