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Mercola: Top 5 Common Chemicals to Avoid

by Joseph Mercola, D.O.
Joseph Mercola

Dr. Joseph Mercola
of Mercola.com


Thanks to the spoils of the industrial revolution, your body is now home to a growing cocktail of chemicals. A typical American comes in regular contact with 6,000 chemicals and an untold number of potentially toxic substances on a less frequent basis.

Limiting the potentially hazardous chemicals you and your family are exposed to can easily feel overwhelming. A good starting point is to focus on avoiding some of the most pervasive, and most toxic, chemicals that are virtually guaranteed to be in your home right now.

BPA: BPA is widely used in the production of plastics, canned foods and soda cans, food packaging, baby bottles, toys and more. BPA can lead to heart disease, diabetes and liver problems, and research has linked BPA to serious developmental and reproductive problems. To avoid it, use stainless steel water bottles and glass food containers. Look for the number 7 on the bottom of plastic containers. Unless otherwise stated, the plastic likely contains BPA.

Phthalates: Phthalates, or "plasticizers," are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and resilient. They’re also one of the most pervasive of the endocrine disrupters. These chemicals have become associated with changes in development of the male brain as well as with genital defects, metabolic abnormalities and reduced testosterone in babies and adults. Phthalates often show up as unidentified "fragrance" in shampoos and personal care products.

PFOAs: Non-stick cookware is the primary source of dangerous perfluorinated chemicals (PFOAs). Non-stick pans quickly reach temperatures that cause the coating to begin breaking down, releasing toxins that have been linked to cancer, birth defects and thyroid disease. I recommend you throw away this type of non-stick cookware and replace it with either ceramic or glass.

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde serves a number of purposes. It is frequently used in fabrics to give them a variety of "easy care properties" as well as being a common component of pressed-wood products. Formaldehyde has been shown to cause cancer in animals, and may cause cancer in humans. Other common adverse effects include fatigue, rashes and allergic reactions. Choosing all-natural materials for your clothing and furniture can help cut down on your exposure.

PBDEs: These flame-retardant chemicals have been linked to altered thyroid levels, decreased fertility and developmental problems when exposure occurs in utero. PBDEs are commonly found in household items like upholstery and television and computer housings. Fortunately, several states now ban the use of PBDEs, so there is some progress toward reducing exposure.

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