Substance Index
Alphabetical reference of contaminants and compounds. Each links to a detailed page with health effects, regulatory limits, testing methods, and reduction strategies.
Arsenic
Toxic metalloid in groundwater, rice, fruit juices. EPA MCL: 10 ppb. MCLG: 0. Linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes.
Full profileChromium-6
Hexavalent chromium, industrial contaminant. No federal MCL. California PHG: 0.02 ppb. Associated with stomach cancer, liver damage.
Full profileLead
Neurotoxic heavy metal from pipes, solder, fixtures. EPA action level: 15 ppb. MCLG: 0. No safe exposure level, especially children.
Full profileMicroplastics
Synthetic polymer fragments under 5mm in bottled water, tap water, food. Emerging inflammatory and endocrine research. No regulatory limits.
Full profilePFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Indestructible synthetic compounds in nonstick, waterproofing, firefighting foam. EPA advisory: 0.004 ppt PFOA.
Full profileStevia
Zero-calorie sweetener from Stevia rebaudiana. FDA GRAS for high-purity steviol glycosides (Reb A). Whole-leaf not approved. Gut microbiome research ongoing.
Full profile