10 tips to keep toxins out of your immediate environment to prevent disease
By Francine van Broekhoven
There are serious concerns about the 70,000 synthetic chemicals that can affect the development of many diseases
Since the Second World War, there has been a significant increase in the use of synthetic chemicals in the Western world. This has everything to do with the increase in prosperity and the demand for it
these kinds of products to use in production processes. Unfortunately, these agents have adverse effects on human health. A large number of breast cancers are caused by the extensive use of these agents.
If prosperity continues to rise in developing countries, a similar effect will occur there.
To help you, we’ve made a list of 10 commonly used chemicals, aka toxins, that are detrimental to your health. We indicate where these occur and it is wise to avoid contact with these substances.
1. Plasticisers or Phthalates
Phthalates are used to soften or soften plastic so that it remains flexible. Phthalates are found in PVC floors, plastic tiles, carpet with plastic underlay, vinyl wallpaper and sex toys (these contain very high concentrations of harmful plasticisers. They are the same substances as those in children’s toys banned by the European Union in 2005 1). You can also think of shower curtains, plastic furniture and bags, PVC food packaging, electrical cables, adhesives, paint, cleaning products, medical products (such as gloves and IV tubes), cosmetics, rainwear, plastic clogs, toys (such as plastic dolls, water toys, children’s pools, teethers, water wings, air mattresses). In the EU, the phthalates DEHP, DBP and BBP are prohibited in toys. DINP, DIDP and DNOP are also prohibited in toys for children up to three years old.
Tips:
Provide wooden toys. Glass shower enclosure instead of a plastic curtain. Bring your own shopping bag. Buy powdered detergent in cardboard, which is also much more economical to use, cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Real clogs instead of croqs. Floors of wood or cork or reed. Organic cosmetics, ordinary organic soap instead of shower gel.
2. BPA Bisphenol A
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in hard plastic bottles and the inside of cans. It can thus end up in our food in small quantities. BPA is found in plastics, food packaging such as microwave meals, plastic utensils, plastic cling film, sandwich bags, computers, paper from some printers or receipts, toilet paper, medical devices, dental composite fillings, adhesives, lacquers, nail polishes.
Tips:
If you use plastic, make sure it is cold, don’t put warm or hot substances in plastic containers. Toxic substances can be released by the heat that is in the food.
Avoid canned food because of the plastic layer of BPA on the inside. This is also dangerous for an unborn child.
Don’t drink water (anymore) from plastic bottles because of the BPAs.
3. Organotin compounds
According to research agency TNO, organotin compounds can already affect the immune and hormone systems in a low concentration. These substances enter through the skin, by inhalation or by ingestion with food. Long or frequent exposure to small amounts can lead to health damage over time. Effects that can occur are: • Less functioning of the immune system • Chromosome abnormalities • A shortage of red blood cells • Sleep disturbances • Less functioning of the brain.
What is it in:
In diapers, sanitary towels and patches.
The organotin compounds are used in textiles to prevent bacterial growth and odor.
As a fungicide in tent fabrics. The sportswear industry is regularly checked for these fabrics.
We also find organotin compounds in wood that has been processed sustainably, in insecticides,
It is used as an anti-fungal agent in potato cultivation (under the name Fentin).
It is also used as an anti-fouling agent for ships. As a result, a lot of it ends up in the water and kills a lot of life in the water such as algae and fish.
Tips:
Cotton diapers.
Buy cotton sportswear or from the Öko-tex quality mark.
Sanitary towels, tampons and diapers contain chemicals that are not on the packaging. Simply because there is no rule for that.
In the kitchen soda as a cleaning agent, anti-fungal.
4. Nonylphenols and Octylphenols
Nonylphenols and octylphenols are highly toxic phenolic compounds used as industrial cleaning agents. (especially toxic, corrosive and dangerous for the environment, especially for fish) are prohibited in the EU in concentrations above 0.1%. According to many researchers, there is no safe limit for children and pregnant women. This can damage human DNA. Hormone disruptive.
What is it in:
Household cleaning products, cosmetics and shampoo, in the finishing of textiles and leather, in food packaging as an anti-fungal agent, glue …
Tips:
Choose eko cleaning products, which are safe for the environment and safe for your hands. This includes cosmetics and personal care products.
However, the skin can easily absorb substances. We are thinking of dioxins that have a bleaching effect on the products. The World Health Organization calls these substances carcinogenic.
5. Parabens
Parabens are preservatives, inhibitors of micro bacteria to protect against the growth of fungi and bacteria. Parabens can be absorbed by the body through the skin. While parabens are known to be toxic, it is widely used. Parabens were found in tissue in women with breast cancer. Butyl and propyl parabens enhance the effect of the female hormone Estrogen (estrogen dominance can lead to breast complaints) and can also lead to allergic reactions.
What is it in:
personal care products, medicines, food, tobacco and shoe polish.
Tips:
Make a nice bowl with different organic soaps. This way you can make a choice every day, and it looks great in your bathroom and smells wonderful.
6. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, SLS
SLS is often added to make shampoos such a wonderful lather. The stuff is quite aggressive and little remains of your scalp, you can just as well use stripper; although it does not feel that way because of the mineral oils that are added to the shampoo, which give a soft oily film on the skin. SLS is also used in garages to remove oil from the concrete floor. It causes eye irritation, irritates the scalp to the extent that it resembles dandruff, and causes allergic reactions.
What is it in:
Shampoos for cleansing and foaming properties. toothpaste, facial cleansers, shower gels, acne treatment products, body creams and hair dyes.
Tips:
Buy sulfate-free shampoo. An additional effect is that this is good for your curls (if you have one). Shampoo bars are plastic free nowadays!
7. Oxybenzone also called benzophenone-3
Oxybenzone, also known as benzophenone-3, is a chemical sunscreen. In itself it is not a strong filter and is combined with other filters and makes it powerful and stable. This substance has a hormone-disrupting effect.
It is easily absorbed by the skin and then enters the circulation and urine. It has even been found in breast milk
What’s it in: Sunscreens, moisturizers, lip balm, body lotion, nail polish, and shampoo
Tips:
Those who want to lubricate completely oxybenzone-free will have to read the labels carefully. Choose sunscreens that are fragrance-free, irritating essential oils and high alcohol concentrations.
8. Mineral Oils
This substance is used in the petrochemical industry to make oil products. It stops your skin from breathing, so what it does in baby oil and creams is beyond me!
What is it in:
Baby oil
Creams
Tips:
Buy a natural, plant-based alternative to mineral oil.
9. Propylene Glycol and Butylene Glycol
these ingredients are toxic to the central nervous system, may cause heart rhythm disturbances and cause kidney damage and liver abnormalities.
What is it in:
Make-up, hair products, aftershave, deodorant, lotions, mouthwash and toothpaste
10. Aluminum
Aluminum is poisonous and easily absorbed by the skin and can cause Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and anemia.
What is it in:
Aluminum is often added to deodorants and sweaty foot cream because it stops sweating, but it is also used as a color additive in eyeshadow.
Tips:
Choose an aluminum-free deodorant and makeup.
In the kitchen, use as much wood (for cutting), glass and earthenware (for storage) and stainless steel (for cooking) as possible
Only use the microwave to disinfect sponges and dish brushes (never put food in the microwave !!)
