We live in a world filled with chemicals, both natural and human-made. While some are beneficial, others can pose risks to our health and the environment. It's estimated that only about 30% of diseases are caused by genetics, while environmental factors influence the remaining 70%. These environmental factors include air and water pollution, exposure to toxic substances, diet, lifestyle choices, and occupational hazards, among others. Chemicals play a significant role in these environmental factors, with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) being particularly concerning due to their ability to interfere with hormone systems. Let's take a closer look at environmental chemicals and how to reduce our exposure to them!
Types of Chemicals In Our Environment
Did you know that everything around us, including our own bodies, is made up of chemicals? It's true! Even the healthiest foods we eat are composed of various chemical compounds. These natural chemicals help keep us strong and healthy. But here's the thing: not all chemicals are good for us.
In our modern world, we're surrounded by many human-made chemicals that can be harmful. These are often found in everyday products we use, from cleaning supplies to household materials to personal care items.
Some of these chemicals are what we call "transient.” Transient chemicals are like short-term visitors that don't stick around for long. They break down quickly, sometimes within hours or days. These types of chemicals include bisphenols (BPA), phthalates, and parabens that are used in developing plastic, personal care, and food products.
On the other hand, there are "persistent" chemicals. These are chemicals that are designed to resist things like stains, fires, and water. Common persistent chemicals are PFAS, flame retardants, and pesticides used in furniture, car parts, agriculture, and more.
Persistent chemicals are long-term squatters that hang around in our environment and our bodies for a very long time, sometimes even years or decades.
Both transient and persistent chemicals can cause health problems. Let’s take a closer look at some common health concerns associated with environmental chemicals.
Health Effects of Environmental Chemicals
Environmental chemicals are all around us, from the air we breathe to the products we use every day. While not all chemicals are harmful, many can disrupt our body's delicate hormone balance, leading to a wide range of health issues. These endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can mimic or interfere with our natural hormones, potentially causing problems with reproduction, development, and overall health.
One of the biggest concerns about EDCs is their impact on reproductive health. These chemicals can affect fertility in both men and women, potentially leading to difficulties in conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term.
They may also cause developmental issues in fetuses and children, including birth defects and neurobehavioral problems. What's particularly worrying is that some of these effects can be passed down to future generations, even if they weren't directly exposed to the chemicals themselves.
The health impacts of persistent chemicals, especially PFAS, can be quite serious. These stubborn chemicals can stick around in our bodies and the environment for years, increasing the risk of various cancers, reproductive disorders, and immune system problems.
How to Reduce Your Environmental Chemical Exposures
Reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals is a powerful step toward improving your health and well-being. By making simple, conscious choices in your daily life, you can significantly decrease your contact with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and other toxins. Remember, every small change adds up to make a big difference in your overall health. Here are some practical steps you can take to minimize your exposure:
- Filter your water
- Avoid plastic bottles: Use glass or stainless steel instead
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter
- Wash hands before eating
- Remove shoes indoors
- Choose organic produce when possible
- Don’t microwave in plastic containers
- Avoid touching receipts
- Wear organic cotton, linen, hemp, and wool clothing
- Get a HEPA/carbon air purifier
Little changes go a long way. Start with small changes that work best for your routine. Once one habit becomes a routine, then start incorporating other changes!
Testing Your Exposure Levels - Personalized Guidance
Knowledge is power when it comes to managing your chemical exposure. Two excellent resources can help you understand your personal exposure levels:
- Transient Chemicals: Million Marker's Detect & Detox Test Kit: This at-home urine test measures metabolites of toxic chemicals in your body. It provides personalized insights and recommendations to help you reduce your exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)
- Persistent Chemicals: Relentless Health's PFAS Core Panel: This finger-prick blood test specifically measures levels of PFAS, a group of persistent chemicals used in many consumer products. Understanding your PFAS levels can help you take preventative measures for your health.
By making informed choices and regularly testing your exposure levels, you can take control of your chemical environment and work towards a healthier life. Let's all do our part to reduce our chemical footprint and create a cleaner, safer world for ourselves and future generations!
