Chemicals are all around us. They are in the foods we eat, the containers that hold the foods, the cleaning products we use, the personal hygiene products and cosmetics we use, the clothes we wear, the furniture we use regularly, the carpets we walk upon, the air we breathe, and even the water we use. It's not hopeless, though, we can take simple steps to avoid the worst chemicals and protect ourselves and our families.

Some simple tips for reducing exposures to industrial chemicals are:

* Avoid processed foods and chemical additives and cut out junk food.
* Choose "preservative free" over "no added preservatives" for the occasional snack.
* Eat whole foods and choose organic fruits and vegetables, especially ones with the heaviest pesticides and those we feed our children, who are much more susceptible.
* Eat a balanced diet instead of a lot of one thing.
* Eat seafood known to be low in PCB and mercury contamination, including Wild Alaska salmon and canned salmon.
* Don't microwave food in plastic containers, use glass or ceramics. (Never stand in front or near the microwave while it's on, it could be leaking and it's just not worth the added risk. In fact, if you can skip the microwave altogether, it wouldn't hurt. )
* Filter your home drinking water from harmful chemicals including fluoride and chlorine.
* If you eat meat and dairy, eat only organic meats and dairy, and preferably Grass-fed Beef.
* Cosmetics and Personal health care products can contain harmful chemicals so use only natural products and use less of these.
* Don't use hair dyes which may contain lead acetate and hormone disrupters APE.
* Don't use artificial fragrances and perfumes; choose true essential plant oils.
* Don't use stain repellants (like scotch guard) on clothing, bedding or furniture.
* If it's time for a new bed or sofa, get one not treated polyurethane foam.
* Avoid fumes from dry cleaners and air out your clothes before bringing them in the house.
* Avoid fumes from paints and finishes.
* Avoid fumes from glues, construction, new furniture.
* Avoid inhaling gasoline fumes - sit inside the car with the door closed.
* Get natural household cleaners you use or make your own.
* Remove chlorine from your bath and shower.


Skin absorbs chemicals readily. In fact, we absorb more chemicals through our skin and through inhaling fumes than through the food we eat. When we eat food, our body has systems set up to filter the bad, at least somewhat. Our skin, however, has no detoxification system. Once absorbed, these chemicals will quickly enter our bloodstream directly. Take steps to lessen your and your family's exposure to chemicals including what you slather on your body to make you pretty what you use to make your home sparkling clean.

Children are especially susceptible to chemicals. They are growing and need more food, pound for pound, than adults. They are picky and may consume only one kind of food for a while (so get more of one chemical or pesticide.) Their immune systems are not mature yet nor is their detoxification system so they accumulate poisons in their body. They are growing and use the food (and therefore the chemicals) instead of ridding the body of them. While the FDA does test chemicals and additives to see if they cause cancer, they do not make any special effects these things may have on growing children. They do not test how it may accumulate in children. They do not test the hormonal effects or potential learning disabilities associated with additives. And then there is the potential problems missed from mixing chemicals by exposure to a variety over a short period of time.



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