Consumerism is rampant and there are a billion products out there that beckon us to spend our money. Thousands of these products contain harmful ingredients that the average shopper may be unaware of. It’s like walking through a minefield. Fortunately, there is help.
Consumer safety organizations, health advocacy groups, and numerous research institutions have been focusing on our toxic environment for some time. Environmental Health News, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental health issues, sent a survey to 22 endocrinologists on what products they use in their homes. (1)
Why endocrinologists? These doctors are well aware of what chemicals and other materials can affect our health. They diagnose and treat hormone imbalances in the endocrine organs which are often targeted by these toxic substances.
Many consumer products like cosmetics, personal care products, and cleaners, contain complex mixtures of chemicals that have endocrine disruption properties. The Endocrine Society has advised endocrinologists to become knowledgeable about common sources of endotoxins, those substances that are considered endocrine disruptors. (2)
Leonardo Trasande, a doctor at New York University, suggests starting with four categories: phthalates, bisphenols, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (flame retardants), and organophosphate pesticides. Not only found in products and food, many of these chemicals enter the air, water, and soil where they are manufactured and used. (3)
Survey Results
Organic Food
Buying organic depended on availability and cost. At the very least, avoiding fresh produce with known high pesticide content, like berries, apples, grapes, greens, and tomatoes, was important. Nearly 70 percent of the fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of potentially harmful chemical pesticides according to Environmental Working Group, a health advocacy group. They maintain annual lists of both the “Dirty Dozen” and the “Clean Fifteen.” (4)
Drinking Water
Many contaminants cannot be filtered out of drinking water at water treatment plants. Survey responders felt it essential to drink filtered water either from reliable sources or by installing a water filter incorporating carbon, charcoal, or reverse osmosis in their homes.
Plastics
Use glass or ceramic food storage containers. Plastic wrap, straws, and takeout containers should be avoided. If plastic must be used, be sure it is BPA or phthalate-free. Never heat food in plastic in the microwave as this causes toxic substances from the plastic to be absorbed by the food.
Cleaning Products
These products are notorious for containing chemicals and fragrances that can be harmful to the body. Buy green where possible, especially for multipurpose cleaners, laundry detergents, and window cleaning products. Some respondents have gone to using vinegar and baking soda, age-old products whose uses can be found on the internet.
Fragrances
Candles, soaps, hair products, and body lotions commonly contain artificial fragrances that can be toxic to sensitive skin and by absorption, to various hormone-producing organs. Use essential oils instead.
Cosmetics
Makeup often contains artificial fragrances, phthalates, and parabens. The cosmetic industry is slowly changing to less toxic products. However, natural cosmetics are still more expensive than their conventional counterparts causing most respondents to stick to the less expensive choices for now or to stop wearing makeup altogether.
