Chemicals are everywhere: How should you protect yourself?

In modern life, people are more and more exposed to harmful chemicals. These chemicals are present everywhere, from the environment we live in to the familiar items we use every day.

Did you know we are exposed to thousands of different chemicals every day? These toxins, if accumulated for a long time in the body, will lead to many dangerous diseases. There’s no way to completely protect your body, but you can reduce the amount of chemicals you’re exposed to each day through a few small habits. Let’s continue with easyhealthylive.com to see the shares below to know which chemicals we are often exposed to and how to limit it.

Chemicals appear everywhere

Every day, we are exposed to a lot of different chemicals and these chemicals are also the cause of cancer and endocrine disorders. Chemicals can come from the natural environment such as:

• Lead
• Mercury
• Radon
• Formaldehyde
• Benzene
• cadmium

Or it could be man-made like:

• BPA
• Phthalate
• Pesticides

With prolonged exposure, all of these chemicals can negatively affect human health:

• Carcinogenic (radon, formaldehyde, benzene)
• Endocrine disruptors (BPA, pesticides, phthalates)
• Weakens organs and leads to developmental problems (lead, mercury, cadmium)

If you are exposed to harmful chemicals for a long time, you are at risk of cancer

Some common toxins and ways to limit exposure

Here are some common chemicals in life and tips to help you stay away from them:

Endocrine disruptors

Both natural and man-made chemicals can be endocrine disruptors and have negative effects on development, reproduction, nerves and immunity. However, sadly, these substances are found in many products that we still use every day such as:

• Plastic bottles and boxes
• Detergents
• Toy
• Cosmetics
• Pesticides

BPA

This is the most common endocrine disrupting chemical and is often used to produce food packaging, food containers, baby bottles, water bottles, etc. Regular exposure to this chemical can lead to problems such as obesity, early puberty, endocrine-related cancers such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and sperm production.

You will be at risk of exposure to BPA if you store hot food and drinks in plastic containers or bottles containing this chemical. To reduce your exposure to BPA:

• Limit the use of plastic containers with a 7 or 3 on the bottom.
• Do not microwave the plastic container or wash it in a dishwasher or strong detergents.
• Limit the use of canned foods, choose fresh foods instead.
• Use BPA-free baby bottles or use glass bottles.

Phthalate

Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastics. This chemical is commonly found in products such as shampoos, cosmetics, lotions, nail polishes, and deodorants.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has found that if mothers are exposed to phthalates regularly before giving birth, it can affect genital development and reduce masculinity in children. boys. In addition, exposure to phthalates can lead to thyroid dysfunction in adults. To reduce your exposure to phthalates, you should:

• Avoid using plastic items with the number 3 on the bottom
• Use a PVC-free plastic container. Buy plastic wrap and bags made of polyethylene and use glass containers. If you use a plastic container, do not reheat or microwave it
• Choose phthalate-free toys
• Buy phthalate-free beauty products

Use glass containers instead of plastic containers to reduce your exposure to chemicals

Substances that can cause cancer

Hundreds of chemicals have the potential to cause cancer in humans or animals with prolonged exposure. According to the report, about 80,000 chemicals were used, but only about 2% of them were evaluated for safety. Studies have shown that radon, formaldehyde and benzene are the main chemicals that cause cancer.

Radon

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas. It arises from the natural breakdown of uranium or thorium found in most soils. This gas usually travels above the ground and into homes through cracks in floors, walls and foundations. Chronic exposure to radioactive particles produced by radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and the leading cause in non-smokers. To reduce your exposure to radon, it’s a good idea to test your home’s air and water regularly

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical used in the manufacture of building materials and household products. Chemicals also occur naturally in the environment. Often these chemicals will be found in laminated wood products such as plywood, glues and adhesives, cigarette smoke and fuel-burning appliances.

Studies show that formaldehyde is linked to certain cancers such as nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia. To reduce your exposure to formaldehyde, you should:

• Limit the use of pressed wood products in the house.
• Keep your home well ventilated and at the right temperature.
• Reduce humidity with air conditioners and dehumidifiers.
• Plant more plants in the house.

Benzene

Benzene is a colorless, rapidly evaporating liquid found in crude oil, cigarette smoke, gasoline (car smoke), pesticides, synthetic fibers, plastics, inks, oils and detergents. According to many studies, benzene can cause aplastic anemia, bone marrow abnormalities and leukemia – especially acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To reduce your exposure to benzene, you should:

• Quit smoking and try to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
• Keep the house well ventilated
• Use fragrance-free laundry detergents
• Plant a lot of indoor plants

Many people still prefer to use fragranced laundry detergents, but using unscented laundry detergent is the optimal solution to reduce harmful chemicals.

Chemicals that you are exposed to every day can have negative health effects. While it’s not possible to completely eliminate exposure, with a few simple steps you can protect yourself and your family:

• Reduce your use of plastic – switch to glass, stainless steel and porcelain containers, cups and mugs
• Wash all products and, if possible, buy organic products
• Limit the use of scented products
• Test the air and water for radon
• Avoid smoking
• Plant a lot of houseplants

If you are only occasionally exposed to the above chemicals from the environment, there is nothing to worry about, but if you are exposed regularly every day, you need to be careful. Make the changes slowly, little by little, and you will reduce your risk of exposure to many toxins.

Reference source

Environmental toxins: How to protect yourself and your family https://www.precisionnutrition.com/ Accessed date: 16/8/2020