Striving to Minimize the Exposure of Toxic Substances in our World Today

April 24, 2018 By ,

hcg diet portlandStriving to Minimize the Exposure of Toxic Substances in our World Today

The environmental working group (EWG) is one of my favorite groups for providing us with useful information about potential toxins in our world.  I truly appreciate all that they provide.  They have done quite a bit of good research and provided us with a list of 12 substances that have been known to contribute to cancer and have harmful effects on our bodies.  Unfortunately, none of these chemicals can be totally avoided in today’s modern world.  However, with some awareness … we can do our best to make informed choices to protect our bodies and our children’s bodies from these toxic substances.

12 Toxic Substances in Our Daily Lives to Avoid


If we could minimize exposure to these 12 toxic substances, we would be doing our bodies a favor.  The cumulative effect of these substances happens over time and unfortunately, many of the disease processes manifest when we are in our older years.  To avoid the potential of this happening … it is best to take preventative measures now if you can.
Bisphenol A (BPA)An industrial chemical used to make plastics that are used in food and beverage containers and the linings of most food and beverage cans.
AVOID BPA by choosing food that comes in glass jars or waxed cardboard over plastic containers.  If using plastic containers, be sure they are marked “BPA free.”  Anything that is labeled with the letters “PC” contains polycarbonate.  Also, be cautious of anything that is labeled recycling #7 as this could very well contain BPA.  Cash register receipts are another common source of BPA as they are printed on a thermal type of paper which is coated with BPA.

ATRAZINE

Atrazine is a widely used herbicide that is put on the majority of US grown corn.  

AVOID ATRAZINE by using a high quality water filtration system. Atrazine can land in drinking water supplies in areas with a heavy presence of agriculture.  
ORGANOPHOSPHATE PESTICIDES

Organophosphate chemicals are widely used pesticides in the U.S. They are known to have an impact on the nervous system of insects.  
AVOID ORGANOPHOSPHATE PESTICIDES by choosing produce that is organically grown.  

DIBUTYL PHTHALATE (DBP)

DBP was used in most all nail polishes prior to 2006.  Today, it is still used in soft plastics such as shower curtains, rain coats, food wrapping and some bowls.  
AVOID DBP by avoiding soft plastic containers often used in food storage. Also, avoid any plastic containers that are made with PVC.

LEAD

Lead is known to harm almost every organ system in the body. Lead has been linked to a myriad of health issues including nervous system problems, digestive issues, decreased mental function, kidney damage, hormonal issues, miscarriages, etc.
AVOID LEAD by being extremely cautious. Most lead exposure comes from drinking water and lead paint exposure.  Many local health agencies provide free test kits for water and paint.  Once again, use a high quality water filter.


MERCURY
Mercury is toxic to the brain, liver, heart, kidneys and nervous system.  In utero, mercury is known to cause brain and nervous system development issues.
AVOID MERCURY by limiting the amount of canned tuna, swordfish and some sushi.  See the seafood list below and choose the ones with the least mercury content.

LEAST MERCURY CONTENT

Enjoy these fish as you desire …
Anchovies
Butterfish
Catfish
Clam
Crab (Domestic)
Crawfish/Crayfish
Croaker (Atlantic)
Flounder*
Haddock (Atlantic)*
Hake
Herring
Mackerel (N. Atlantic, Chub)
Mullet
Oyster
Perch (Ocean)
Plaice
Pollock
Salmon (Canned)**
Salmon (Fresh)**
Sardine
Scallop*
Shad (American)
Shrimp*
Sole (Pacific)
Squid (Calamari)
Tilapia
Trout (Freshwater)
Whitefish
Whiting

MODERATE MERCURY CONTENT

Choose to consume six servings or less per month of these fish:
Bass (Striped, Black)
Carp
Cod (Alaskan)*
Croaker (White Pacific)
Halibut (Atlantic)*
Halibut (Pacific)
Jacksmelt
(Silverside)
Lobster
Mahi Mahi
Monkfish*
Perch (Freshwater)
Sablefish
Skate*
Snapper*
Tuna (Canned
chunk light)
Tuna (Skipjack)*
Weakfish (Sea Trout)

HIGH MERCURY CONTENT

CAUTION: choose to e`at three servings or less per month:
Bluefish
Grouper*
Mackerel (Spanish, Gulf)
Sea Bass (Chilean)*
Tuna (Canned Albacore)
Tuna (Yellowfin)*

HIGHEST MERCURY CONTENT

AVOID! AVOID! AVOID!!
Mackerel (King)
Marlin*
Orange Roughy*
Shark*
Swordfish*
Tilefish*
Tuna (Bigeye, Ahi)*

* These fish are low in quantity in our oceans and are caught using fishing methods that are not good for the environment. 

** Careful in choosing farmed salmon as it often contains PCB’s and other chemicals with negative impact on the health of our bodies.

 

POLYFLUOROCHEMICALS (PFC’s)

PFC’s are used in the making of materials that are water and grease resistant.  This would be found in greasy fast food chains around a burger or fries.  These chemicals are also found in substances that provide stain resistance.

AVOID PFC’s by using caution when obtaining greasy food. Often, it comes in a packaging that is treated with PFC’s.  Any stain resistant fabrics and upholstery are also laden with PFC’s.  Other places that provide PFC contamination to our bodies are Gore-tex fabric, Teflon pans or other non-stick pans, non-stick kitchen utensils and microwave popcorn bags.  Also, choose beauty products labeled PTFE free.

PHTHALATES and DIETHYLPTHALATES (DEHP)

Phthlates are very common in industries that make any kind of PVC — PVC is a type of plastic that can also be used to make soft toys.  They are also found in many solvents, fragrances, etc.  DEHP is known to alter thyroid levels.

AVOIDING PHTHALATES — this can be done by looking out for Phthalates.  Phthalates are often lumped in with any “fragrance” found on an ingredient label.  If fragrance is listed as an ingredient you can be almost sure that phthalates are in there.Plastics are also a very common source of phthalates.  Avoid heating food in plastic containers and if you can provide your little one with wooden toys or phthalate free you can rest assured they are not consuming phthalates.  Some fabrics and things such as raincoats, umbrellas, rain boots and shower curtains also contain phthalates.

PBDEs

A group of chemical fire retardants.  These are often found in foam products made with a base of polyurethane.  Before 2005, most foam products including upholstered furniture, pillows, mattresses, couches, rug pads were made with PBDE’s.  Many electronics also contain(ed) PBDE’s. This toxic chemical has been banned.  However, many household items made before 2005 still contain them.

AVOIDING PBDE’s by avoiding foam products before the year 2005.  Look for foam products made after 2014.  It is nice to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to get rid of particles that might be floating around.  You can also check in with manufacturers  about what they use in their products.

TRICLOSAN

Triclosan is found in liquid hand soaps, dish soap and common personal care products.  It is found in things labeled “antibacterial.”

 

AVOID TRICLOSAN by avoiding soaps that are not made with pure, natural ingredients. Also, stay away from anything labeled “antibacterial” such as cutting boards, some toys, etc.

NONYLPHENOL

This substance is used in many paints, detergents, body care products and detergents.

AVOID NONYLPHENOL BY checking the Environmental Working Groups list of safe cleaning products.  Read labels very carefully to be sure nonylphenol is not listed. 

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Our world has become quite toxic these days (unfortunately).  It is best to do what you can to avoid the above chemicals that have been linked to cancer.

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