34 chemicals were identified believed to mimic and disrupt important immune system communication signals known as cytokines. Any disruption of cytokine communication between immune system cells could potentially turn asymptomatic or mild infection into a severe or fatal infection. Chemicals of concern included dioxin, pesticides, PCBs, plastics, disinfectants and chemicals in cosmetics.
Below are five classes of EDCs (endocrine disrupting chemicals) Harvard scientists identified which they believe could be weaken immune function and worsen viral infections.
CHEMICAL #1 - PCB'S
Found in the coloring of common housepaint and sometimes very high in homes built in the 60s and 70s, because of its use in caulking, paint and wood varnish. It's also emitted from coal-fired power plants which then rain down in our waterways, soil and pastures where it concentrates in fish and even reaches high levels in meat of pasture raised cattle.
CHEMICAL #2 - DIOXIN
Found in bleached paper, car exhaust, and emitted at high levels in backyard trash burning and municipal incinerators. Also forms in some pesticides and emitted from coal-fired power plants.
CHEMICAL #3 - PESTICIDES
Cytokine immune disruption potential was also found from a number of common pesticides used in food and homes. This included the pesticides chlordane (found in homes before 1990), chlorpyrifos (in food and newer homes), atrazine (weed killer), cypermethrin, DDT and DDE (which we ingest from foods grown imported from South America that allow DDT).
Since several of these pesticides are found at high levels in foods produced using conventional-based agriculture, it would suggest eating organic could have a protective effect from Covid-19. Some studies have shown high Covid outbreaks near agricutural communities which would seem plausible as well.
CHEMICAL #4 - PLASTICS
When looking through Harvard's cytokine damaging list - there is also mention of a plastic chemical BPA which is used in water bottles, food packaging and even dental fillings. There is also concern for BPA replacements including bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol-S (BPS). This is telling us that even BPA-Free is meaningless as replacement plastics are typically BPS.
CHEMICAL #5 - DISINFECTANTS
Evidence now suggests some of the disinfectant and antibacterial chemicals we previously believed would prevent infection are now showing the potential to increase the risk of infection.
One of these disinfectant chemicals that can mimic immune system cytokines is "triclosan," and while banned in some products, it's still used in a number of U.S. antbacterial lotions, liquid hand soaps, foaming hand anitizers, mouthwash, deodorants, paints and even wooden pencils.
CHEMICAL #6 - COSMETICS
Cosmetics such as facial makeup and lipstick need to be thickened - and the plastic chemical known as phthalates is used for this purpose. Unfortunately, it is also on Harvard's list of immune system influencing chemicals. Cosmetics also need preservatives and contain chemicals called parabens, also on the list of EDCs linked to COVID-19.