Toxin Research

Chemicals and radiation linked to breast cancer can be found in everyday products that we use on our bodies, in our homes, workplaces and even in the food we consume as well as in air, dust and water. Some of these exposures are known or likely to cause cancer, while many others disrupt the body’s hormones.  This article from Breast  Cancer Prevention Partners provides a comprehensive place to begin your journey toward toxin removal.

The chemicals in our water, air, and food, the materials in our home, and non ionizing radiation present cancer risks.   But that doesn’t mean that we are defenseless. Researchers have identified several mechanisms by which most cancer-producing toxins disrupt our body’s defense systems. Compelling evidence reveals how we can defend against these carcino-genic mechanisms.  After reading this article, you’ll be able to select protective approaches that best fit your individual exposure to help counteract some of the highest risks in your own environment.

Depending on where you live and work, you're likely to be exposed to many plastic products every day. Food and beverage containers, some disposable plates, and toiletry bottles are all plastic and all are made from chemicals. Research suggests that all plastics may leach chemicals if they're scratched or heated. Research also strongly suggests that at certain exposure levels, some of the chemicals in these products, such as bisphenol A (BPA), may cause cancer in people.

Chemicals and contaminants linked to cancer can be found in food, water and many other everyday products. However, no category of consumer products is subject to less government oversight than cosmetics and other personal care products. Although many of the chemicals and contaminants in cosmetics and personal care products likely pose little risk, exposure to some has been linked to serious health problems, including cancer.

We cannot escape our exposure to man-made chemicals.  But there is a lot we can do to moderate our exposures.  For the most part, it is up to us to become more conscious about the chemicals we are exposed to in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the furniture in our homes, the clothes we wear, and the products we put on our bodies every day.  The precautionary principle encourages maintaining awareness of what you are putting on and in your body and taking steps to avoid unnecessarily exposing yourself to toxins in your household and environment.

Whether organic or conventionally grown, fruits and vegetables are critical components of a healthy diet. However, many crops contain potentially harmful pesticides, even after washing, peeling or scrubbing, which the USDA does before testing each item. Since pesticide contamination varies by crop, it is important to understand which items are most or least contaminated. Additionally, fresh items that are most contaminated, such as spinach, strawberries and other Dirty Dozen fruits and vegetables, still have high levels of pesticides in their frozen forms.

Nearly 70 percent of the non-organic fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of potentially harmful chemical pesticides, according to EWG’s analysis of the latest test data from the federal Department of Agriculture.

The immediate and long-term effects of synthetic fragrance exposure is hazardous to human health. “Fragrance” on an ingredient list can actually represent a recipe made up of hundreds of synthetic chemicals. These chemicals are selected from a reservoir of 5,000 ingredients, a large number of which haven’t been tested for safety. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take time to dig into what fragrance really is and why we’re so passionate about removing it from our lives 

PFASs are a class of modern chemicals that we all take for granted – they are incredible substances that make life easier and are found in many products: from stain-resistant sofas to nonstick pans, hiking boots, and even dental floss. Some of the most recognizable brand names for PFAS are Teflon, Gore-Tex, Scotchgard, and Stainmaster. The water-repellency, stain-resistance, and nonstick properties that PFASs provide are huge conveniences, especially for parents of small children or outdoor enthusiasts. Unfortunately, these benefits come with a tremendous cost. PFASs are some of the most toxic and pervasive chemicals humans have created, with serious health ramifications and perpetual environmental impact. Luckily, there are ways you can reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals by learning where they are found and how to replace them.

A glass of tap water, is it safe to drink? Since 2013, water utilities' testing has found pollutants in Americans' tap water, according to an EWG drinking water quality analysis of more than 31 million state water records.

Check what pollutants are in your tap water and find a water filter that filters out the specific pollutants that are in your water. 

This 8-minute video co-released by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the Story of Stuff project examines the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo.