Toxic Chemicals – EDCs

Dioxins, are a class of chemical contaminants formed during combustion processes, such as waste incineration, or industrial processes, like paper pulp bleaching. They are persistent organic pollutants which means they take a long time to break down once they are in the environment. When consumed by animals, dioxin is stored in the fat and can make its way up the food chain (including the animal meat we eat!)

According to the World Health Organization, all people have background exposure to dioxins and a certain level of them in the body. However, changes in manufacturing processes and increased environmental regulations have resulted in a steady decline over time. For most people, dioxin exposure comes from food, especially foods high in animal fat.

Ways to avoid Dioxin exposure:

• Switch to a low-fat diet, trim fat from meat, and choose low-fat dairy products.
• Grow food in soils that are free of dioxin such as raised beds with clean soil.
• Remove shoes when coming in from outside to avoid tracking contaminated soil inside.

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible. They are found in a variety of products, including vinyl flooring, adhesives, plastic clothes (raincoats), garden hoses, inflatable toys and some personal care products (soaps, shampoos, hair sprays and nail polishes). Phthalate exposure has been associated with preterm birth, child obesity and neurobehavioral problems in some studies.

Ways to avoid phthalates:

• Choose glass food containers instead of plastic
• Read personal care product labels and avoid those with the generic “fragrance” label. Those “fragrances” often contain phthalates. Choose fragrance-free creams, cleaning products and laundry detergents.

PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or perfluorinated chemicals) are man-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s. They have been used to make nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain resistant fabrics and carpets, some cosmetics, some firefighting foams and products that resist grease, water and oil.

During production and use, PFAS can migrate into the soil, water and air. Most PFAS (including PFOA and PFOS) do not break down, so they remain in the environment. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment. Some PFAS can build up in people and animals with repeated exposure over time.

The research conducted to date reveals possible links between human exposures to PFAS and adverse health outcomes. These health effects include altered metabolism and fertility, reduced fetal growth, increased risk of being overweight or obese, increased risk of some cancers and a reduced ability of the immune system to fight infections. While knowledge about the potential health effects of PFAS has grown, many questions remain unanswered.

Ways to avoid PFAS:

• Replace older non-stick pans with newer ceramic-coated pans.
• Avoid water and stain-resistant clothing, furniture and carpets.
• Discard all scratched or damaged non-stick cookware.
• Look for Greenguard Gold certification of furniture, mattresses, flooring and building materials which means it emits fewer organic chemicals.
• Avoid fabrics and upholstery that are made of "Gore-Tex" or "Teflon."