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Exposure

Have you thought about what’s around you? You might think twice. Although we can not surround ourself in bubbles, it is important to become aware of the toxins around us in order to decrease them when possible. Becoming aware of what is around you and going in you is the first step toward wellness. Everything you swallow, breath, or rub on your skin is broken down and absorbed by your body. The fluids we drink, food we eat, or drugs we take are broken down by our bodies into chemicals we use.

We are surrounded by chemicals. They are in our food, water, air, clothes, home, and some of the daily products we use. Of course there are many sites and resources which try to spread the word but, without seeing the physical symptoms we are unaware of what is happening to us. Some sources say there are about 70,000 chemicals in commercial use in the United States and most of which we are exposed to on a daily basis, of course not including GMO products which some sources say brings the number to 2,100,00.

According to the National Cancer Society, approximately 95% of cancers are caused by the environment. THAT IS QUITE A HUGE NUMBER TO NOT TRY TO MAKE A CHANGE. Most of the environmental laws in the US only regulate the release of dangerous chemicals into the air and water not the amount we are exposed to on a daily basis. According to research from the university of CA, the average person is exposed to cancerous levels of toxins. The study looked at a population consisting of children beginning at age 2 to older adults. The study found that cancer benchmarks “exceeded” for dioxins, DDE, dieldrin, lead, chlordane, and arsenic (and acrylamide);  meaning that we consume and are exposed to an over abundance of known carcinogens are children went over the level more than 10 times.The study concluded consuming organically produced produce and less animal products decreased the intake of pollutants,  metals, and other toxins (but we will talk about our food another time.)

Photo taken from the natural society website.

pollutants- essential oils

  • Dioxin can be found in meat product and is used in some herbicides and in 1994 the US Environmental Protection Agency descried it as a public threat and has no safe level. The EPA report in 1997 confirmed it as a cancer hazard to people.

  • Chlordane is now a banned substance as of 1988 but is still manufactured in the use in some pesticides- it can be used to kill termites.

Although these substances are known carcinogens and some of them banned; they can still be found in meat products, cereals, pizza, graham crackers, dairy products, cucumbers, and mushrooms.

The toxins found in everyday household cleaners, air fresheners, and candles are known carcinogens, respiratory irritants, and eye irritants. Phthalate can be found in air fresheners, dish soap, and even some toilet paper are known to cause endocrine problems; in 2003 the CDC and Harvard School of Public conducted a study. look for fragrance free or all natural organic products. Perchloroethyene is mostly found in dry-cleaning solutions, spot removers, and carpet/ upholstery cleaners is a known neurotoxin and the EPA classifies it as a possible carcinogen. Triciosan is found in liquid dishwashing detergents and hand soaps can promote drug resistant bacteria. Butoxythanol found in window, kitchen, and multipurpose cleaners; can cause sore throats, pulmonary edema, liver, and kidney damage. The list goes on… the scary part is most of these chemicals are not listed on the ingredients list and most don’t know the potential hazard. 

What are we doing….If we know our daily habits and choices affects our genes What are we doing to future generations? Where are the mutations? We are cleaning our homes for our families in or to create another dangerous playground for them. I was shocked to find this out and began switching products one by one. The difference can be felt and overtime a cheaper option.

An alternative…. There are hundreds of do it yourself (DIY) recipes online you can use to create your own products. I have made my own cleaning products, lotions, and oil blends.

Recipes… Lemon, lime, orange, eucalyptus, thyme, Thieves (Young living), Purifying cleansing blend (Doterra), fir, pine, tea tree, lemongrass are some essential oils you can add to natural cleaning products.In a spray bottle add 1/2 white vinegar, 1/2 water, and ten drops of lemon oil- natural multipurpose cleaner. Placing baking soda on the carpet and adding drops of lemongrass in your vacuum filter will give your home a fresh smell. Salt and hot water can be used to decrease grease build up in your sink. 10 drops of lemon with olive oil is a natural wood and leather polish. 1 gallon warm water, 2TBS liquid Castile soap, 5 drops Douglas fir, white fir, cypress, and 10 drops of lemon; can make new mop water or a nice surface cleaner. There are 100s of recipes online of thing you can make at home for cleaning. 

I am currently working on replacing toxic products in my home with natural ones. Most household cleaning product contain toxic/ known carcinogens. Using a cleaning spray 1X per week can increase a child’s risk for developing asthma, using a natural product decreases this risk. I wonder if it has to do with our clean house. My brother and I had some trouble with asthma growing up. Being aware if important, this way we can decrease exposure where we see fit. Of course your can not protect yourself from everything but we can decrease exposure.

Start your wellness journey and increase awareness.

Jasmine Hutchinson BSN, RN, PHN

Research from the University of CA regarding Cancerous toxin levels-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23140444

If your looking for a place to purchase essential oils…. I decided to purchase my essential oils from Young Living, who sell Therapeutic Grade Oils (Pure and organically grown). I chose them as a brand I trust because of what they stand for: Their seed to seal promise and their desire to bring wellness into every family home. Also everything you need as a beginner to essential oils is in their reasonably priced start up kit (diffuser of your choice, 11 bottles of frequently used oils, sample packets, samples of other products, and information regarding their company and oils).


Disclaimer…This blog is intended solely to serve as a resource to health information and to provide you with basic information about the symptoms, cautions, safety concerns, natural remedies, DIY recipes, and nutritional concerns related to all aspects of health. This blog does not provide a comprehensive explanation of all aspects of any health condition or concern or even those aspects that are discussed in this blog. This blog is not intended to be–and you should not use it as–a substitute for medical advice or health care given by a licensed health care provider. Be sure to see a licensed health care provider to help ensure your health and the health and well-being of your family.

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