The Non-Toxic Lifestyle 101 Guide

Taken from Jackie Cohen's Book, Get Back in the Game. We thank her for allow us to share this information with you from chapter 7. You can purchase the full book here.

Obstacle Seven: Toxic Overload Just a few generations ago, most of our material needs could be met through the use of natural resources. Things are very different today. Nearly everything we touch is derived (at least in part) from chemical compounds. In fact, their pervasive presence in our lives has prompted the scientific study of what’s commonly known as our chemical body burden--the total amount of residue from chemicals that is either stored in or passing through our bodies at any given time. 

While it’s tempting to characterize all chemicals as evil, many were intended to serve a positive purpose. Even dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane or DDT, the archvillain of Rachel Carson's 1962 classic book, Silent Spring, was once hailed as a “medical miracle” because it killed the mosquitoes that carry both yellow fever and malaria. 

It’s also tempting to minimize the massive impact toxic chemicals have on our collective well-being since many health statistics have actually been improving over the past few decades. These improvements have been documented despite the astonishing number of new chemical compounds being introduced into the environment--and into our bodies--every year. 

But the incidence of certain illnesses is rising. Since the early 1990s, childhood autism, ADHD, asthma, and allergies have doubled and more than 54% of all American children now suffer from at least one chronic disease. 38% of all American women have at least one chronic health condition, with hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease leading the list. 

Could toxins be playing a role?

Each year, the Environmental Protection Agency reviews an average of 1,700 new chemical compounds. About 90% of them are approved without restrictions (or even a rudimentary review) thanks to the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act, which requires some proof of a chemical’s potential toxicity before it must be tested. In fact, only a quarter of the 84,000 chemicals approved for use in the United States, including the overwhelming majority of those currently used in shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, lotions, perfumes, cosmetics, and other personal care products have ever been tested for toxicity.

Even more disturbing, an astounding 287 toxic chemicals have been detected in umbilical cord blood samples taken from newborns.

Both the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and the Endocrine Society (the world's oldest and largest organization devoted to hormone research), have expressed concerns that widespread exposure to chemical toxins represents a long-term threat to human reproduction. In the United States, male sperm counts have been falling for decades and are now a full 50% lower than they were 40 years ago. The incidence of infertility and hormone imbalances among women has been rapidly and steadily increasing, too. 

We live in a toxic world. There’s simply no denying it. The regular and ongoing exposure to chemicals, pollutants, and other endocrine-disrupting toxins is an unavoidable aspect of modern life. While it may be impossible to completely eliminate our exposure to all the chemical compounds we come in contact with, we can make choices that will reduce our exposure to many. It’s a process that may require changing a few habits, like giving up bottled water. And shifting some priorities, like paying more for local, organic produce at the grocery store.

Just Say No to GMOs

While they are not really chemicals, GMOs or genetically modified organisms, are potentially toxic food substances--plant, animal, microorganism, or other organism--that have had their DNA altered. The genes from the DNA of one species are essentially extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated organism. For example, a gene meant to instill frost tolerance in spinach might come from a fish that thrives in icy waters. 

The source of foreign genes is unlimited and may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals, or even humans. The health effects of the proteins produced by this artificial engineering process remain largely unknown as they have not been adequately or rigorously studied. Genetically modified foods have been linked to toxic and allergic reactions; sick, sterile, and dead livestock; and damage to virtually every organ and system studied in laboratory animals. 

First introduced into the food supply in the mid-1990s, GMOs are now present in almost all processed foods sold in the U.S. In fact, the number of GMOs available for American commercial use is growing steadily each year. Meanwhile, they have been strictly banned as food ingredients throughout Europe and in many other countries around the world. 

The largest genetically modified commercial crops grown in the U.S. include soy, cotton, canola, sugar beets, corn, Hawaiian papaya, zucchini, and yellow squash. GMOs also include any products derived from these sources including soy, canola, and corn oils, soy protein, soy lecithin, cornstarch, corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup. Russet potatoes, genetically modified to resist bruising, were introduced to some grocery stores in 2015. And genetically engineered, non-browning Arctic apples have been deregulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and allowed on the market since 2016.The only sure-fire way to avoid genetically modified fruits and vegetables is to buy certified organic.

Electromagnetic Fields and WiFi Exposure

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible, radioactive fields created by electricity that can interact with the energy present in our bodies and in the physical objects around us. 

The EMF spectrum includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Each of these categories is defined by its specific wavelength and frequency. Medical researchers are concerned about the health risks associated with the widespread use of technologies that emit EMFs found on the lower end of the electromagnetic spectrum. 

Excessive exposure to radio frequency (RF-EMF) and extremely low frequency (ELF-EMF) radiation is a large and growing concern. 

The electricity flowing through the human body plays a vital role in supporting essential functions like growth, metabolism, movement, and thought. Exposure to electromagnetic fields can disrupt this flow of energy, compromising the activities of every organ system and those of the brain. Research suggests that chronic, long-term exposure to EMFs can cause hyperactivity, insomnia, depression, and a shortened attention span. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified radio frequency (RF) emissions as a possible human carcinogen of the group 2B, a category shared by lead and pesticides. Research conducted by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) has confirmed a clear link between mobile phone usage and the development of cancer in the hearts, brains, and adrenal glands of rats (which share 97.5% of their working DNA with humans). 

RF-EMFs are used in communication systems and generated by mobile phones, utility ‘smart’ meters, TV remotes, and other wireless networks. While exposure guidelines have been established by the Federal Communications Commission, many parents, doctors, and consumers have become increasingly concerned about the possibility of negative, long-term health effects associated with RF-EMF exposure. 

Power lines, electrical networks, and various household appliances such as ovens, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, and hair dryers operate using ELF-EMFs. Research indicates that overexposure to ELF-EMFs can potentially damage the nervous system. 

EMF Exposure is rapidly and continuously increasing in our technology-driven world. Within a relatively short time, WiFi has become ubiquitous in our homes, offices, schools, public spaces, and transportation systems. It has become an integral part of our lives, providing us with previously unimaginable convenience. But the radiation emitted from WiFi routers appears to be potentially dangerous at close distances. And chronic, long-term exposure heightens the health risk. 

Cellular towers are another source of electromagnetic radiation concern. In fact, several studies have shown an increased cancer risk among those who live within a few hundred meters of one. Other common, but less obvious, sources of radiation include computers, baby monitors, and medical devices.

While few of us are likely to discontinue the use of the technology that most of our lives (and livelihoods) benefit from, there are some simple steps we can take to mitigate its adverse effects:

• Purchase an EMF meter and use it to find out which devices in your home emit the highest EMF levels. If possible, move your bed away from any major electrical boxes or wires that may be hidden in a wall. Make sure the wall of the adjacent room located behind your bed is clear of any strong activity, too.

• Turn off your WiFi routers and other devices at night, or when not in use. You can use a programmable electric timer or install a WiFi ‘kill switch’ so that this can be done more conveniently or even remotely. Minimizing your exposure to electromagnetic activity during sleep will improve the body’s ability to repair and recover. While there is no clearly defined safe distance from a WiFi router, 40 feet is probably ideal; ten feet is the bare minimum. Remember that radiation from WiFi routers can pass through the walls in your home, so keep this in mind as you evaluate the location and placement of your bed. And remember that children are the most vulnerable to the harmful effects of EMF exposure.

• Turn off the WiFi or turn on the airplane mode functions of your laptop and mobile phone when you use it. Consider the use of a wired, external keyboard and mouse so you’re not directly touching your computer all day.

• Use the night shift mode on your iPhone, night mode on your android, and blue shade on your Kindle.

• Purchase an airtube headset for your computer and/or mobile phone. Use speaker phone and airplane mode as often as possible.

• If you have a wireless/smart utility meter, contact your local service provider to opt out. In California, you can have your meter replaced for a small fee within a week. If there is no opt out option available in your area, it is possible to purchase a Smart Meter Guard.

• Don’t use a DECT or Digital Enhanced Cordless Communication baby monitor. While all wireless baby monitors emit radiation, the high-intensity digital aspect of DECT technology requires the constant transmission of microwaves. 

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Indoor Air Pollutants 

As athletes, we tend to think of air pollution as more of an outdoor concern, but the air in your home or office can also be polluted by formaldehyde (found in furniture and many common wood products including paper bags, waxed paper, and paper towels), trichloroethylene (found in upholstery and other fabrics) and xylene (from caulks, glues, floor polish, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and car exhaust). Other common sources of indoor pollutants include mold, pollen, tobacco smoke, radon, and carbon monoxide. Typically, indoor air quality issues cause temporary discomfort. The symptoms most women experience are relieved as soon as the offending source of pollution is removed. However, some pollutants can cause latent or long-term issues--especially respiratory disease--that take months or years to develop. 

Key Point: While it’s not realistic to think that we can completely control or entirely eliminate all of the  environmental toxins we’re exposed to, there are some relatively inexpensive, effective, and all-natural solutions that can be used to improve indoor air quality. 

Start by filling your house with some air-cleaning plants.

As an outdoor species, English ivy is considered invasive. This fast-growing vine behaves much better indoors by helping to clean the air. According to scientific testing by NASA, it removes xylene, the toxic chemical found in tobacco smoke, car exhaust, and airborne mold. 

Anyone with a dust allergy should consider getting a few spider plants. They are exceptionally easy to grow and extremely forgiving of neglect. They can also remove 90% of the toxins in a medium-sized bedroom within a few days. Their leaves are like an all-purpose cleanser absorbing mold, allergens, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide.

The peace lily is one of the best plants for removing xylene, formaldehyde, and ammonia (commonly found in window cleaners). The thick, leathery rubber plant and the yellow-speckled golden pothos are also powerful formaldehyde purifiers.

If the idea of an air-cleaning plant that thrives on neglect appeals to you, get a snake plant, also called “mother-in-law's tongue.” It goes to work at night, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. It also scrubs the air of all the major pollutants including benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene.

For even greater protection, consider the installation of a high-quality, whole-house (or individual room) air filter. High-grade HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters from companies such as Austin Air have long been considered the gold-standard.

Mold: the insidious indoor air pollutant.

Molds can live any and everywhere, indoors or out. They propagate by producing spores, which spread through the air. When molds release spores, they also release mycotoxins which make them ‘toxigenic.’ Since mold spores are invisible, they’re difficult to avoid. They can find their way into the home through an open window, doorway, or ventilation system; by attaching to objects (like clothing and shoes) or to pets and people. A mold will only flourish, however, if its spores land somewhere that offers the ideal conditions for growth--moisture and a supply of suitable nutrients. Indoor places where mold often appears include areas where water leakages and flooding have occurred; windows where condensation builds up; and spaces where the air doesn’t circulate, like in a cabinet or closet.

Once spores settle and grow, molds can assume a variety of visible forms and textures. They can be white, black, yellow, blue, or green and often look like a discoloration or stain. They can also have a velvety, fuzzy, or rough appearance, depending on the type of mold and where it’s growing. As an indoor air contaminant, black molds (which can range from dark green to gray to black) are a particular concern. These molds thrive in warm, moist environments including bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. They can grow on almost any surface including wood, sheetrock, fabric, cardboard, and paper. Mycotoxicosis, or mold poisoning, can affect the upper respiratory system with symptoms that are similar to those of a cold or flu. Coughing, wheezing, red or itchy eyes, a stuffy nose and/or itchy skin are other common symptoms. The harmful health effects of airborne mycotoxins can be more severe for those who have pre-existing allergies or asthma and may also include headaches, fatigue, a chronic cough (especially at night), sinusitis, frequent colds, and difficulty breathing. Long-term mold exposure can lead to hair loss, anxiety, confusion or memory loss, numbness in the hands and feet, and unexplained weight gain. If you don’t see (or smell) mold but still suspect that your home may have an issue, consider hiring a professional mold inspector. They have instruments for mold detection that aren't available to the general public.

Artificial Blue Light Until the advent of artificial lighting, the sun lit our days and candles, our nights. While previous generations spent their evenings in (relative) darkness, ours are filled with light. While the advent of electrical lighting has allowed us to become infinitely more productive, it does have a downside: a negative impact on our overall health and well-being. Being exposed to blue light can be beneficial during daylight hours because it boosts attention, reaction times, and mood. It is, however, a significant sleep disruptor when used at night. The proliferation of energy-efficient lighting (blue light uses less electricity) and electronics with screens is increasing our exposure to blue light, especially after sundown.

Why is blue light a problem? Because it suppresses the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that plays a key role in initiating and regulating a person’s sleep cycle and circadian rhythm. Melatonin production is influenced by the detection of light and dark in the retina of the eye. Any form of light (including dim light) can interfere with circadian rhythms and melatonin secretion. But blue light is particularly problematic.  Harvard researchers conducted an experiment comparing the effects of 6.5 hours of night-time exposure to blue light to that of green light. The blue light suppressed the release of melatonin by the pituitary gland for about twice as long as the green, and it set circadian rhythms back by twice as much (three hours versus an hour and a half). To protect yourself from blue light at night:

• Use warm (red, orange, or yellow toned) lighting as much as possible. Red light has the least effect on shifting circadian rhythms and suppressing melatonin, although it’s not the most practical to work with.

• Avoid looking at bright screens for at least two to three hours before bed.

• If you work a night shift or use a lot of electronic devices in the evening, consider wearing blue-light-blocking glasses (relatively inexpensive and widely available) or installing an app that filters out blue light wavelengths. Flux is a free app (for both PC and Mac) that can be downloaded at justgetflux.com. Once installed, it will automatically adapt the color of your computer screen to the time of day.

• Purchase a box set of TruDark glasses that offer different lens shades to block out different light spectrums based on your needs and activities at various times of the day. 

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Toxins Found in Food

Most of us realize that chemicals, heavy metals, pollution, radiation, pesticides, and medications can all have harmful effects on the body. But it’s easy to forget that our total toxic load includes excessive physical and mental stress--and a variety of food-like substances that we may not always recognize as toxins. Artificial sweeteners, food additives, processed grains, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and refined sugars are all prime examples of these.

On a positive note, consumer demand has caused the natural food industry to expand rapidly during the past 10 years. Organic fruits and vegetables are now commonly available, even in large supermarket chains and big-box retail stores. This is a trend I personally hope will continue. Growing and consuming foods that don’t contain harmful chemicals is better for our health, and better for the environment. 

While purchasing organic fruits and vegetables is preferable, it’s not always possible (or even necessary). Thanks to the annual Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce for providing their list of the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen. Use these lists as a reference to decide when--or when not to--spend more for organics. 

Avoid the Dirty Dozen. Always choose organic when purchasing these most-contaminated fruits and vegetables:

1.  Strawberries

2.  Spinach

3.  Nectarines

4.  Apples

5.  Grapes

6.  Peaches

7.  Cherries

8.  Pears

9.  Tomatoes

10.  Celery

11.  Potatoes

12.  Sweet Bell Peppers

    
    

Eat the Clean Fifteen. Because these fruits and vegetables are grown with fewer pesticides, it’s less important to buy them organic:   

1.  Avocados

2.  Sweet corn

3.  Pineapples

4.  Cabbages

5.  Onions

6.  Sweet peas (frozen)

7.  Papayas

8.  Asparagus

9.  Mangoes

10.  Eggplants

11.  Honeydew melons

12.  Kiwis

13.  Cantaloupes

14.  Cauliflower

15.  Broccoli

    
    

The following food-based toxins should also be avoided:

Processed and heated vegetable oils. Especially soy, canola, and corn oils which are all hydrogenated, genetically modified (unless certified organic), and easily damaged by heat. Grape seed, cottonseed, safflower, sunflower, and peanut oils should also be avoided. Heat-damaged oils promote free radical activity which, in turn, causes chronic inflammation. These are arguably the most harmful foods we can consume. Unfortunately, they are also the most common oils found in commercially fried and restaurant-prepared foods.

Meats and starches cooked at high-temperatures. While grilling and broiling may make meat taste good, these high-heat cooking methods increase the production of harmful chemical compounds known as advanced glycation end products or AGEs inside the body. AGEs increase oxidative stress, feeding chronic inflammation and speeding up the normal process of aging. Their presence in the body is also associated with the onset of many chronic diseases including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts, cancer, and kidney disease. Instead of broiling and grilling, opt for a longer, lower-heat cooking method such as steaming, slow or pressure cooking. Both can be easily accomplished with a time-saving Instant Pot.

Unfermented soy products contain large amounts of phyto-estrogens, which increase fat production and cause hormonal imbalances in both men and women; enzyme inhibitors, which interfere with protein digestion; and haemagglutinin, which causes red blood cells to clump together hindering oxygen uptake. Because its amino acid structure is imbalanced, the body has a difficult time digesting and utilizing soy. This makes it a poor source of dietary protein. 

Fermented soy products like natto, tempeh, and miso, however, are low in the anti-nutrients that prevent the absorption of minerals (like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc); they are easier to digest and contain the friendly bacteria (probiotics) that aid digestion and improve nutrient absorption. They are also high in vitamin K2, a nutrient that’s essential for strong bones and good cardiovascular health. 

Artificial sweeteners including saccharin, acesulfame, aspartame, neotame, and sucralose. Use stevia (an herb) as a non-caloric alternative. Or opt for honey, coconut sugar, maple syrup, or unrefined cane sugar which contain calories and beneficial nutrients. Keep in mind that research done on the use of artificial sweeteners and weight management shows that they have no positive effect. In fact, they have been linked to an increased risk of weight gain as well as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic health problems.

MSG is an excitotoxin or nerve cell stimulant that has been linked to the onset of a variety of neurological disorders. MSG is commonly used as a flavor enhancer. While it’s not an ingredient frequently found on food labels, watch for it disguised as a “natural flavor, spice, or hydrolyzed yeast extract.”

Synthetic vitamins, especially antioxidants. Synthetic vitamins are generally not well-recognized or utilized by the body because they are not food. Because they are not easily absorbed, they are not effective and might even be harmful. The use of antioxidant vitamins are a particular concern. Since antioxidants are only effective when they work together as a team, avoid the use of synthetic vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene supplements as they can create physiological imbalances which, in turn, promote chronic inflammation.

Recipe box: How to Read a PLU Code

Although they may sometimes seem like a nuisance, the stickers or labels attached to fruit and some vegetables do more than allow for price scanning at the checkout stand. The price lookup or PLU number printed on the sticker also indicates how a fruit or vegetable was grown. By reading the PLU code, you can tell if a piece of produce is genetically modified, conventionally, or organically grown. If there are only four numbers ranging from 3000 to 4999 in the PLU, the piece of produce is conventionally grown with the use of pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, and/or fungicides. In codes with more digits, the last four indicate produce type. All banana labels, for example, will end in 4011. 

If there are five numbers in the PLU code and the first number is an 8, it’s a genetically modified fruit or vegetable. Genetically modified produce cannot be classified as organic. Even if it is cultivated without the use of pesticides or other chemicals, it’s grown from genetically modified seeds. A genetically engineered (GE) or GMO banana would be labeled 84011. 

Keep in mind, however, that not all genetically modified produce may be labeled accordingly. The high volume of new GMO produce being introduced into supermarkets has surpassed the availability of unique code requests that can be processed. Since GMO labeling is currently not mandatory in most states, the more recent GMO fruit and vegetable introductions have simply been assigned a conventional produce code. If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the first number is a 9, the produce is organic and non-GMO. An organic banana would be labeled 94011. 

Toxins Found in Personal Care Products Many women are aware that avoiding processed foods (which contain artificial ingredients and preservatives) can reduce their chemical body burden. Fewer consider opting out of the use of conventional personal care products to further lighten their load. What goes on our skin, however, may be even more important than what goes in our mouths. Face and body lotions, creams, cleansers, and cosmetics are just a few of the personal care products that contain ingredients which can be easily absorbed by the body’s largest organ. 

Key Point: While non-toxic, chemical-free alternatives can cost a little more, know that those few extra dollars are going to a good cause--protecting and preserving your health. While the European Union has banned approximately 1400 potentially harmful ingredients in the personal care products manufactured there, the U.S. has banned only 30. In fact, the distrust and movement away from American, mass-market brands has prompted many women to experiment with making their own personal care products at home. If you’re interested in exercising some of this cost-saving creativity in the kitchen, look online for instructions on how to make everything from cleansers, creams, and cosmetics to shampoos, sunscreens, and scrubs. One excellent resource for recipes is dontmesswithmama.com.

When it comes to purchasing conventional personal care products, pay particular attention to avoiding deodorants and antiperspirants. While they work (deodorants by inhibiting your body’s ability to naturally secrete toxins and antiperspirants by clogging your skin follicles to deter sweating), they contain:

• Aluminum Compounds. Which clog underarm pores in order to prevent sweating. Aluminum exposure has been strongly linked to Alzheimer’s disease and estrogen imbalance.

• Triclosan or Microban™. This chemical is used to kill harmful bacteria when it comes in contact with the skin, but it ends up destroying the good along with the bad. While Triclosan has been classified as a pesticide by the Food and Drug Administration and was banned from use in antibacterial soaps several years ago, it’s still found in commercial, name-brand deodorants, shaving creams, and cosmetics. When triclosan is combined with water, it can create chloroform, a carcinogenic gas.

• Propylene Glycol. When used on a daily basis, this skin-irritating chemical can cause damage to your central nervous system, heart, and liver.

• TEA, MEA, and DEA. Triethanolamine (TEA), monoethanolamine (MEA), and diethanolamine (DEA) are all ethanolamines, ammonia compounds used in cosmetics as emulsifiers or foaming agents. They have been banned as either known or probable carcinogens throughout Europe. 

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A quick online search will offer a number of DIY recipes for deodorants. Baking soda, lemon juice, essential oils, witch hazel, and coconut oil are just a few of the natural ingredients you can experiment with. There are also a growing number of non-toxic antiperspirants and deodorants now available from companies like Tom’s of Maine, Jason, Kopari, Schmidt’s, Thinksport, Ursa Major, Earth Mama, and Zion. 

Key Point: Read labels carefully in order to avoid the use of any creams, lotions, and cosmetics that contain parabens, phthalates, lead (especially common in lipsticks), polyethylene or propylene glycols, or PEGs (petroleum-based compounds that are used to thicken, soften, and gelatinize personal care products), BHT, and BHA. 

While finding clean cosmetics can be a challenge, one of the most highly-rated, non-toxic makeup lines is Origins, formulated by Dr. Andrew Weil (a well-known integrative medicine specialist). Dr. Weil’s products are free of parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, formaldehyde, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin, diethanolamine (DEA), polyethylene beads, and animal ingredients. Products made by Dr. Hauschka are also toxin free and widely available. Whole Foods and vitacost.com offer a wide and easy access to many different brands of cosmetics and body care products. But read labels carefully before you buy; not all of their products are 100% toxin free.

Strictly avoid the use of conventional nail polish and nail polish removers. Less toxic alternatives like those from Orosa, Aila, Sundays, Pacifica, and Zoya are available in retail stores and online. 

Don’t forget to read the labels on all feminine hygiene products, personal lubricants, condoms, and diaphragm gels. Many contain hormone-disrupting chemicals.

The Dirty Dozen Chemicals

The dirty dozen chemicals are the twelve most commonly identified toxins found in women’s cosmetics and personal care products. According to recent research, one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in these products are industrial chemicals. Some of these are plasticizers (chemicals that keep concrete soft); others are degreasers (used to get grime off auto parts), and surfactants (they reduce surface tension in water, like in paint and inks). They include:

1. BHA and BHT, which are synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in lipsticks, moisturizers, and other cosmetics. They are also widely used as food preservatives. 

2. Coal tar dyes, which are typically listed in the U.S. as “FD&C” or “D&C” followed by a color name and number. P-phenylenediamine is a particularly toxic coal tar dye used in many hair dyes. Darker hair dyes tend to contain more of it. 

3. Diethanolamine or DEA, which is used to make personal care products creamy or sudsy. DEA also acts as a pH adjuster, counteracting the acidity of other ingredients. It has been banned in Europe as a known carcinogen.

4. Dibutyl phthalate or DBP, which is used mainly in nail products as a solvent for dyes and as a plasticizer that prevents nail polishes from becoming brittle. DBP is also commonly used in polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC) to make it flexible

5. Formaldehyde-releasing agents, which are typically used as preservatives in cosmetics. They are also used in the production of wood product resins, vinyl flooring, permanent-press fabrics, and toilet bowl cleaners.

6. Parabens, which are the most commonly used preservative in the personal care industry. They are known endocrine disruptors.

7. Parfum or fragrance, which is usually a complex mixture of dozens of chemicals. Some 3,000 chemicals (some more toxic than others) are used as fragrances.  

8. PEG compounds, which are petroleum-based additives widely used in cosmetics as thickening agents or cream bases. They are also used in a variety of pharmaceutical products including laxatives.

9. Petrolatum or petroleum jelly, which is used in creams and lotions to create a barrier that locks moisture in the skin. When added to hair care products, it leaves behind a shiny residue. 

10. Siloxanes, which are endocrine-disrupting, silicone-based compounds used to soften and moisten creams, lotions, and cosmetics. 

11. Sodium laureth sulfate is an inexpensive chemical detergent and foaming agent that has been linked to skin irritation, cancer, neurotoxicity, and endocrine disruption.

12. Triclosan is a pesticide that’s used as a preservative and anti-bacterial agent in a wide variety of personal care products.

    
    

Toxins Found in Household Products The average American home today contains at least 62 toxic chemicals-- more than a well-stocked chemistry lab at the turn of the century. Here are a some recommendations for reducing your exposure to toxins at home:

• Eliminate the use of #3, #6, and #7 plastics whenever possible. Opt for the use of #2 and #4 varieties instead. The type of plastic used can be determined by examining the imprint stamped on the bottom of the container in question. 

• Never heat or microwave food in a plastic container. If a plastic water container has been heated, don’t drink from it.

• Don’t refill disposable plastic water bottles or freeze them to drink from later. 

• Don’t drink or eat from styrofoam cups or containers.

• Use glass containers whenever possible to store food.

• Avoid the use of plastic wrap to cover food for storing or microwaving your food. 

• Avoid canned foods (especially those that are acidic like tomatoes and pineapple) that do not have a BPA-free lining. 

• Discontinue the use of Teflon™ or other non-stick cookware. Use ceramic, stainless steel, or cast iron instead.

• Choose unbleached, chlorine-free paper products, especially tampons, menstrual pads, toilet paper, paper towels, and coffee filters. 

• Use a chlorine filter on your shower heads and a premium, under-sink water filter on the tap you use for drinking water. Look for a model that allows for the removal of fluoride. 

• Use natural cleaning products or their old-fashioned predecessors—soap, lemon juice, baking soda, Borax®, and vinegar. 

• Discontinue your use of conventional laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Opt for non-toxic brands like Seventh Generation or Biokleen instead. 

• Pay particular attention to any items that are in constant and direct contact with the skin. Wash new clothing and bedding at least twice before use. Non-organic cotton is particularly toxic.

• Look for a dry cleaner that uses an advanced wet cleaning or CO2 drying process. Conventional dry cleaning involves the use of the neurotoxic chemicals perchloroethylene and/or siloxane, which are extremely harmful. 

• Avoid the use of toxic yard and garden products. Fertilizers and pesticides may keep things green and weed free, but most aren’t good for you--or the environment. The nitrogen runoff from these products harms waterways causing oxygen-depleting algae growth.

• Make sure to store all gasoline and petroleum-based products in a well-vented area away from any living space. Minimize the amount of time you spend running the engine of your car inside the garage, especially if it’s attached to your house.  

• Discontinue the use of any toxic petcare products. They are harmful to both you and your furry friends. Opt for natural tick and flea shampoos, collars, and related items whenever possible.

• Stop using conventional air fresheners, perfumes, or any product that contains synthetic fragrances. Choose those scented with essential oils instead.

• Try to minimize your use of and exposure to VOCs or volatile organic compounds. The most common sources of VOCs include paints, varnishes, caulks, and adhesives; vinyl shower curtains; carpeting and vinyl flooring; upholstery and foam insulation; and composite wood products. Fortunately, many low or no-VOC alternatives are now available but are usually more expensive and sometimes require special ordering. 

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