The President’s Cancer Panel recently reported that environmental toxins play a significant role in cancer. This sort of statement by a high-level organization has sparked a lot of debate, but it also confirms what we’ve long suspected-that the increased presence of chemicals all around us is having a definite impact inside us.
This sort of news can cause a lot of fear, which can be paralyzing. Instead of worrying, we can take action to help protect ourselves and our families from chemical overload. Here are a few tips, gleaned from the report itself and the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) response to it.
Protect your children. Because of their smaller body size and fast metabolic rate, children are more at risk to damage from toxins than are adults. Choose foods, house and garden products, toys, and personal-care products that minimize your child’s exposure.
Filter your tap water. Tap water can contain toxins like arsenic, chromium, and chemical byproducts. Reduce the levels with a carbon tap-mounted filter or pitcher or reverse osmosis filter.
Remove your shoes before entering the house, particularly if you work with or around chemicals during the day. Consider also washing potentially contaminated clothing in a separate load.
Seal outdoor wooden decks and play sets. According to the EWG, those built before 2005 may be coated with an arsenic pesticide that can stick to hands and clothes.
Store and carry water in BPA-free containers, like stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastics, to prevent exposure to BPA that can leak into the water. Microwave food and beverages with similar cautions.
Skip the stain- and grease-proofing stuff. Fluorochemicals related to Teflon and Scotchgard are used in stain repellants on carpets and couches and in greaseproof coatings for packaged and fast foods. Say “no” to both.
Choose foods grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and otherwise, wash produce to reduce pesticide residue. Eat free-range meat grown without antibiotics and growth hormones, and limit your consumption of well-done meats. Check the EWG’s shopping guide for further guidance on pesticide-free choices.
Check your products. Personal care products can be checked against the Skin Deep Database for the presence of toxins. Household products can be checked against the Household Products Database.
Properly dispose of potentially dangerous items like pharmaceuticals, household chemicals, paints, and other materials to minimize drinking water and soil contamination. Choose products made with non-toxic or environmentally safe chemicals.
Discuss carefully with your medical providers any medical tests or procedures that involve radiation, and be sure these tests are needed before proceeding. Discuss your personal history of radiation exposure, the expected benefit of the test, and other ways you may obtain the same information.
Protect yourself from UV rays by using protective clothing and sunscreens when outdoors.
Limit your exposure to second-hand smoke in your home, car, and public places.
Are you living more chemical free? Do you have tips to share with our readers?
Photo courtesy vinzzzzzzzzzz via Flickr.com.
