How to Reduce Exposure to Everyday Toxins – In modern life, we are constantly exposed to synthetic chemicals. Products that we touch and consume can create harmful toxins that could lead to health issues down the line. While it is impossible to avoid exposure to all of the synthetic chemicals in the world, you should know that there are things that you can do to reduce exposure to everyday toxins and lead a healthier lifestyle.
What are Toxins?
So, what exactly are toxins? Essentially, a toxin is a substance that can cause harm to humans (and other living organisms) and many of these come from consumer products that we use every single day. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, less than 1% of 40,000 chemicals used in consumer products in the US have been tested sufficiently for human safety. Here are a few of the most common toxins that people are exposed to on a daily basis:
Pesticides: Used to protect crops by killing pests with chemical substances.
Phthalates: Chemicals used to make plastic more flexible or as a binding agent.
Bisphenols: Chemicals used to manufacture plastics and various other products.
Flame retardants: Used to stop the spread of fire and found in many household products.
How to Reduce Exposure to Everyday Toxins
How to Reduce Toxins Exposure:
It is hard to know how to reduce toxin exposure when so many products that are used on a daily basis can be harmful, including the food we eat. There are some positive steps that you can take, though, which will help you to protect your health. When it comes to fruit and veg, you can grow your own at home with the use of fruit cages and this will ensure that your food is free from harmful chemicals.
READ: Biological Hazards; Examples, Classification & Prevention
Other ways to reduce your exposure to toxins include checking product labels for any kind of purchase and looking for harmful chemicals. You should also try to minimise the use of plastic food containers and avoid reheating food in plastic. To avoid exposure to flame retardants, you should try to keep dust levels in your home down as it is thought that inhalation of dust is the main way that these chemicals are ingested.
Effects of Overexposure
Everyone is exposed to harmful toxins on a daily basis and most people will not experience the negative effects of this. If you suffer from overexposure, there are all kinds of health issues that can arise. These include organ damage, respiratory issues, chronic health issues including cancer, immune system suppression and reproductive issues.
Hopefully, this post will make you think about your exposure to toxins on a daily basis. This is something that everyone is exposed to as a result of the products that we use on a daily basis, but it is smart to be cautious and to take steps that will help to minimize your exposure over the long term.