The dangers of dioxins and phthalates.
Have you ever wondered why some products are considered to be so harmful? It’s time we dive a little deeper into the chemicals that are found in our everyday products and the negative effects they can have on your body.
Two of the most powerful chemicals that are incredibly pervasive in our world are dioxins and phthalates. You may have heard those words but do not necessarily understand what they are and how they can cause harm to you body. Dioxins and phthalates are classified as endocrine disrupters.
What Is An Endocrine Disruptor?
An endocrine disruptor is a chemical compound that interferes with the endocrine system. The endocrine system is made up of multiple organs and glands located throughout the body. These glands produce hormones that regulate most body systems, including metabolism, emotions, fertility, and heart rate.
There are many chemicals, both natural and man-made, that can mimic or interfere with the body’s hormones (the endocrine system). Endocrine disruptor chemicals are linked to problems in many areas of the body, including – developmental, reproductive, brain, immune, and have also been identified as known carcinogens.
Although there are many chemicals that are classified as endocrine disruptors, two of the most dangerous are dioxins and phthalates.
Dioxins
Dioxins are environmental pollutants – a group of dangerous chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
How are dioxins released into our atmosphere?
The release of dioxins comes primarily through a variety of processes, including improper municipal waster incineration (burning of trash), burning of wood/coal/oil, chlorine bleaching of paper pulp and smelting, the production of certain herbicides and pesticides, recycling of electronic products, and even cigarette smoking. Furthermore, dioxins can be released into our environment as a result of natural events such as forest fires and volcanoes.
When humans and animals are exposed to dioxins, they do not leave the body quickly. In fact, dioxins accumulate in the fatty tissue of both humans and animals. Thus human consumption of animal products means further accumulation of dioxins in our bodies. The vast majority of human exposure to dioxins is through food – meat, dairy, fish, and shellfish.
Phthalates
Phthalates are another highly toxic endocrine disruptor that are found in countless products we use on a daily basis. These highly toxic chemicals are used to make plastics more flexible, they are also found in some food packaging, cosmetics, children’s toys, and medical devices.
Products that use phthalates include…
- PVC/vinyl building products such as wall coverings and flooring
- Cosmetics and personal care products, such as nail polish, perfume, shampoo, and lotion
- Packaging for many products
- Medical devices, such as blood storage bags and tubing that are made with PVC
- Home products such as sealants, tablecloths, shower curtains, furniture upholstery, garden hoses, wires, and cables
- Vinyl gloves used for food handling and other purposes
- Coatings for medications
- Scented cleaning products such as detergents
Phthalates migrate out of these products over time because they are not chemically bound. As these products release phthalates, the indoor air and dust becomes contaminated. With the use of cosmetics and personal care products, the phthalates exposure is direct.
Yet another source of phthalate contamination comes in the foods we eat. Though they are not an intentionally added ingredient in foods, phthalates find their way into our food supply by way of processing equipment, food packaging, and food preparation materials.
Exposure to these chemicals have been linked to learning and behavioral problems in children, as well as certain types of cancer including thyroid and breast cancer.
The Invisible Enemy
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are a true invisible enemy. Due to their invisible nature, we tend to not pay attention. As these harmful chemicals build up in our bodies, they also serve as a favorite food for the pathogens that reside in our bodies. When pathogens feed on such highly toxic chemical byproduct, what they excrete becomes even more toxic and poisonous to our bodies. For more on this process, check out my blog What Causes Cancer.
Combatting Exposure
There is no way to avoid these harmful chemicals in today’s world, so we must learn to combat exposure. One of the best ways to combat exposure is by committing to the Medical Medium® morning cleanse. We must make a concerted effort to detox these chemicals from our bodies.
Another powerful resource is my Greening Your Home Masterclass. This course will teach you…
- How To Green Your Home And Reap The Many Health Rewarding Benefits.
- How To Eliminate Toxins From Your Environment And Feel Healthy Again.
- All About My Go-To Beauty Products So That Every Single Day Can Begin With Toxic-Free Beauty And A Safe Home Environment.
- How Natural Cleaners Are More Effective Than Commercial Chemicals.
- How Natural Products Keep You Healthier And Safer.
- How To Use Green Products In All Aspects Of Home Care.
- How To Choose Safe Beauty Products And Avoid Toxins For Good.
- How To Create Your Own Emergency Travel Kit.
- How To Avoid Toxic Ingredients In Your Beauty And Wellness Products.
I know that searching for clean products can be overwhelming. To make this process easier, I have taken my 15+ years of clean product hunting and created the most comprehensive Amazon Store filled with a vast array of clean products – from food to personal care and everything in between.
Let me know in the comments below what you are doing to combat exposure.
With all these tools at your disposal, you know have the power to combat chemical exposure for you and your family!
To your health & happiness,
Muneeza
