Beware of 10 fatal common toxins

Dr. Joseph Mercola with Rachael Droege

For all of the conveniences and advances that we have grown so accustomed to comes environmental toxins - chemicals and other materials largely from industry and carelessness - that have very much saturated our water, our food and the very air we breathe.
   Many of these toxins are things that you can't see, smell or feel, are harmful. One of the major problems with them is just that. We don't realize that we're being affected until we come down with a chronic disease after years of subtle and often consistent exposure to a combination of these toxins.
   This makes it almost impossible to pinpoint a specific environmental toxin as the source of illness, yet when you look at the facts - the increasing numbers of cancers, immune system disorders, neurological problems, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities, allergies and hormonal disturbances that are facing the nation - it is hard NOT to take notice. Consider these statistics:
   More than 10,000 chemical solvents, emulsifiers and preservatives are used in food processing.1,000 new chemicals are introduced each year. Where do all of these chemicals end up? They are absorbed into our groundwater, rivers, lakes and oceans, spewed into our air, and added, quite intentionally, to our food supply.
   
   Toxins in body
   A study in last year's British Medical Journal (BMJ) estimated that perhaps 75 percent of most cancers are caused by environmental and lifestyle factors, including exposure to chemicals. Another report, this one by the Columbia University School of Public Health, estimated that 95 percent of cancer is caused by diet and environmental toxicity. Short- and long-term effects of these toxins are hazardous.
   The following toxins are among the most prevalent in our air, water and/or food supply. This list is by no means all-inclusive, as thousands of other toxins are also circulating in our environment.
   PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls): This industrial chemical has been banned in the United States for decades, yet it is a persistent organic pollutant present in the environment.
   
   Risks: Cancer, impaired fetal brain development
   Major Source: Farm-raised salmon. Most farm-raised salmon, which accounts for the supply in different countries, are fed meals of ground-up fish that have absorbed PCBs in the environment and for this reason should be avoided.
   Pesticides: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 60 percent of herbicides, 90 percent of fungicides and 30 percent of insecticides are known to be carcinogenic. Alarmingly, pesticide residues have been detected in 50 percent to 95 percent of U.S. foods.
   Risks: Cancer, Parkinson's disease, miscarriage, nerve damage, birth defects, blocking the absorption of food nutrients
   Major Sources: Food (fruits, vegetables and commercially raised meats), bug sprays
   Phthalates: These chemicals are used to lengthen the life of fragrances and soften plastics.
   Risks: Endocrine system damage (phthalates chemically mimic hormones and are particularly dangerous to children)
   Major Sources: Plastic wrap, plastic bottles, plastic food storage containers. All of these can leach phthalates into our food.
   VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): VOCs are a major contributing factor to ozone, an air pollutant. According to the EPA, VOCs tend to be even higher (two to five times) in indoor air than outdoor air, likely because they are present in so many household products.
   Risks: Cancer, eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment
   Major Sources: Drinking water, carpet, paints, deodorants, cleaning fluids, varnishes, cosmetics, dry cleaned clothing, moth repellents and air fresheners.
   Dioxins: Chemical compounds formed as a result of combustion processes such as commercial or municipal waste incineration and from burning fuels (like wood, coal or oil).
   Risks: Cancer, reproductive and developmental disorders, chloracne (a severe skin disease with acne-like lesions), skin rashes, skin discoloration, excessive body hair, mild liver damage
   Major Sources: Animal fats: Over 95 percent of exposure comes from eating commercial animal fats.
   Asbestos: This insulating material was widely used from the 1950s to 1970s. Problems arise when the material becomes old and crumbly, releasing fibers into the air.
   Risks: Cancer, scarring of the lung tissue, mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer)
   Major Sources: Insulation on floors, ceilings and water pipes.
   Heavy Metals: Metals like arsenic, mercury, lead, aluminum and cadmium, which are prevalent in many areas of our environment, can accumulate in soft tissues of the body.
   Risks: Cancer, neurological disorders, Alzheimer's disease, foggy head, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, decreased production of red and white blood cells, abnormal heart rhythm, damage to blood vessels
   Major Sources: Drinking water, fish, vaccines, pesticides, preserved wood, antiperspirant, building materials, dental amalgams, chlorine plants
   Chloroform: This colorless liquid has a pleasant, nonirritating odour and a slightly sweet taste, and is used to make other chemicals. It's also formed when chlorine is added to water.
   Risks: Cancer, potential reproductive damage, birth defects, dizziness, fatigue, headache, liver and kidney damage.
   Major Sources: Air, drinking water and food can contain chloroform.
   Chlorine: This highly toxic, yellow-green gas is one of the most heavily used chemical agents.
   Risks: Sore throat, coughing, eye and skin irritation, rapid breathing, narrowing of the bronchi, wheezing, blue coloring of the skin, accumulation of fluid in the lungs, pain in the lung region, severe eye and skin burns, lung collapse, reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) (a type of asthma)
   Major Sources: Household cleaners, drinking water (in small amounts), air when living near an industry (such as a paper plant) that uses chlorine in industrial processes.
   
   Tips to Avoid Toxins
   Way Healthier Air Purifiers duplicate Nature's own methods by creating ultraviolet lightrays and hydroxyl radicals to oxidize organic odors, germs and fungi - the most effective and safe method to clean and revitalize your indoor air. Way Healthier uses exclusive technology you won't find in any other air purifier to:
   It's impossible in this day and age to avoid all environmental toxins. What you can do, however, is limit your exposure as much as possible with the following tips:
   Buy and eat, as much as possible, organic produce and free-range, organic foods. If you can only purchase one organic product it probably should be free range organic eggs. Fortunately most grocery stores now have these available. If they don't contact the store manager and encourage them to carry them. Additionally I believe raw milk products are a key to staying healthy. They are best obtained locally but many people have a great challenge finding them. I have made special arrangements with a dairy in the only state that raw milk products are legal, California, so you can easily obtain them.
   Rather than eating fish, which is largely contaminated with PCBs and mercury, consume a high-quality purified fish or cod liver oil like Carlson's. Contact your favorite health food store for it or another high quality brand or use our store for your immediate convenience. Another option is to have your wild-caught fish lab tested to find out if it is a pure source (we've found a delicious Alaskan wild red salmon that is mercury- and PCB-free and safe).
   Avoid processed foods - remember that they're processed with chemicals!
   Only use natural cleaning products in your home. Most health food stores will have these available or you can search online for them. You can also choose the PerfectClean ultra-microfiber cleaning cloths. Due to their ultra-microfiber construction, you can use them with only water (so you eliminate the need for cleaning your home with chemicals).
   Switch over to natural brands of toiletries, including shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants and cosmetics. Same sources here, either your local health food store or you can search on line.
   Avoid spraying insect repellants that contain DEET on your body. There are safe, effective and natural alternatives out there, like Neem-Based Botanical Outdoor Gel.
   Remove any metal dental fillings as they're a major source of mercury. Be sure to have this done by a qualified biological dentist. Although nearly any dentist is technically qualified to replace your amalgam fillings, far less than 95 percent have any clue on how to do it properly so your risk of mercury exposure is minimized.
   Avoid using artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric softeners or other synthetic fragrances as they can pollute the air you are breathing.
   Avoid artificial food additives of all kind, including artificial sweeteners and MSG
   Get plenty of safe sun exposure to boost your vitamin D levels and your immune system (you'll be better able to fight disease).
   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).
   Seek to build your health up through the nutrition insights detailed in my Total Health Program, and then 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.

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