Food dyes are harmful to health. What food dyes are dangerous to health?

We have prepared this article based on a lecture given by Arkady Kuramshin, Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Macromolecular and Organoelement Compounds at the Chemical Institute named after. A. M. Butlerov KFU, as part of the PROScience festival at Kazan Federal University.

Recently, so-called organics have come into fashion. Although from the point of view of classical chemistry we consume only water from inorganic, table salt and soda, and everything else is organic matter.

One of the well-known advantages of organic products, marketers call the absence of pesticides. And this is a kind of manipulation: yes, organic products are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, but besides them there are a huge number of natural pesticides. After all, pesticides are essentially substances that plants have developed in the process of evolution to protect themselves from pests.

Just imagine: for millions of years, plants like onions and dill evolved, developed chemical defenses, and then man came along and said, “Oh, let this be a seasoning,” when most of these smelling substances have a specific function - protection against insects and fungi.

Moreover, it is quite possible to get poisoned by these plant pesticides, because they are just as harmful to our body as synthetic ones. For example, doctors recommend that people with liver and gallbladder diseases not eat spicy foods, because our liver and cholecystial system are not able to fully process the amount of pesticides that plants produce.

When did the first food dyes appear?

In the second half of the 19th century, rapid development of chemistry began and food dyes gradually began to spread. Previously, everyone had their own farms and knew exactly what they were eating, but along with the process of urbanization, the issue of food quality became acute. For a long time, food was the same color, like 50 shades of gray. But then someone decided it was a good idea to color the candy to make it more attractive to buy.

The advent of colored foods caused a huge consumer boom. True, back then the dyes were deadly: yellow were obtained from arsenic compounds, green from chromium compounds, red from lead compounds, and mercury was also used.

Scientists knew about the toxicity of these substances and tried to combat the problem, including through petitions and publishing cartoons in newspapers. As a result, in 1906, the first food law appeared in the United States, which specified substances that could not be added to food compositions, and for some, a minimum dosage was introduced. Therefore, speaking about harm and benefit, it would be correct to say that there is no such thing as absolutely harmful and absolutely beneficial - very often the effect depends on the quantity.

Are synthetic food colors harmful to children?

Our world lives in the era of scientific postmodernism. Looking through the scientific literature, on Monday we can find enough articles confirming one fact, and on Tuesday - articles refuting it. And this applies not only to the humanities such as history and economics, but also to the natural sciences.

The Lancet published the results of a study on the dangers of food coloring for children. It used surveys of 630 parents of children aged 8-9 years. As a result, 130 people reached the end of the study, and, it must be said, such statistics are unconvincing for any categorical conclusion. The results of the study spoke about the dangers of synthetic dyes - they supposedly cause hyperactive behavior in children.

It is worth noting that no one fed the children dyes. They were given colored lollipops with large amounts of glucose. As a matter of fact, an uncolored lump of sugar or other sweet product already causes hyperactive behavior, because glucose suddenly enters the blood, and the resulting energy must be spent somehow.

So, the experiment does not allow us to say that it was the dyes that caused the active behavior, and not the sweetness itself. At the same time, the researcher very carefully concludes that perhaps food dyes are really harmful, but we will not exclude them from products.

Despite the controversy of the study, food corporations seized on these results. And since 2004, food dyes have been gradually banned in Europe. The fact is that there is such a thing as the acidity of the environment, and it is different for all products. Food dyes give different colors in different acidic environments. Previously, it was possible to add yellow color using the same dye to absolutely any product, but now a separate dye is required for juice, another for a cake, etc. Therefore, natural food dyes turned out to be a terrible red tape for manufacturers.

Besides natural dyes duller, and products with them became worse to buy. If a person is used to dragees of one color, and then sees that they have become a different shade, he begins to think that something is wrong here, and no inscriptions about natural dyes will work in this case.

Not only in Europe they monitor the use of these substances: for example, in Russia there is a GOST “Food Dyes”. It gives basic concepts about which dyes are considered synthetic (substances obtained by chemical synthesis) and which are considered natural (dyes isolated from natural substances).

American legislation in this regard is somewhat stricter: there, only those dyes that are obtained if, say, you take beets, squeeze the juice out of it and use it are considered natural. If you then disperse this juice, somehow clean it or extract substances from it, they are already considered unnatural, since some manipulations were performed on them.

Both in American and in our legislation, natural substances created artificially are still classified as synthetic.

At the same time, it is important to understand that GOST is a voluntary matter; no one is forced to write that the product is made according to the standard. However, if the employer declares that his products comply with GOST, he must be responsible for what is written on the packaging of his goods.

Long live colorization!

In addition to conversations about the dangers and benefits, the topic of food dyes is accompanied by various myths. Let's try to figure out what is true and what is false:

Beta-carotene dye, obtained from carrots, allows you to see in the dark is a myth that has persisted since World War II. Firstly, massive disinformation from the British Air Force played a role. The British in the 40s created a night radar that could be installed on a fighter; no one else had such technology. Therefore, the military began to say that their pilots eat carrots and see perfectly in the dark.

Secondly, people began to deliberately get used to carrots: when Britain found itself under a food blockade, the country’s residents had to grow vegetables themselves. It was then that posters began to appear that “Doctor Carrots and Doctor Potatoes are bringing victory closer.”

Vegan revolt forced Starbucks to remove natural dye from its recipes- this is true. Starbucks was forced to eliminate a natural product called "bugs in Starbucks." The natural dye carmine was then obtained from cochineal scale insects, small beetles. When vegans learned that a small number of these animals were being killed to turn smoothies and some other foods red, they created a petition and collected 6,000 signatures to remove the ingredient. Starbucks decided not to lose customers and switched to other dyes.

Natural strawberry coloring added to strawberry ice cream- This is a myth: beetroot dye is used in such dishes. The dye in strawberries, anthocyanin, is a good natural indicator and gives different colors in different environments: red, green, blue, etc. But the acidity of the environment changes not only when we cook food, but also when we dilute it.

Imagine that you take strawberry juice and dilute it with water, as Malysheva teaches us, so as not to consume a lot of sugar. Its acidity drops and the juice turns gray. Beets contain the dye betanin, which is not affected by the acidity of the environment.

Blue candies and drinks contain synthetic dyes- this is a misconception, because synthetic blue and green dyes do not exist. It was not possible to create stable and non-toxic non-food dyes, so they were always obtained from algae. The green color is copper chlorophyllin, and the blue color is phycocyanin, a substance secreted from blue algae. Indeed, when they stand out in their pure form, they seem unnatural, but these are the most natural colors, there is no need to be afraid of them.

If the product you buy has a bright color, this is a clear sign that it has added coloring (in most cases artificial, since natural ones are expensive). Such a substance can be harmful to health (especially for children). The President spoke about the dangers of dyes public organization"Research Center for Independent Consumer Expertise "Test" Valentin Bezrukiy.

Europe warns

In EU countries, food dyes E110, E122, E102, E124, E104 and E129 have been recognized as hazardous to children's health. This is because consuming foods that contain them can cause hyperactivity in children. Europe is already planning to adopt a legislative act banning the use of such dyes in the manufacture of food products. baby food. In the meantime, there is no such law, warning labels are placed on products: “May have a negative effect on the activity and attention of children.” Ukrainian manufacturers do not yet do this, so consumers should carefully read the label and refuse to purchase such a product.

For whom else are dyes dangerous?

E110 (Sunset Yellow) - especially contraindicated in people with aspirin intolerance. This supplement can also provoke skin rashes, vomiting, runny nose, stomach cramps, indigestion, even swelling of the kidneys. Strictly prohibited for allergy sufferers.

E122 (Carmoisine) can cause severe allergies and is contraindicated for asthmatics. Many countries have already abandoned its use in food products.

E102 (Tartrazine): products containing it are contraindicated for people with any chronic diseases, especially for patients with bronchial asthma and various types allergies. According to some foreign studies, E102 can contribute to the development of cancer.

E124 (Crimson4R) – carcinogen. Can provoke asthma attacks. Causes severe allergic reactions including anaphylactic shock.

E104 (Yellow quinoline) - in asthmatics it causes such severe cases of suffocation that they are difficult to stop even in a medical facility.

E129 (Charming Red) is a carcinogen and is contraindicated in people sensitive to aspirin.

Be careful!

The Test Center of Expertise has compiled a list of sweets in which harmful dyes. These are the following products:

Waffles with strawberry flavor Bravissimo (confectionery factory "Kviten", Dnepropetrovsk) – E129

Sponge cake "Rozalini Drunk Cherry" (confectionery factory Yarich, Lviv region) – E102 and E124

Menthoplus duo lollipops with cherry flavor, produced in Argentina, – E110 and E129

Jelly "Pineapple" brand "Eco", produced in Ukraine - E102 and E122

Children's jelly beans M&Ms maxi from Mars, made in Russia - 6 dangerous dyes at once

Jelly "Pineapple" brand "Premium", made in Ukraine - E102

Non-alcoholic drink "Tarragon" (brand "Drinks from Chernogolovka", manufacturer "Aqualife"), produced in Russia - E102

Soft drink "Tarragon" (brand "Bon Boisson", manufacturer "Malbi"), produced in Ukraine - E102

Combination cake "Apricot enchanting" (manufacturer "Vatutinsky Bread Factory") - E110

Cake "Premium" bird's milk" (manufacturer "Fozzie-Food"), produced in Ukraine - E124

Non-alcoholic drink "Breeze Multifruit" (manufacturer "Erlan"), produced in Ukraine - E102, E110 and E124

Mints Orbit Professional ( berries), manufacturer Wrigley, made in Russia – E129

Chewing gum Hubba bubba (strawberry). Manufacturer: Wrigley, made in Russia – E129

Cakes "French (cherry)" (producer BKK), produced in Ukraine - E124

White-pink marshmallow (Kharkov confectionery factory), produced in Ukraine - E122

Mini-cake BisKonti (Konti brand), made in Ukraine – E110

Croissant with cherry filling (Dolce Vita brand), made in Ukraine – E122

Jelly sweets "Zheleshka" with cherry (orange) flavor (AVK brand), produced in Ukraine - E124 (E 110

Cake "Kyiv" (manufacturer BKK), produced in Ukraine - E102 and E124

MilkyWay chocolate bar (Mars company), produced in Russia – E129

Dragee "Sea Pebbles" brand "Full Bowl", produced in Ukraine - E102 and E122

Juice drink "Sicilian Red Orange", brand "Sandora", produced in Ukraine - E129

Jelly candy "Crocodile", made in Latvia – E110, E122

Raw smoked sausage "Parmskiy Khmizok" (producer "Tulchinmyaso"), produced in Ukraine - E124
Cake "Space" (manufacturer BKK), produced in Ukraine - E102 and E124

Cake "Roasted in chocolate" (manufacturer BKK), made in Ukraine - E102

Soft drink "Tarragon" (brand "Rosinka", manufacturer "Rosinka"), produced in Ukraine - E102

Non-alcoholic Schweppes drink(“Pryana Zhuravlina”) (Coca-Cola company), produced in Ukraine – E129

Soft drink "Tarragon" (brand "Biola", manufacturer "Orlan"), produced in Ukraine - E102

Non-alcoholic drink with lime flavor (Obolon brand, manufacturer Obolon), produced in Ukraine – E102

Marmalade "Orange and lemon slices" brand "Full bowl", produced in Ukraine - E102 and E110

Children's M&Ms jelly beans from the Mars company, made in Russia - 5 dangerous dyes at once

Candies "Duchess" brand "Full Cup", produced in Ukraine - E102
Children's M&Ms with peanuts from the Mars company, made in Russia - 6 dangerous dyes at once

Candies "Barberry" brand "Full Cup", produced in Ukraine - E122

Candies "Crow's Feet" brand "Full Bowl", produced in Ukraine - E129

Roll with strawberry filling 7 days (Chipita brand), made in Russia – E124

Juice drink "Sicilian Red Orange", brand "Jaffa", produced in Ukraine - E129

Cookies "Fruitberry" with strawberry flavor (AVK brand), produced in Ukraine - E122

Marmalade for diabetics "Rozmay", produced in Ukraine - E102, E122, E124

Cookies "Fruitberry" with cherry flavor (AVK brand), produced in Ukraine - E122

Non-alcoholic juice drink Fanta, Coca-Cola company, produced in Ukraine – E104

Manufacturers use food coloring to give food products an attractive color and aroma. They can be seen as part of the most different products: from drinks and sweets to meat and fish products. There is no benefit from them as such, since their role in cooking is decoration and imparting the desired smell. But much more can definitely be said about the harm. In this article, we will take a closer look at the benefits and harms of dyes for humans.

Dyes from natural products

Dyes of natural origin are made from roots, berries, fruits, and leaves. IN Not large quantities they are useful because they contain various vitamins and organic acids.

• E162 is a betaine pigment that is found in the familiar beetroot. If the pigment is dissolved with water, the solution acquires a red color and all the beneficial properties.
• E160a is beta-carotene, found in carrots and other root vegetables.
• E160c – red paprika extract is contained in the vegetable of the same name. When this pigment is dissolved, a wide range of shades in the red-orange range can be obtained. This substance contains carotenoids and unsaturated fatty acids that are required by the human body.
• E100 – curcumin, is made from the spice turmeric and has a rich yellow color.

There are several other natural dyes of animal and plant origin. Their disadvantage is the low pigment content and the inclusion of accompanying pigments, which reduce the coloring characteristics of the main dye. Natural dyes contain useful material, but their properties are leveled due to chemical treatment to increase consumer qualities.

It is worth noting that manufacturers have learned to create natural dyes not from natural ingredients. They produce complete analogues that match the composition and characteristics of naturally occurring dyes. Synthesizing dyes is much cheaper than producing dyes of natural origin.

Synthetic substances

Artificial ones are often used along with natural dyes. They are popular due to their low cost. Although tasteless and odorless, these chemicals do food products more vibrant and attractive. They do not contain useful substances and often only cause harm to the human body.

• E102 is tartazine, the most harmful substance produced from industrial waste. It is a strong allergen, stimulates hyperactivity and reduces concentration in children. It is necessary to create yellow shades.
• E104 is a dangerous chemical compound that increases hyperactivity and causes skin diseases in children. It is used in the production of yellow-green candies and chewing gum.
• E 122 is a powerful allergen that is prohibited in many countries European countries. The substance is added to products, giving them a red tint.
• E129 is a dye made from coal resins. It gives products a red color and causes a decrease in reaction and an increase in hyperactivity. It can even be found in medicines.
• E132 – indigo carmine, provokes allergies, causes asthma and leads to problems with the cardiovascular system. It is the cause of malignant tumors. It is used where it is necessary to obtain a beautiful blue color.

This list can be expanded endlessly, as the development of new dyes does not stop. Moreover, the process of using them occurs as follows:

1. A new dye is being developed;
2. Permitting documentation is obtained;
3. After a while, harmful effects begin to appear;
4. The substance is prohibited for use.

It is important to remember that most coloring pigments used in the food industry are obtained artificially. Therefore, in order not to experience the harm of dyes, experts advise using as many dyes as possible and carefully checking the composition of products to prevent the accumulation of carcinogens and harmful substances in the body.

Today in supermarkets you can find a huge variety of products, which are quite easy to get confused about. Bright packaging, seductive pictures, shiny labels, plus all this is complemented by promotional price tags, and we make a purchase. Stop, first you need to carefully study the packaging, namely the composition of this product. The fewer different incomprehensible words it contains, the better. For example, GOST condensed milk contains only natural milk and sugar, but the same product, but produced according to specifications, has a completely different composition. It contains stabilizers and emulsifiers, as well as various substances labeled E. Today we will talk about them: everyone should have a table of harmful food additives at hand to prevent their consumption.

What are various nutritional supplements used for?

First of all, you should be alerted to the “E” markings - they indicate nutritional supplements, which are used all over the world as preservatives and stabilizers, flavor and aroma enhancers, thickeners and disintegrants. All this is needed to improve your appearance and nutritional properties product, and also increase its shelf life.

Why do we need a table of harmful food additives, and are all substances labeled “E” harmful? No, there are neutral, harmful and even dangerous, and therefore it is important for each of us to know them and be able to distinguish them. After all, the quality and duration of our lives greatly depend on what we eat. The more vitamins and minerals in the diet and the less “chemicals”, the better.

Natural or artificial

Despite the assurances of manufacturers, almost all additives are artificial and therefore potentially dangerous. These are chemicals of synthetic origin. Considering that even the safest of them sometimes cause a reaction in particularly sensitive people, it is clear that the table of harmful food additives should be known to everyone. However, there is one more subtlety here: not all manufacturers warn you that their product contains additives with the “E” index. They often make do with general phrases like “does not contain artificial colors or flavors.” Others note the presence of stabilizers and thickeners, but do not indicate which additives were used. In this case, there is only one way out: refuse the purchase and choose a more honest manufacturer. This is especially important if the product is imported, because no one can guarantee that it does not contain prohibited products. Perhaps this will allow you to look differently at the products in supermarkets, because, despite their attractive appearance, almost all of them contain preservatives.

What does the number code next to the letter "E" mean?

Below we will look at what the table of harmful food additives includes, but for now let’s look at what these mysterious numbers mean. If the code starts with one, then you have a dye. All preservatives begin with 2, the number 3 denotes antioxidants - they are used to slow down or prevent spoilage of the product. All 4 are stabilizers, substances that help maintain the consistency of the product in the required form. The number 5 denotes emulsifiers; they work in tandem with stabilizers and preserve the structure of the product. The flavor and aroma enhancers that create the notes and shades we love so much begin with 6. Some products contain special substances that prevent foaming; they are marked with the number 9. If you see a four-digit index, this indicates the presence of sweeteners. The realities of life show that you need to know harmful food additives ("E"). The table will help you timely identify foods that should not be consumed.

Such different food additives "E"

This labeling may hide completely harmless and even useful substances, for example, plant extracts. This is the well-known acetic acid (E260). Relatively safe E supplements include baking soda (E500), calcium carbonate or regular chalk (E170), and many others.

However, there are much more harmful substances than beneficial ones. You are mistaken if you think that these include only artificial additives; natural ones also have a negative effect on the body. Moreover, the more often they are used, the stronger and more pronounced their effect will be.

Healthy Supplements

You should not immediately return a product to the shelf just because it contains E. You need to look and analyze what substance is hidden behind it. The table of harmful and beneficial food additives will help you make right choice. For example, the most regular apple contains pectin, ascorbic acid and riboflavin, that is, E300, E440, E101, but it cannot be called harmful.

The most common beneficial supplements are curcumins, or E100 - these substances help control weight and are actively used in the production of fitness products. E101 is a regular vitamin B2, which is famous for synthesizing hemoglobin and participating in metabolism. E160d is lycopene and helps strengthen the immune system. E270 is a powerful antioxidant that is widely used in pharmacology. To enrich products with iodine, the additive E916, that is, calcium iodate, is used. We can’t forget about lecithin E322 - this supplement supports the immune system and improves hematopoiesis.

Relatively harmless additives

Today the topic of our conversation is “Table of food additives “E”. Useful and harmful, they are ubiquitous in the most common food products. In this group we need to mention the dyes that are used by the most famous confectionery companies to give an attractive appearance to creams and cakes. This is chlorophyrol , or E140, green dye. Betanin is also known, that is, a red dye. It is extracted from the most common beets, the juice of which is excellent for coloring creams at home.

This group includes calcium carbonate (E170) and regular baking soda. Despite the fact that these substances do not pose a threat to life, in large quantities they can disrupt the acid-base balance in the body. E290 is ordinary carbon dioxide; all carbonated drinks are made with it. Every kitchen should have a table of food additives E. Useful and harmful, they are presented in such large quantities today that it is very difficult to remember what a particular substance means.

Additives to Avoid

Today the table contains 11 groups of additives, among which are dangerous, prohibited, harmful to the skin and violating arterial pressure substances. Since everyone needs to avoid foods that contain dangerous E's, we'll look at each group separately. You shouldn’t be negligent about your health and rely on the manufacturer. Many of them are guided only by short-term gain and do not think about reputation. Moreover, it is much easier to periodically close production and open it under a different name, releasing products with new labels. This is why you should know the harmful "E" food additives. The table will help you navigate and not forget what this or that code means. So let's get started.

Dangerous additives

This group includes many dyes, so if you see confectionery products painted in bright colors, think about whether you should take them to your children. Be sure to study harmful food additives "E": the table is updated periodically, so you need to update the printout, which is best kept next to the kitchen table.

This includes E102, namely tartrazine. It causes asthma attacks and is banned in several countries. E110 is a yellow dye that is banned in many countries because it causes an allergic reaction and nausea. E120 - carminic acid (research has not yet proven harmful, but doctors strongly recommend avoiding it). Red dyes E124, E127 and E129 are banned in a number of countries because they are carcinogenic. This also includes E155 (brown dye) and E180 (ruby rytol).

E220 - sulfur dioxide - should be used with caution in people with kidney failure. Feel free to put aside products containing E220, E222, E223, E224, E228, E233, E242. E400, E401, E402 are recognized as dangerous.

Very dangerous

If the previous group of additives is dangerous or potentially dangerous, then representatives of this category should be treated more than carefully. The fact is that the table of additives only gives you codes that hide substances that stimulate the growth of cancer cells. To completely avoid contact with them, you will have to give up most confectionery products and seriously reconsider your view of the diet. The simpler the better, so bran biscuits, cereals and fruit are the safest choices.

However, let's return to our conversation. The table of the most dangerous additives "E" includes dyes such as E123 (amaranth). It is banned all over the world as it causes developmental pathologies in the fetus. In addition, this group includes E510, E513E, E527.

Prohibited substances: table of the most harmful food additives "E"

It should be noted that in Russia there are very soft rules for manufacturing companies. Only 5 additives are officially banned, although the number is much higher worldwide. This is E952 - cyclamic acid and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts. This is a sugar substitute that was discontinued because it was found to be a strong carcinogen. E-216 - para-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester - is also prohibited in Russia. But this is not all harmful food additives ("E"). The table includes a number of dyes in this group - these are E152, E130, E125, E126, E121, E111.

Substances that cause skin rashes

Everyone can imagine the effect of carcinogens on the body, so you need to do everything necessary to exclude from the menu products that contain the most harmful food additives. Having a table at hand will help you stop in time and not make an unnecessary purchase. Women should especially think about it, because many conditionally safe supplements cause deterioration of the skin. This is E151 (black, shiny BN) - in a number of countries it is completely prohibited. Second on the list is E231 (orthophenylphenol) and E232 (calcium orthophenylphenol). Aspartame, or E951, a favorite sugar substitute for many, also has a number of side effects and is not recommended for use without special reasons.

Let's sum it up

You may find this table useful every day. A food additive whose harmful effects have not been fully studied should be excluded from the diet. This group includes quite a lot of different “E” - these are E124, E122, E141, E150, E171, E173, E247, E471. To optimize your diet and consume as few synthetic additives as possible, study product packaging before purchasing. The fewer different components and unclear terms there are, the better. Do not purchase unfamiliar products, as well as those whose packaging does not contain ingredients, and give preference to well-known manufacturers.

Avoid products with bright, unnatural colors. They may contain too many dyes and preservatives. Give preference to natural products, grains, fermented milk, as well as vegetables and fruits. This diet is guaranteed to be free of harmful and dangerous substances. To maintain your health for as long as possible, try to avoid products that use harmful food additives ("E") in their production. A table containing the main ones will become your reliable assistant.

Paints and varnishes. Eh, isn't it harmful?

It is no secret that one of the most common and popular solutions to the problem of decorating walls and floors in a house is painting. This is really practical, convenient, profitable, economical, and the appearance of such painted walls and floors looks quite good. In a word - an excellent solution for repairs, but what about the effect of such painted surfaces on our health? Is it harmful to paint the walls in the bedroom, nursery and living room? Today, we will talk about paints, and whether this option is safe for you and me...

Residents of cities (large and small) are familiar with the problem of air pollution. And, from the fact that out of those twenty-six kilograms of clean air (or twelve thousand liters) that we need per day, we inhale only a fourth of it, and the rest is made up of toxic fumes of chemicals that surround us, dust and microparticles of dirt, we often complain of chronic fatigue, nervousness and depression. Of course, those who live near highways and industrial zones are in a special zone of risk and lack of clean air (we have already mentioned this on our website, in the article on how to make the air cleaner). And, what does paint and repair have to do with it, someone might ask. It turns out that there is still a connection between all this. The peculiarity and even uniqueness of the air on city streets is that under the influence of atmospheric influences it is still purified. The wind blew, the temperature dropped and the clouds of car exhaust gases cleared over the city. Another thing is our home. Our home atmosphere, our composition of “home” air is stable (unless, of course, you clean it with air purifying filters and place plants on every square meter - see the article indoor plants that purify the air). And, it contains exactly all those toxic fumes from those materials that we preferred when making repairs. That's why scientists say that

The average citizen still spends ninety percent of his time not on the street, but indoors, where the air is ten times more toxic and harmful than in open space...

What makes our home air so toxic? First of all, these are synthetic finishing materials and petrochemical derivatives - synthetic paints for walls – alkyd, acrylic, nitro, polyurethane... In a word, this is exactly what we were going to talk about today. Also, our air in the house is poisoned by chipboard furniture, suspended ceilings, vinyl wallpaper, linoleum, plastic products (windows, appliances, furniture)... Literally everything that surrounds us poses a danger to our health!
Why are synthetic paints so dangerous, you ask? And, because such materials emit harmful organic and carcinogenic compounds:

• Formaldehyde(included in the list of the most dangerous carcinogens, highly toxic, affects the reproductive organs, skin, eyes, respiratory tract, central nervous system, can cause genetic abnormalities),
• Xylene(causes skin diseases),
• Phenol(a toxic substance that evaporates when room temperature and has a pungent odor, in the form of dust or phenolic vapors penetrates the human body through mucous surfaces, respiratory tract and skin, can cause dizziness, headaches, loss of strength, decreased immunity, allergies),
• Toluene (causes eye disease and affects the central nervous system),

And this is not the entire list of pleasant surprises of paints and varnishes...
All these toxic substances enter our body through the lungs, are transported into the blood and can cause fatal and incurable diseases. Some may say that only freshly painted surfaces are dangerous, but this is far from true. Intense fumes, of course, are observed immediately after the dyeing process, but they do not stop over time, they simply become weaker, but no less toxic. And, now imagine that your room, where ninety percent of the surfaces are painted with paints and varnishes, is more like a gas chamber that slowly but surely kills all living things in it.

So, is it really worth forgetting about colors completely now? Such a radical solution is useless if you can find so-called eco paints which are made from natural materials. How can this be, you ask? In our progressive age, anything can happen.

What is the difference between such eco-paints and synthetic paints and varnishes...

First of all, the composition of such paints is different. If in synthetic versions (alkyd, acrylic) oil is used as the main raw material (although it is a natural product, it is very difficult to subject it to simple chemical reactions, which is why it is necessary to resort to ozone and chlorine in the manufacturing technology of such “harmful” paints, This is what poisons the source material for the paint), then you won’t find any petroleum in natural eco-paints (this also applies to petroleum derivatives). Only natural ingredients - eucalyptus, orange, flaxseed, rosemary, lavender oils, casein (a product obtained from cottage cheese), vegetable resins, clay, natural dyes. This is the paint composition that is absolutely harmless to human health. Naturally, such environmental friendliness and naturalness are an order of magnitude higher than an ordinary synthetic poison in an iron can, but health is more expensive!

Another difference between such eco-paints is the fact that manufacturers of such paints are not afraid to indicate the full composition of their product, unlike manufacturers synthetic products, which, besides “wall paint”, do not write anything else on the label. And, not to be afraid because they are absolutely confident that their product does not pose a threat to human health.

What Such “correct” paints do not highlight anything! toxic!!! fumes into the air– science has already proven this. In addition, another undeniable advantage of such a natural painting material is the fact that During the painting process, there is no effect of a “polymer film” that does not allow the surface to “breathe.” This paint lasts longer than its synthetic counterparts and does not peel off or rub off.

But, unfortunately, not many of us pay attention to such little things as wall paint. They buy the first can of paint they come across that suits the color scheme and cost and begin the renovation. After a few days, your house is sparkling clean and... emitting toxic fumes. And, after a few more weeks, you suddenly start to get sick. And few of us will build a chain: synthetic paint-repair-disease... And, meanwhile, experts claim that every year the number of cases where paint and varnish materials become the cause of illness, poisoning, and allergies is increasing.
Here are a few more interesting facts about colors...

• polyvinyl chloride is a component of many paints and varnishes; it poses a particular danger at room temperature, when it begins to decompose, and at elevated room temperatures and exposure of painted surfaces to sunlight. PVC vapors enter human body, both through the lungs and through the skin, are absorbed into the blood and liver. As a result, if you have a strong and healthy body, you may suddenly develop an allergy, and if you are not proud of your good health, everything can end up much worse - damage to the nervous system, kidneys and liver.
• According to experts, more than half of the products on the paint market are dangerous to human health. Therefore, do not be lazy to carefully read the composition of the paint on the label and still give preference to trusted manufacturers. The ideal solution to the painting issue is, of course, choosing eco-paints.

We all strive to create coziness and comfort in our home, but remember that you will only be truly cozy and comfortable in your home if you are healthy and surrounded by materials that do not pose a threat to your life .

Shevtsova Olga, World without Harm.

Table of prohibited and harmful food additives.

Designations of food additives starting with the letter E appeared on all food packaging in Russia after 1996.
The inscription on the packaging “E124 is a safe food additive approved by ES standards” does not guarantee the safety of the additive! Firstly, this does not mean that this supplement can be consumed in any quantity.

Secondly, not everything that is permitted in Europe is permitted in Russia.

The results of new scientific research lead to the creation of some and the restriction of the consumption of other additives, even those previously considered safe.

E 100 – 199 – dyes
Products with red and yellow dyes, such as tartrazine E102, often cause food allergies. This dye is used in candies, ice cream, confectionery, drinks.

E127 has a toxic effect, causing thyroid diseases.

E 200 – 299 – preservatives
The infamous sodium nitrites and nitrates are E250 and E251. They are still used everywhere, despite the fact that they cause a variety of allergic and inflammatory reactions, headaches, liver colic, irritability and fatigue.

Substances designated by code E231 and E232 are harmful to the skin. These additives are used in the production of various sausages, meat products with a long shelf life and canned food.

Dyes and preservatives have a bad effect on the immune system and disrupt the natural intestinal microflora. And functional disorders of the intestine sometimes lead to cancer and cardiovascular pathologies. Metabolism and liver suffer. On February 22, 2005, the use of additives with the index E216 and E217 was prohibited in Russia in order to prevent the threat of mass non-infectious diseases (poisonings) of the population. Scientists speak out more harshly - these substances can provoke the occurrence of malignant tumors. Previously, these additives were used in the production of meat and confectionery products.

E 300 – 399 – antioxidants
Antioxidants (also called antioxidants) slow down the oxidative process in fat and oil emulsions. Fats thus do not go rancid and do not change their color over time.

E311 can cause allergies and asthma attacks. An asthma attack can also be triggered by the supplements E320 and E321 (found in some fatty foods and chewing gums). E320 retains water in the body and increases cholesterol levels.

E 400 – 499 – thickeners, stabilizers
Thickeners and stabilizers increase viscosity. They are almost always added to low-fat products - mayonnaise and yoghurt. The thick consistency creates the illusion of a “quality product”. May cause diseases of the digestive system.

E 500 – 599 – emulsifiers
Emulsifiers create a homogeneous mixture of immiscible products, such as water and oil. They have a negative effect on the liver and cause stomach upset. Emulsifiers E510, E513 and E527 are especially dangerous in this regard.

E 600 – 699 – flavor enhancers
"Miracle seasoning" allows you to save on natural meat, poultry, fish, mushrooms, seafood. A few chopped fibers are added to the dish natural product or even its extract, is generously flavored with an enhancer, and a “real” taste is obtained. The additive successfully masks the low quality of the original product, for example, old or low-grade meat. The flavor enhancer is found in almost all fish, chicken, mushroom, and soy semi-finished products, as well as in chips, crackers, sauces, various dry seasonings, bouillon cubes and dry soups. Not a single restaurant recipe is complete without flavor enhancers. fast food. Wherein acceptable standards may be exceeded - the maximum dosage of this additive should create the illusion of a “quality product”. May cause diseases of the digestive system.

The most famous flavor enhancer is monosodium glutamate E621. There has been fierce controversy surrounding this supplement for many years. American neurophysiologist John Olney discovered in the mid-70s that monosodium glutamate can cause brain damage in rats. And Japanese scientist Hiroshi Oguro recently proved that this food additive has an adverse effect on the retina. 30% of people who frequently eat foods with monosodium glutamate complain of headaches, increased heart rate, muscle weakness, fever and bloating in the chest. This additive is especially often used in oriental cuisine, so experts have combined the described symptoms with the term “Chinese restaurant syndrome.” Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of the amino acid glutamine. There is a lot of it, for example, in celery root. This amino acid and its salts are involved in the transmission of impulses in the central nervous system, have a stimulating effect and are used in psychiatry. In its pure form, this substance has neither taste nor smell, but enhances the taste of any dish. To a person who often consumes monosodium glutamate, natural food seems tasteless because taste recognition receptors lose sensitivity. This is how a person becomes dependent on the “tasty seasoning.” In order not to scare away the buyer, manufacturers do not always call the E621 seasoning by its name. It is often indicated: “ flavoring agent" or "taste improver." Sometimes this formulation also hides E622 - monopotassium glutamate, which is prohibited for use in Russia. Of the 18 known flavor enhancers, 6 are allowed in Russia, but they can hardly be considered useful.

E 900 – 999 – defoamers, glazing agents, sweeteners, disintegrants.
These additives prevent or reduce the formation of foam, create a shiny, smooth shell, provide the product with a sweet taste and make the dough more fluffy. Defoamers, glazing agents and disintegrants do not pose a great danger to the body.

The most serious claims are made against the sweetener aspartame.
It is included in more than 6,000 products. At 30 degrees Celsius, aspartame begins to break down into methanol (methyl alcohol) and formaldehyde, which is considered a carcinogen. Chronic use of aspartame often causes headaches, ringing in the ears, allergies and depression.
Another sweetener, cyclamate, has been banned in the USA, France, Great Britain and some other countries since 1969. It is believed to cause kidney failure. These sweeteners are widely used in the production of soft drinks. They increase appetite and cause thirst.

E-additives banned in Russia
E121 – citrus red, dye
E123 – red amaranth, dye
E240 – formaldehyde, preservative
E-additives allowed in Russia, but considered dangerous
Causes the growth of malignant tumors: E103, E105, E121, E123, E125, E126, E130, E131, E143, E152,
E210, E211, E213-217, E240, E330, E447.
Cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: E221-226, E320-322, E338-341, E407, E450, E461-466.
Allergens: E230, E231, E232, E239, E311-313.
Causes liver and kidney diseases: E171 173, E320-322.

Why is dye e harmful?

If you mean dyes as food additives in food products, they are not poisons, of course, but there is no benefit and nutritional value Dont Have. Manufacturers began to use them in order to embellish their product and make it more appetizing. appearance. Bad influence Artificial food colors have not been well studied, but it is recommended to choose foods without them. There are natural food dyes - beet and carrot juice, red berry juice, lemon zest decoction, etc. These dyes will not cause any harm.

Don't go here

E-dyes can cause itchy skin, asthma, and make children restless
E-102, tartrazine
Yellow dye. By its nature it is coal tar and belongs to industrial waste.
Contained in jelly, jelly juices, chewy sweets, cream soufflé candies, jelly candies, caramel, sponge rolls, marmalade, ice cream, puree, soups, yogurt, mustard.
May provoke an attack of bronchial asthma, migraine, itchy skin and blurred vision. It can cause children to become irritable, restless, and have difficulty sleeping.
E-104, quinoline yellow
Lemon yellow dye.
Contained in cake cream, smoked fish, colored dragees, cough drops, “colored” chewing gum.
May cause skin itching and dermatitis. In children it causes the same problems as E-102.
E-110, sunset yellow FCF, orange-yellow S
Orange dye.
Contained in “colored” sweets, drinks, sauces, packaged soups, oriental spices.
It provokes various allergies, worsening nasal breathing, runny nose, nausea and abdominal pain. It causes increased anxiety in children. Banned in many countries.
E-122, azorubine, carmoisine
Red-brown dye.

Dangerous for asthmatics, can cause rashes and allergies.
E-124, Ponceau 4R (crimson 4R), cochineal red
Red-orange dye.
Contained in confectionery products, carbonated drinks, sauces of this color, salad dressings, salami.
Considered a carcinogen. Exacerbates the course of bronchial asthma.
E-129, red special
Orange dye.
Contained in confectionery products, sweet carbonated waters, sauces of this color.
May cause allergies and cancer. Banned in 9 European countries.
E-211, sodium benzoate
It is a preservative with antibiotic and color enhancer properties.
Contained in sweet carbonated water, barbecue sauces, seafood paste, salmon oil, seafood in brine, caviar salad with sour cream sauce, soy sauces, sweets, ice cream.
Provokes the development of allergies, especially if it enters the body in combination with E-102. Harmful mushrooms

Kyiv, October 9 - AiF Ukraine. The bulk of products sold in Ukrainian supermarkets contain many food additives. Cheap products are especially rich in such substances. To systematically understand them, you should know why they are dangerous, what dishes they are included in and what they are called.

Let's start by noting The most common food additives:

• E-300 - E-305 - ascorbic acid
• E-330 - lemon acid
• E-322 - lecithin
• E-300 - soda
• E-216, E-217 - nitrate salts (put into meat)
• E100-E181 (dyes), E631-E637 (flavors), E900-E999 (anti-foam additives), E500-E575 (raising agents), E1510-E1520 (solvents of synthetic origin), E1400-E1450 (modified starch), E1100-E1105 ( biocatalyst enzymes or starter substitutes), E171 (titanium dioxide, which gives a white color) - most often added to dairy products and dough.

Let's move on to dyes. Hazardous substances in this category contain jelly, some chocolate bars, Kievsky cake, marmalade, soft drinks and juices, as well as sweets, mint drops and egg dyes.

Now in more detail:

• E102 - Tartrazine - causes urticaria and Merkelsson-Rosenthal syndrome (a combination of Quincke's edema, fissures of the tongue and damage to the facial nerve. Used in ice cream, jellies, purees, soups, yogurts, mustard and yellow-colored carbonated drinks, as well as in candies and cakes.
• E103 - Alkanet - causes cancer, used in the production of ointments and essential oils.
• E 104, 107 and 110 - yellow dyes. The first two cause allergies, the third causes nausea, urticaria, nasal congestion, rhinitis, kidney swelling, and chromosomal damage. It is also often the cause of indigestion, vomiting, abdominal pain, and food aversion.
• E121 - Citrus Red 2 - banned in most countries of the world, used to color orange peels.
• E122 - Azorubine, carmoisine - causes rashes and allergies, used in marzipans, jams, jam rolls, yoghurts, sauces, red drinks.
• E125 - Ponceau, crimson - can cause dysfunction of the liver, kidneys and damage to the adrenal cortex. Carcinogen and mutagen.
• E128, E129 are red dyes that cause cancer.
• E 131-132 - blue food dyes, carcinogen, causes cancer.
• E 142 - green dye, carcinogen. E151 is a black food coloring that is also carcinogenic.
• E152 - coal. Still used in the food industry. Carcinogen.
• E154 - Brown dye, found in smoked fish, meat and chips. Disturbs blood pressure.
• In addition, dyes E160f (ethyl ester of carotenoic acid), E161d (rubiksanthin), E180 (ruby lithol), E182 (orseil, orsin - used in the production of caramel) are also prohibited.

It is worth noting that dyes E102, E104, E110, E122, E124, E129 are officially approved in Ukraine.

• E 100 - E 181 - food additives and colorings
• E 200 - E 296 - preservatives that help preserve products
• E 300 - E 363 - antioxidants that slow down oxidation
• E 400 - E 481 - emulsifiers and stabilizers that maintain consistency
• E 500 - E 575 - leavening agents that maintain the structure of the product
• E 631 - E 637 - flavorings
• E 900 - E 999 - anti-flaming agents to reduce foaming
• E 1100 - E 1105 - enzymes, biological catalysts
• E 1400 - E 1450 - modified starches to create the required consistency
• E 1510 - 1520 - solvents

Tomorrow, read the material about harmful preservative additives.