Toxic Products Surround You

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http://www.mercola.com/2005/aug/25/toxic_products_surround_you.htm

 

Toxic Products Surround You

 

n 1998, a laboratory accident in Dr. Pat Hunt's lab alerted her and

many other scientists to the dangers of even tiny amounts of certain

chemicals present in many of the products we use.

 

When a temporary employee mistakenly used a harsh alkaline floor

detergent to clean the cages of the mice she was studying, the

animals' eggs began to develop serious chromosomal problems. The

detergent caused the plastic in the cages to begin to disintegrate,

which allowed a chemical called bisphenol A -- an endocrine disruptor

-- to leach into the animals' food and water.

 

Dangerous to Children

 

Endocrine disruptors are present in many household products. These

man-made chemicals affect the hormones that control development and

function in our bodies. There is mounting evidence that they can cause

harm in the development of fetuses and children, who are particularly

sensitive to the chemicals because they have not yet developed the

protective mechanisms present in adult bodies.

 

Disruptors Everywhere

 

Endocrine disruptors come from many sources:

 

* Bisphenol A, a common ingredient in many plastics, including

those in reusable water bottles and resins lining some food cans and

dental sealants, can change the course of fetal development in a way

that increases the risk of breast cancer.

* Exposure to phthalates can lead to incomplete testicular descent

in fetuses. Phthalates are found in vinyl flooring, detergents,

automotive plastics, soap, shampoo, deodorants, fragrances, hair

spray, nail polish, plastic bags, food packaging, garden hoses,

inflatable toys, blood-storage bags, and intravenous medical tubing.

* Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), found in grease- and

water-resistant coatings like Teflon and Gore-Tex, is a likely carcinogen.

* Runoff from parking lot sealant is a source of polycyclic

aromatic hydrocarbons, which are likely carcinogens and possibly

reproductive toxicants.

* An insecticide called methoxychlor and a fungicide called

vinclozolin caused changes to male mice born for as many as four

subsequent generations after the initial exposure.

 

You Have Been Exposed

 

Only in the past five years or so have scientists developed tests

sensitive enough to measure the very low doses of these chemicals

present in our bodies and the environment. They found that phthalates

and PFOA are present in nearly everyone.

 

" They're all around us, " said Dr. Shanna Swan, a phthalate researcher.

" In food, in household dust, and in products, but they're invisible.

People don't know when they're exposed. "

 

The technology currently exists to make products such as plastics that

do not contain endocrine disruptors. However, it may be difficult to

convince industry manufacturers to make the switch.

 

 

 

USA Today August 2, 2005

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

I've written about the dangers of bisphenol A, PFOA and phthalates

many times on this Web site. The dangers they present are the

inevitable result of flooding our environment and your body with

synthetic chemicals with unknown effects.

 

So many products contain endocrine disruptors that trying to avoid

them may seem like a hopeless struggle. But, in fact, there are a

number of practical techniques you can use to limit your exposure to

these and other common toxins.

 

Avoiding Toxins in Your Food and Drinking Water

 

* As much as possible, buy and eat organic produce and free-range,

organic foods. At the very least, use free-range organic eggs.

* Raw milk products are a key to staying healthy. They are best

obtained locally, if possible.

* Rather than eating conventional fish, which is often

contaminated with PCBs and mercury, use a high-quality purified fish

or cod liver oil, or eat fish that is wild-caught and lab tested.

* Avoid artificial food additives of all kind, including

artificial sweeteners and MSG.

* Avoid processed foods -- remember that they're processed with

chemicals!

* Have your tap water tested and, if contaminants are found,

install an appropriate water filter on all your faucets (even those in

your shower or bath).

 

Avoiding Toxins in Your Personal Care Products

 

* Only use natural cleaning products in your home. Most health

food stores will have these available, or you can search online for them.

* Similarly, switch over to natural brands of toiletries such as

shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants and cosmetics.

* Have any metal fillings removed, as they're a major source of

mercury. Be sure to have this done by a qualified biological dentist.

* Avoid using artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric

softeners or other synthetic fragrances, as they can pollute the air

you are breathing.

* Throw your Teflon pans away.

* Limit your use of drugs (prescription and over-the-counter) as

much as possible. Drugs are chemicals too, and they will leave

residues and accumulate in your body over time.

 

 

 

Related Articles:

 

Warning: Teflon Can Cause Birth Defects & Infertility

 

Why Plastics Can Make You Sick

 

Phthalate Plasticizers Dangerous, Especially to Children