3 NASTY CHEMICALS TO AVOID
Over the last 12 months I’ve been doing a lot of research on the impact of our environment on our health. I was especially interested in making my home a place that contributed to being as well as I could be, and to make sure it wasn't actually making me sick. I was completely astounded to find out the sheer volume of chemicals that are around us every single day and how many of these were in my home. These are substances that our bodies are not designed to be exposed to. These are chemicals that I’ve been choosing to bring into my home for years without even looking at the possible implications. And worse still, chemicals I’ve been putting in my mouth hidden in my food! At first, I went into a bit of a panic at the thought of what I may have unknowingly exposed my children to and then I stepped back, took a breath, and said, OK, I know now, so what am I going to do about it.
I’ve picked the Top 3 chemical nasties that I’ve come across and now I personally try to minimise my exposure to these. Of course, they were literally hundreds I could have placed on this list, but these are three that seemed really bad, and the evidence is becoming clearer and more damming. I set about getting these out of my house. I’ve accepted that it’s not possible to eliminate them completely from my environment, but where there is an affordable and reasonable alternative, I’m taking it!
I decided to:
Control what I can control and don’t stress over what I can’t
If in doubt take the safest option- What have I got to lose?
1.Glyphosate,
This is the granddaddy of them all. If there was just one chemical to declare war on it would have to be this one. The more you read about it the more astounded you are that it is still legal all around the world and that we’re all not up in arms. This is one of the main chemicals in roundup. Roundup is an insecticide sprayed on many plants and the Glyphosate is added to make sure that the roundup can be easily absorbed. This chemical is known to cause cancer. Short-term exposure can cause symptoms immediately and other symptoms are long-term.
So, buy organic or farm growing where you can and check that any fruit and vegetables you buy have not been sprayed with insecticides.
2. BPA
(BPA) is a chemical found in the plastic. Studies have shown that some of it can leak out of the plastic which is particularly bad news if these containers have been holding food or drinks. Researchers have showing that plastic containers that hold our food and drink are the biggest source of BPA levels in the human body. It gets even worse when you consider that it can be transferred into tin food from plastic implements use during the manufacture process.
BPA mimics estrogen and disrupt normal function. More than 100 independent studies have found it to be harmful, while surprise, surprise industry surveys have shown the results to be inconclusive. Some studies have also found that high BPA levels are associated with infertility, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
So, buy BP a free bottles and containers or use glass or other natural products where you can. Remember, that the PA can be present in many processed and tinned food. The good news is the BPA levels dropped to quickly if the amount of processed food is reduced and food containers are BPA free. Like most people I would never consider microwaving plastic products as there is enormous debate about how heating alters its chemical structure and results in by-products that could be toxic.
3. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is actually a natural chemical that plants and animals produce at different times in their life. Where your most commonly see it today is in the resins that are used to manufacture composite boards (hardwood, plywood, particleboard). It’s also in building materials and insulation and some household products like paints, lacquer and some mini paper products. It can be found in high levels in cheaply made furniture. It can also be found in clothes (you know that really bad cheap chemical smell you get, that’s it). There are even low levels of it in cosmetics, air fresheners shampoos, shower gel, cream cleanses, moisturises, toothpaste and nail hardener. It is also known as formalin, morbicid acid, methylene oxide, methylaldehyde and methylene glycol.
It’s known to be a carcinogen particularly because of the damage to the blood cells.
So, be careful as many countries do not have any restrictions on how much they can actually put in their products. Australia does have codes as does Europe but if you can’t see the ingredients label then take great care. Buy naturally well-made quality products and check the labels before purchase.
Annie
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