Have you ever wondered how you could reduce your toxic exposure but weren’t sure where to start? Or whether there are chemicals other than bisphenol A (BPA) that you should know about? In this newsletter I cover some quick tips for reducing exposure to 3 chemicals that can affect your and your family’s health.
While living in New York, I attended an excellent talk hosted by the Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Center. It was called “Birth Defects, Learning Disabilities, Obesity, and Breast Cancer: How Can We Avoid the Effects of Toxic Chemicals?” Despite how daunting the title might seem, it was an inspiring event — the speakers shared practical, useful tips for reducing exposure to toxic chemicals. I’m going to focus on those relating to chemicals that have been shown to cause hormone imbalances and developmental disorders.
Why Is It Important to Reduce Chemical Exposure?
In the last several decades, we’ve introduced over 80,000 new chemicals into the environment — and only 20% of these have been tested for safety. Harmful chemicals, including lead, mercury, pesticides, and phthalates, can negatively affect your health by accumulating in your body and contributing to disease. The good news is that reducing your exposure is often straightforward — many times it simply means choosing a different product or a different type of packaging.
What Are the Most Important Chemicals to Avoid?
Some of the most important toxic chemicals to avoid include bisphenol A (BPA), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and phthalates.
BPA may seem like old news at this point, but plastic bottles are only one source among many. BPA can also be found in dental sealants, tin and pop can linings, and other plastic containers.
PBDEs are chemical fire retardants used most heavily in polyurethane foam products and electronics. They were banned from foam products in 2005, but any foam couches, mattresses, pillows, and carpet pads manufactured before then most likely contain them. They can also be found in electronics such as TVs, computers, and mobile phones.
Phthalates are found in vinyl and plastics, and are used in fragrances to help them last longer. Since the body can eliminate this chemical within 3 days, the main concern arises with constant exposure — when phthalate levels exceed what the body is able to break down and clear.
What You Can Do to Reduce Exposure Today
1) BPA
- Look for “BPA free” labels. Aluminium and tin cans are lined with BPA, which can leach into food. Tetra Pak carton containers and glass or stainless-steel bottles are great alternatives to plastic reusable water bottles.
- Avoid #7 plastics — they may contain BPA. Plastics labelled #1, #2, and #4 are safer options.
2) PBDEs
- Choose “PBDE free” electronics and furniture where possible.
- Cover exposed foam in old or worn furniture and car seats with a protective fabric. This helps prevent foam particles containing PBDEs from becoming loose and entering your living space.
3) Phthalates
- Find alternatives to #3 plastics (vinyl or PVC). Choose products made with plastics labelled #1, #2, or #4. Alternatively, allow new vinyl products a week to off-gas outdoors to reduce your initial exposure.
- Avoid cooking or microwaving food in plastic containers. Instead, use glass or ceramic dishes.
How Your Body Naturally Detoxifies
Your body is well equipped to move toxins out — and reducing your exposure supports that process even further.
Elimination happens through your kidneys (urine), digestion (stool), liver (via bile), and skin (sweat). Supporting the health of these organs through nourishing food and targeted nutrients is an effective way to help your body clear environmental toxins more efficiently.