HomeHealth6 Common Environmental Toxins and How to Avoid Them: A Shortlist

6 Common Environmental Toxins and How to Avoid Them: A Shortlist

Author

Date

Category

6 Common Environmental Toxins and How to Avoid Them: A Shortlist

1. Air pollution: a mixture of natural and synthetic substances in the air we breathe.

  • Indoor air pollution can be reduced by making sure that your building is well ventilated and regularly cleaned to avoid the buildup of mold and dust.
  • Exposure to outdoor air pollution can be reduced by checking your city’s air quality monitors and avoiding heavy traffic and second-hand tobacco smoke.

2. Bisphenol A (BPA): a chemical produced in large quantities for use primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics. To reduce your exposure:

  • Avoid microwaving polycarbonate plastic food containers.
  • Opt for glass, porcelain, or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids.
  • Use baby bottles that are glass or stainless steel.
  • Be wary of BPA plastic alternatives such as bisphenol S (BPS), as these substances may cause similar health effects.

 3. Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): manufactured chemicals widely used in everyday items, including certain types of nonstick pans and waterproof clothing. If possible, avoid purchasing PFAS-containing products.

4. Pesticides: agricultural chemicals in food production. Choose organic produce, and make sure to give all fruits and veggies a good wash.

5. Phthalates: a group of chemicals used to make plastics (such as those in packaging and children’s toys) more flexible and harder to break; also used in cosmetics and fragrances. Avoid putting your food in phthalate-containing plastic, and avoid artificial fragrances.

6. Triclosan: an antibacterial chemical sometimes found in toothpastes, hand sanitizers, and deodorants. Look for all-natural alternatives and read labels carefully if a product claims to be “antibacterial.”

For more information, check out Environmental Defence’s printable pocket guide to common environmental toxins.

Previous article
Next article

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Recent posts

Must read

#BoPo

0
Body positivity has swept the nation. Self-acceptance of our bodies, even if we don’t match cultural size ideals, has evolved into a massive movement. Instead of obsessing over “imperfections,” social

Go With Your Gut to Cut the Cravings

0
“Listen to your body” is good advice for the most part—when your body wants something perfectly reasonable, like a brisk walk. But other times, it can be problematic: what if your body is unmistakably

Get Well, Not High

0
We wanted to share a sneak peak at some exciting content coming in the January 2020 issue of alive magazine. In this issue, the Canadian Health Food Association tells us why natural health industry ex

Plant-Based Eggplant Lasagna with Chickpeas, Marinara, and Tofu-Cashew Ricotta

0
You might never want to go back to regular lasagna after this plant-based version. The creamy tofu-cashew ricotta with lemon zest is the perfect foil to juicy eggplant cooked with a minimal amount of

Fasting and You

0
If you take medication or have a medical condition that relies on regularity in food intake, fasting may not be for you. For those who are otherwise healthy, here are a few things to consider when dec