Everyday toxins

Twentieth-century chemists were extremely proud of themselves when they invented brand-new chemical compounds that could dissolve even the toughest dried-in grease in our ovens, make our laundry whiter-than-white, penetrate and plump out ageing skin cells, kill all known germs, and keep up odour-free all day long. Synthetic materials, like rayon and nylon, were all the rage, carpets were treated to make them virtually indestructible, and timber was sealed so that it would never rot. Alternatively, you could buy brand-new particleboard products made of wood fibre and held together with synthetic resin. Life was getting better and better for us all-or was it?

None of these products make you keel over gasping and wheezing on first exposure (except perhaps the over cleaner) but the toxins they contain have a cumulative effect with long-term exposure that scientists are still investigating today. They are only now finding out that cosmetics and personal care items containing parabens seem to be linked to breast cancer- although it is hardly surprising, since parabens mimic the action of oestrogen in the body. It was long thought that mercury could not leach out of fillings once they were in place, but autopsies are finding a direct correlation between the amount of mercury in the brain cells and the number of fillings that a person has in their teeth.

Dry-cleaning solvents containing perchloroethylene (perc, for short) are excellent at removing stains without damaging the fabric, but they have now been linked to cancer, liver and nervous system damage, infertility and hormone disruption.

What Is 'Natural'?

Maybe it is time to cut the chemistry and go back to nature in our quest for good health. But what does 'natural' mean? The truth is that it is virtually meaningless when used on a product label. By law, only a small percentage of the ingredients need to be 'natural' for this term to be used.

You will find some confusing phrases used on packaging. The term 'derived from natural coconut oil', for example, can actually refer to cocamide DEA, a foaming agent used in some shampoos, which is extracted from coconut oil by the addition of a solvent known as diethanolanine, which is widely thought to be carcinogenic.

What Is 'Organic'?

Can you trust the term 'organic'? Some manufacturers have played with the word in the past, for example claiming to use 'organic herbs' in a product that is otherwise entirely composed of synthetic chemicals. In theory, the unscrupulous could even claim that a toxic petrochemical preservative, such as methyl parabens, is organic, because it comes from leaves that rotted thousands of years ago to become crude oil, which was then used to make this preservative.

But, in fact, the organic market is controlled very carefully. Organic standards boards only grant organic status to those products that pass stringent testing procedures. To be on the safe side, look out for organic kitemarks and certification if a product claims to be organic. The companies recommended on this page are all trustworthy.

It is ironic that cosmetic companies pour so much research funding into the development of new products that help to disguise the signs of ageing (anti-wrinkle creams, hair-thickening shampoos and conditioners, firming body lotions) yet they use ingredients that some researches suspect of being carcinogens, neurological toxins, immune suppressants and hormone disruptors, so the net effect can be drastically ageing.

In the US , the Environmental Working Group tested 120 cosmetics products, including shampoos, moisturizers, foundations and lip balm, and found ingredients certified by the US Government as 'known or probable carcinogens' in each and every one. In 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration declared that consumers should be informed of the fact that many commercial shampoos, deodorants, perfumes, nail polishes, hand creams, hair dyes and bubble baths have not been safely tested, despite the fact that they commonly contain chemicals that disrupt the hormones, are carcinogenic and disrupt the nervous system. Here are some examples.

Phthalates

These are solvents found in fragrance and nail polish, as well as a substance added to plastics to make them more flexible. They have been linked to liver and thyroid damage, cancer, low sperm counts in men, miscarriages and birth defects. They are not easy to avoid, however, because they will not be listed on the ingredients label.

Parabens

Parabens (methyl, propyl and butyl) have all been linked to breast cancer (which can affect men as well as women, although less commonly) and they can also cause contact skin rashes.

DEA-Related Compounds

Topical application of DEA-related compounds (cocamide, lauramide and myristamide) has been linked to cancer by some experts.

Cetearth-12

An emulsifier called Ceteareth-12 may contain dangerous levels of carcinogenic ethylene oxide and dioxane.

Antiperspirants

These often contain aluminium salts that prevent the body from sweating. Aluminium build-up in brain cells has been linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Skin Irritants

Many cosmetic additives can be skin irritants, such as lanolin, glycerol and cetyl alcohol, which are found in a wide range of products.

Avoiding Harmful Chemicals

The best way to steer clear of harmful ingredients is to opt for organic brands of everything you apply to your skin, including body- and face-care products, makeup, soaps, sunscreen, toothpaste and all other toiletries. You should be able to find them in large chemists or department stores.

Most British adults have at least one or two mercury fillings in their mouths, yet research shows that the average-sized filling contains 750,000 micrograms of mercury and releases around 10 micrograms a day. This vapour is inhaled and travels up to the hippocampus of the brain, which controls memory. People with Alzheimer's disease have mercury levels in their brain that are two to three times higher than those who do not. Low-level mercury exposure can damage the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, thyroid, pituitary, adrenal glands, immune system, and just about every aspect of body function.

Replacing Fillings

Should you rush to have your mercury fillings replaced? Certainly not, say most experts. The process of removing fillings can generate much more mercury vapour as well as stray particles as your dentist drills into them with a high-speed drill. If you are worried that your fillings are damaging your health, find a specialist who will test your urine for heavy metal content. If your levels are high, seek out a dentist who specializes in amalgam removal and only have one or two fillings replaced at a time. A rubber dam should be used to prevent you swallowing any particles and a high-speed suction device should be in your mouth at all times. You may also be given a nose mask to stop you inhaling mercury vapour (if it is not offered, then ask for one). Some experts recommend that you undergo chelation therapy after filling removal to rid your system of any ingested mercury. If you ask your dentist, they will probably recommend that it's safer to leave mercury fillings in than take them out. Obviously, if a filling breaks or falls out anyway, that is the time to replace it with a safer (and more attractive) white alternative.

Chlorine Bleaches

These are found in toilet cleaners, washing powders and dishwasher detergents, and they can create carcinogenic substances when broken down. If they come into contact with products containing ammonia, a gas called chloramine is formed that can cause severe respiratory reactions.

Optical Brighteners

These give the illusion of whiteness by attaching themselves to fabrics and reflecting bright light but they can cause severe skin irritation.

Butyl Cellulose

This is found in heavy-duty all-purpose cleansers and can be absorbed through the skin and lungs. Some experts think it causes liver and kidney damage. At low levels, it may be responsible for headaches, dizziness, nausea and fainting.

Anionic Surfactants

These are present in some cleaners and can be contaminated with carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Carpet Cleaners

These often contain butyl cellulose and may also contain perchloroethylene (the dry cleaning fluid).

Phosphates

These are used in washing powder to improve cleaning and soften the water but they pollute our waterways by encouraging the growth of algae that starve the water of oxygen, killing fish and plant life.

Oven Cleaners And Metal Polishes

Oven cleaners may contain 'lye', which gives off toxic fumes that can burn the skin and eyes. Metal polishes contain petroleum products that can damage the nervous system, kidneys and eyes.

Avoiding Toxins The list goes on! To avoid any toxic nasties, always choose a reputable organic brand in the supermarket, or buy your cleaning products from a reputable organic source. You might also want to consider using some old-fashioned natural cleansing solutions (see below). They are often more effective than their modern chemical equivalents.   Add frankincense oil to an aromatherapy burner and inhale to help rebuild your energy levels and freshen the air in your home.

You have probably heard about the risks associated with paints, paint strippers, fuels, glues and permanent markers that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The fumes from these can cause nausea, headaches and drowsiness, and prolonged exposure has been linked with cancer. Next time you decide to redecorate your home, make sure that you choose organic, water-based paints, stains, sealants, thinners and markers, which emit only natural, pleasant fragrances.

Carpets And Cushions

Many carpets are treated with pesticides, fungicides and dyes that can give off vapours that we inhale or chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin. The latex backing used on 95 per cent of carpets contains styrene, a suspected carcinogen, and carpets can also contain volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde, low levels of which can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. The adhesive used for office carpets, known as 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PC), is thought to contribute to 'sick building syndrome'. The healthiest carpets are hessian-backed and not treated with pesticides; choose organic wool cotton or hemp without biocides (to deter mould) or stain protectors.
Watch out for polyurethane stuffing in sofa cushions, as some experts think it can give off toxic chemicals that you inhale while watching TV. Ideally, cushions should be stuffed with cotton or wool, but polyester fill is your next best option.

Woods

Synthetic urea formaldehyde resin is often used in manufactured woods (like MDF, particleboard or chipboard). Fumes continue to leak from these products for years, so it is best that you avoid manufactured woods.
However, some timber treatments can also be toxic, containing lindane (now banned, but could be found on older wood products and is linked to breast cancer), PCP (an organochlorine fungicide) and other insecticides and colourings. Opt instead for organic wood which has been treated with natural chemicals like beeswax and borax.

Fabrics

Fires

Finally, it is important to make sure that any oil or gas fires are checked regularly by a qualified engineer to ensure they are functioning correctly and are not slowly poisoning you when in use. It is less common nowadays but you still read in the newspapers about cases of people dying in their sleep while a faulty heater pumped out carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.

None of us want our homes to be overrun by ants, our clothes to be eaten by moths or our barbeques to be ruined by a plague of mosquitoes but, when you think about it, sprays or powders that cause insects to drop dead in their tracks cannot be doing us much good either.

Non-Toxic Bug Control

Fortunately, there are plenty of natural, non-toxic ways of dealing with common bugs in the home and garden. Try the following and see for yourself.

- The herb tansy, planted in the garden, will deter ants. Indoors, pile dried mint, chilli powder or borax at strategic points.

- Finely ground eggshells deter slugs in the garden and act as a fertilizer as well.

- Cockroaches, moths and rodents all hate sage, so tie bunches around the home.

- Burn citronella candles to deter mosquitoes when you're sitting outside on a summer evening.

- Instead of moth balls, use pieces of muslin soaked in cedarwood, camphor or lavender oil and place around the house, especially in wardrobes.

- If your cat or dog brings home fleas, vacuum the carpets and soft furnishings and wash what you can in boiling water. Spray tea tree and eucalyptus oils diluted in water onto furniture and carpets. Comb through the animal's coat with a mixture of olive oil, mint eucalyptus and tea tree oil, squashing or drowning fleas you comb out, then shampoo with a mild baby shampoo with a few drops of tea tree and eucalyptus mixed in.

- For people with asthma associated with dust mite allergies, it's best to remove some things within the home, such as wall-to-wall carpets and over-stuffed soft furnishings. To neutralize dust mites in these areas, just make a cup of very strong black tea, put it in a sprayer and spray on problem areas. (Obviously, this is not ideal on cream sofas!)

- To get rid of aphids (eg. greenfly and blackfly), spider mites and scale mites, steep two garlic cloves in a litre of water for 24 hours, then spray all over the affected plants.

- Is there is an ants' nest in your garden? If so, just pour boiling water over them. Pure lemon juice works as well but it's better to save it for use in detox drinks and recipes.

- To keep wasps away from a picnic or any outdoor meal, half-fill a glass with fruit juice and secure a paper lid over the top- hold it in place with a rubber band. Pierce a hole through the paper with a pencil. Wasps will crawl through, attracted by the scent of the juice, but will not be able to get out again.

Scented outdoor candles can deter insects and produce attractive flickering light as well.

When you are in an area with a lot of traffic, you know all about it. The air smells poisonous- and it is. Traffic emissions contain benzene (linked to leukaemia), carbon monoxide (makes you tired, causes memory loss, can cause chest pain and miscarriage), diesel particles (linked to circulatory disease and lung cancer), petrol (may damage the nervous system and lungs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (linked to reproductive problems and cancer) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (which may affect the circulatory and immune systems, the skin, lungs and eyes). You are breathing in even more of these chemicals while sitting in your car than out in the street, because the air pumped in for heating and air conditioning systems is at ground level where the exhaust fumes are pumped out.

Should you just stay indoors? Well, according to the Environmental Protection Agency in the US , indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoors. So you can't win, or can you?

So what can you do, given that the average human needs to breathe between 8,000 and 10,000 litres of air a day to stay alive? Well, you can open the windows and ventilate your house as much as possible. Houseplants can reduce the levels of formaldehyde, benzene and other contaminants in the atmosphere as they absorb them as a source of food. Palms, bamboo and peace lilies are particularly good decontaminants.

Outdoors, try to choose routes that are tree-lined, or where there are a lot of plants, because the process of photosynthesis removes some harmful gases from the atmosphere and produces more oxygen. Take particular care when exercising outdoors as you are breathing in huge lungfuls of air and your circulation is speeding it rapidly round your system. Cyclists are advised to wear masks for riding in town and in the countryside.

Don't panic, however. If you have a respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema, you might consider moving to a less polluted part of the country, but airborne toxins are pretty endemic and traces are found in tests on people who like on some of the UK 's most remote islands.

Concentrate on avoiding the toxins that you can do something about- in the products you buy. Read labels carefully; if there is a long string of complex chemicals, give those products a miss. Choose natural ingredients, such as essential oils, herbs and sea salts, and look for certified organic brands. You can't avoid all the toxins in modern life, but if you try not to ingest them voluntarily, you will be taking a huge step towards looking after your health.