A Hidden Cause of Illness...

Could Toxic Chemicals Be Making You Sick?

by Andrea Chervenak

Could  toxins be the root cause of your health problems? Although there is greater awareness about the potential health risks associated with the ever increasing number of  pesticides and herbicides used on our lawns, crops, and foods, many unsuspecting products found in our homes and offices contain hidden toxins and chemicals that may be contributing to the ever-increasing number of undiagnosed and autoimmune  health problems.  Although our bodies were designed to filter these toxins, continued exposure can overwhelm our natural detox system, and result in imbalances that can potentially lead to autoimmune diseases, chemical sensitivities, and other more serious diseases.

Obvioulsy you can't live in a bubble, or eliminate all toxic exposure. What you can do is educate yourself about these potential hazards so you will be able to make educated decisons and purchases.  Here are a few ideas for protecthing yourself, and your family: 

1. Read Labels 
Use this rule: if you can't pronounce it, maybe it's not something you want to eat or use!

2. Ask questions
When purchasing items like furniture and mattresses chances are they were produced using formaldehyde, which can outgas for years once you bring it into your home.  It isn't easy to find chemical free products, but it is may be worth the extra effort to look for products made from natural woods and fibers that are untreated, or minimally treated.

3.  Buy natural and/or organic whenever you can. The fewer toxins you are exposed to, the less work your body has to do to eliminate them, and the healthier you will be!

4.  Visit our Natural Health Resource section to find sources for a large variety of natural/organic products and services.

5.  Pay attention to how you feel after you bring new things into your home - if you notice you are getting headaches, are more fatigued, etc it may be something that the products were treated with that are challening your immune system.

6.  Not sure if something you are eating, or brought into your home is bothering you?  Try using Muscle Testing - it's a simple, easy way to determine compatibility.

Potential toxins to be aware of:

• Toluene
  This petrochemical solvent can be an eye and skin irritant, carciogen and neurotoxin, as well as to cause reproductive harm.  It can be found in spot removers, paints, car cleaners, and memory foam products.
• PBDE Flame Retardants
  Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether is a flame retardant that has a similar chemical structure to that of dioxins and PCSs.  It can accummulate in the body and build up in the food chain.  PBDEs are carcinogenic and have been associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.  They can accumulate in breast milk and be transferred to babies and developing fetuses.  Flame retardants can be found in a large variety of products - from mattresses to bedding and clothing.
• Phthalates
  Used as a softening agent to make plastic more  flexible.  More than 90% of phthalates are used in PVC products, such as shower curtains*.  They can make their way into our system through contact with food and beverages, as well as through skin contact or by breathing fumes. Children are especially vulnerable as they may put toys in their mouth and ingest phthalates.  Phthalates have been linked to harming reproductive development and asthma. Additonal sources of exposure can be soft plastics that outgas into food and air, scented personal care products, plastic water bottles, and cosmetics.
  *Vinyl shower curtains can release as many as 100 chemicals associated with adverse health effects, contributing to respiratory irritation, central nervous system damage, liver and kidney problems, nausea, headaches, and loss of coordination.
• Formaldehyde
  Formaldehyde is used in everything from personal care products and cosmetics to furniture, building materials, mattresses, foams, plastics, and permanent press sheets!  This irritating, allergy-producing carcinogen can cause insomnia, coughing, headache, nausea, nosebleeds, and skin rashes.
• Naphthalene
  This suspected carcinogen found in mothballs, air freshners, deodorizers, carpet cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners can cause irritation to skin and eyes, as well as kidney damage.  It is very toxic for small children and infants, and may cuase blood damage to the fetus.
• Chlorine
  Chlorine is a powerful irritant and causes the most household poisonings in the U.S.  Found in household cleaners, laundry bleaches, dishwasher detergents, and tub & tile cleaners, this toxin has been linked to cancer.  Growing evidence suggests that drinking chlorinated water or being exposed to its fumes during a shower or bath may cause a variety of cancers.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
  This is an ingredient found in personal grooming products such as shampoos, liquid soaps, and toothpastes.  Even some "natural" brands may contain this ingredient so be sure to read labels. SLS can be irritating to the skin and may also react with other ingrdients to form carcinogenic nitrosamines and dioxin.
• Parabens
  Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, and Ethylparaben are widely used preservatives in personal care products such as shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics and may be responsible for skin irritation and allergic reactions. Again, read labels as many products marked "natural" may actually contain parabens.
• Fragrance
  Artificial fragrance may smell good, but it's probably not good for you.  95% of articifical fragrances are chemically derived and as many as 600 separate chemicals may have been used in its formula. Many contain formaldehyde and other carcinogenic substances, as well as cause allergic reaction, skin irritation, headache, or nausea.

Click here for a listing of Heal With Hope articles about reducing toxic exposure.

Great thanks to Lifekind for providing much of the information presented in this article.  Lifekind sells organic and natural bedroom and bathroom essentials, including organic mattresses, bedding, and personal grooming products.  www.lifekind.com
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Send comments and questions to:  andrea@healwithhope.com