Toxic materials that are found in your home
Posted on: 12/Mar/2016 4:53:08 PM
Did you know that things that you find in almost any urban household are filled with harmful toxins? Here are a few things that are, and how to deal with them.
Plastic water bottles are made with biphenyl A or BPA. BPA mimics estrogen in the body, and so can be harmful to babies and children. The standard replacement for BPA is bisphenol S or BPS. Unfortunately, this is closely related to BPA and may disrupt normal cell functioning. Try to choose bottles that are with BPA or BPS. If you can`t, use reusable stainless steel or glass.
Plastic food containers are made of a group of chemicals called phthalates. They, like BPA, mimic hormones in the body. This interferes with normal fetal development. It may also hinder sperm quality. The most widely used phthalate is DHEP. This has been replaced by other phthalates called DINP and DIDO. These have been lined to high blood pressure and insulin resistance in adolescents and birth defects in baby boys. Avoid plastic wraps and plastic food containers. Instead, use tin foil, glass jars and ceramic containers, or just plain old stainless steel. Avoid microwaving your food in a plastic container.
Stain resistant carpets are made with several industrial chemicals. Some use a teflon chemical called PFOA, which is lined to cancer and thyroid issues. Others use chemicals called PFASs that build up in the body. This is then passed on to babies through breast milk. Try to use carpets which are untreated for stains, and made of natural materials like wool or sisal.
Pizza boxes were made of PFOA or perfluoro octanoic acid. This is used to make teflon and is lined to kidney cancer, testicular cancer and thyroid disease. Consequently, the use of PFOA was banned, but was replaced by PFASs. These chemicals are also found in microwave popcorn bags. The use on pizza boxes is to prevent soaking through the cardboard. However, this coating has been linked to birth defects and cancer. Ask for your pizza slice in a tin foil and not a box. Better still, try to make the pizza at home! Avoid any product that is non stick or grease proof.
