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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently released the results of a comprehensive biomonitoring study, which measured 212 chemicals in the blood and urine of 8,000 Americans. While that’s more than 40 percent more chemicals than what has ever been tested for before, it only accounts for less than one percent of some 6,000 chemicals that the average American is exposed to.
Nevertheless, it’s still relevant information. Among the chemicals tested, the CDC highlighted six of the most widespread and potentially dangerous substances, including:
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) – Commonly known as flame retardants, PBDEs are widely used to reduce the risk of fire in all sorts of goods, like electronics and upholstery. PBDEs accumulate in human fat, and some studies show they may be harmful to your kidneys, liver and neurological system. The states of California, Maine and Washington have restricted the use of certain PBDEs.
- Bisphenol A (BPA) – Found in many plastics, the lining of cans and even in the coating of many sales receipts, it’s not surprising that this chemical was found in more than 90 percent of Americans tested. BPA can influence fetal growth in a way that increases the risk of breast cancer. But this is just one of the many and growing concerns about this chemical.
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other perfluorinated chemicals – These are used to create heat-resistant and non-stick coatings on cookware (Teflon), as well as grease-resistant food packaging and stain-resistant clothing. PFOA has been tagged as a likely carcinogen and studies have associated perfluorinated chemicals to infertility in women, and to liver, immune system, developmental and reproductive problems in lab animals.
- Acrylamide – Cooking carbohydrates at high temperatures (French fries) and roasting of coffee produces acrylamide, which is also a byproduct of tobacco smoke. High-level exposure to acrylamide is believed to cause cancer and neurological problems in lab animals and workers, respectively.
- Mercury – Contaminated fish continues to be the main source of mercury, a potent neurotoxin that can lead to permanent brain damage to fetuses and young children.
- MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) – A gasoline additive no longer used in the U.S., MTBE is still present in the bodies of many Americans because it has contaminated many drinking water supplies. The health risks associated with MTBE are not well defined but studies have linked it to potential damage to the neurological and reproductive systems.
Dr. Mercola offers simple advice on how to avoid these offenders. Don’t sleep with the enemy. PBDEs could be lurking in your mattress. Since you can spend a lot of time in bed, look for for 100 percent wool, toxin-free mattresses, or those that use Kevlar instead of chemicals for fire-proofing.
Choose glass containers – this will help reduce your family’s exposure to BPA. Use only glass bottles and dishes. Store food and drinks in glass containers. Buy natural fabric toys instead of plastic. Don’t heat food or drinks in a plastic container or covered with plastic wrap. Avoid bottled water and make sure your plastic kitchenware is in good shape.
Avoid Teflon cookware and go for glass or ceramic cookware instead.
Say goodbye to fries and chips – these are two of the absolute worst foods you can put in your mouth or feed your family. Not only are they loaded with carcinogenic acrylamide, they also contain dangerous trans fats, the worst kind of fat you can consume.
Be careful with the fish you consume. The government says that about 75 percent of all human exposure to mercury comes from eating fish, 40 percent of which is attributed to contaminated Pacific tuna. There are a few safe alternatives like wild Alaskan red salmon. Eating smaller fish like anchovies or sardines, reduce the risk of contamination because of their small size. Avoid mercury-containing vaccines and dental fillings as well.
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