PrHigh Tech Hazards!

Tips to avoid the top 10 environmental toxins

Article contributed by Joseph Mercola, D.O., Schaumburg, IL 

There are many upsides to living in a modern, high-tech socie-ty, but as with most things in life, there is also a downside:  Environmental toxins.  Many of these toxins are things that you cannot see, smell or feel.  We don’t realize we are being affected until we come down with a chronic disease after years of subtle and often consistent exposure.  It is hard to ignore the overall impact on society given the increasing numbers of can-cers, immune system disorders, neurological problems, chronic fatigue syndromes, multiple chemical sensitivities, allergies and hormonal disturbances affecting us today.  A 2004 study in the British Medical Journal estimated that 75% of cancer is caused by environmental lifestyle factors, including exposure to chemicals.  Another report by the Columbia University School of Public Health estimated that 95% of cancer is caused by diet and environmental toxicity.

About 77,000 chemicals are produced in North America, and more than 10,000 chemical solvents, emulsifiers and preserva-tives are used in food processing.  These chemicals are ab-sorbed into our groundwater, rivers, lakes and oceans; spewed into the air; and added, quite intentionally, to our food supply.  The following toxins are the most prevalent:

1. PCB’s (polychlorinated biphenyls):  Although banned for decades, former use still pollutes.  Most farm-raised salmon are fed fish that have absorbed PCB’s.
2. Pesticides:  Residue is commonly found in food.
3. Mold / fungal toxins:  One third of people are allergic.
4. Phthalates:  Used to lengthen the life of fragrances and soften plastics which are often used to store food.
5. VOCs (volatile organic compounds):  Found in carpet, paint, cleaning fluids and dry-cleaned clothing.
6. Dioxins:  Caused by burning waste or fuel and in-gested when we eat animal fat.
7. Asbestos:  This insulating material used from the 1950’s to 1970’s releases fibers into the air as it ages.
8. Heavy metals:  Arsenic, mercury, lead, aluminum and cadmium accumulate in the soft tissues of the body.
9. Chloroform:  Used to make other chemicals and is formed when chlorine is added to water.
10. Chlorine:  Found in household cleaners and used in some industrial processes.

Environmental toxins interfere with your body’s natural ability to heal itself.  If you remove the interference, your health will improve.  While it is impossible to avoid all toxins, the following tips will limit your exposure:

• Eat organic produce and free-range, organic animal products.  If cost is an issue, at least buy organic eggs.
• Consume a high-quality purified fish or cod liver oil instead of eating contaminated fish.
• Avoid processed foods and artificial additives includ-ing sweeteners and MSG (monosodium glutamate).
• Use natural detergents, cosmetics and toiletries.
• Ask a qualified biological dentist to replace your metal amalgam fillings, a major source of mercury.
• Avoid air fresheners, dryer sheets and fabric softeners.
• Get plenty of safe sun exposure.
• Test your tap water and install filters if necessary.
• Limit drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter.
• Keep your spine and nerve system healthy with        chiropractic care.