Learning about chemicals and their effects can help you to protect your health and your family.
Artificial and dangerous chemicals are hard to avoid, as they can be found just about everywhere. Knowing what these chemicals do and avoid them helps you to make better health choices every day, so you can protect your well-being of and that of your family. Read labels, shop organic, explore alternative health and make green choices.
Food Additives
Learning to read labels can help you identify potentially toxic chemicals.
Modern and processed foods are a rich source of artificial preservatives, colors, flavors and other chemicals to control texture and consistency. Artificial colors such as amarant, erythrosine and tartrazine provoke asthma, eczema, hyperactivity and genetic damage in animals. Preservatives such as sulphites and benzoates are effectively antibiotics and are linked to allergies, asthma and reduced nutrient absorption. The flavoring MSG causes central nervous system problems such as hyperactivity, headaches, dizziness and nausea. Read labels when purchasing processed and packaged foods, and shop organic when possible.
Medications
Medications come with a long list of side effects.
Many everyday medications come with side effects and potential risks, resulting in additional complications and health problems. Antibiotics reduce the absorption of nutrients and destroy beneficial probiotic bacteria in the digestive tract. Aspirin damages digestive tissues, causes ulceration and provokes erectile dysfunction in men. In a 2008 statement by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, it was announced that tens of thousands of people die in the United States each year from overdosing on prescription medications, especially painkillers such as opiates. Under the supervision of a health care professional, explore alternative treatments that offer safe and holistic benefits over prescriptions.
Environmental Chemicals
Spray-free and organic vegetables have no pesticide residue.
According to Annmaree Kane and Christina Neubert, authors of "Living Green", fruits, berries and vegetables sprayed with pesticides may cause cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, hormone disruption and birth defects. Those to be avoided due to their chemical residues are listed as wheat, pears, cabbages, nectarines, tomatoes, apples, wine, broccoli/cauliflower, onions, celery, cucumbers, and raisins, sultanas and grapes. When possible, consume organic fruits and vegetables to avoid these harmful chemicals.
Skin Care
Skin care products may cause allergies and cancer.
Moisturizers, creams, sunscreens and other skin care products often contain harmful chemicals, causing allergic reactions and cancer. According to a study by the Environmental Working Group in 2005, over 78 percent of cosmetic products on the market contain dangerous impurities, including harmful carcinogens and hormonal disruptors. Many chemicals, like parabens, that are found in personal care products are absorbed into the bloodstream and organs after application.
Dental Products
Dental products protect teeth but can be damaging to health.
People are encouraged to use chemical mouthwashes and toothpastes every day, despite the list of ingredients commonly found in both that include benzoates, parabens, sodium-lauryl sulphate, alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. Triclosan, a chemical pesticide commonly found in many soaps and toothpastes, causes allergies and is dangerous to unborn fetuses. According to an study published in the Orthodontic Cyberjournal by Narsinhbhai Patel Dental College in 2011, researchers found triclosan products damage the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and the immune system when ingested for long periods of time.
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