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Environmental Toxins

Few people realize the truly toxic world in which we live and the chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis. An estimated 80,000 chemicals are used in the United States, and the federal government registers an average of 2,000 newly synthesized chemicals each year, many known to cause cancer, birth defects, and neurological disease to name a few. 1

Let’s start with a straightforward fact:
Mercury is unimaginably toxic and dangerous.
A single drop on a human hand can be irreversibly fatal.
A single drop in a large lake can make all
the fish in it unsafe to eat.
DISCOVER Vol. 26 No. 03 | March 2005

It is hard to imagine that our living environment, which appears clean and harmless, is actually contaminated with numerous poisons that could be accumulating to life threatening levels over time. Unfortunately, many can’t be seen, smelled, felt, identified or detected by the human senses. It is not until after years and years of subtle chronic exposure when symptoms can emerge and become identified as diseases by many names like cardiovascular disease, dementia, or cancer.

Early warning signs of hidden chemical toxicity may be linked to common symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, headaches, allergies, chemical sensitivities, immune deficiency, weight imbalances, sadness or nervousness, worsening forgetfulness, decreased body temperature, and overall feelings of "yuck" or malaise.

The prestigious British Medical Journal estimates 75% of cancers are caused by environmental and lifestyle factors including exposure to chemicals. 3

These poisons or "environmental toxins" most commonly are from "modern living" and linger as contaminants in air, drinking water, food, and soil. They come from industrial wastes, petroleum, coal and garbage combustion, pesticides, herbicides, mining leading to erosion and the release of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury into the soil and water.

They can also come from apparent harmless environments such as our homes and the gas fumes let off by wood, paint, and glues, hygiene products like hair and body cleansers, toothpaste, deodorants, and cosmetics. Don’t forget the toxic chemicals in prescription drugs, detergents, household cleaners, upholstery, artificial fabrics, computers and TVs.

Canadians a Toxic Lot, Study Finds
'We all carry inside of us hundreds of different pollutants and these things are accumulating inside our bodies every day'

Researchers found that, on average, participants had a cocktail of 44 chemicals in their bodies known to disrupt reproduction and hormonal function and interfere with fetal development. These include heavy metals; PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls used in electrical transformers and now banned); PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers used as fire retardants); PFOs (perfluorinated chemicals used in stain repellents, non-stick cookware and food packaging), pesticides and insecticides.

"The bottom line being that we are all polluted," said Dr. Rick Smith. "The message to Canadians is, ‘It doesn't matter where you live, how old you are, it doesn't matter how clean living you are or if you eat organic food, or if you get a lot of exercise. We all carry inside of us hundreds of different pollutants and these things are accumulating inside our bodies every day.'"
Toronto Globe and Mail, November 9, 2005, ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE CANADA

Americans fare WORSE! Some estimate that the typical American has between 400-800 different chemicals, many carcinogenic, accumulated within the blood, organs, and fat tissue. Read the disturbing reality of the environment exposed to our developing children.

Pollution in Newborns, Environmental Working Group, July 14, 2005

Laboratory tests revealed a total of 287 industrial chemicals and pollutants in umbilical cord blood from 10 babies born in U.S. hospitals. The blood harbored pesticides, consumer product ingredients, wastes from burning coal, gasoline, and garbage. Among them were eight perfluorochemicals used as stain and oil, repellants in fast food packaging, clothes and textiles including the Teflon chemical PFOA, dozens of widely used brominated flame retardants, and numerous pesticides. Of the 287 chemicals we detected in umbilical cord blood, we know that 180 cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests.

The majority of these chemical poisons become deposited in the fatty tissue because of their "lipo-philic" or "fat-loving" nature. Tissues that are dense with fat will also accumulate high amounts of chemicals such as the nerves, glands (especially thyroid and sex glands), heart and arteries lined with cholesterol, and of course the brain. They can be also detected in the blood and organs or passed through the body in breast milk, urine, feces, sweat, semen, hair and nails. 2

1. www.ewg.org
2. ibid.
3. BMJ 2004;328:447-451 (21 February)

So, HOW DO YOU RATE? TAKE THE TESTS:
Utilize the "source of contaminants" list below to determine if you are being exposed to chemicals or experiencing related symptoms of toxicity. If you answer true to more than several of the following questions and tests you can consider yourself in need of chemical detoxification.

1) Persistent cool body temperature under 98.0 degrees?
2) Difficulty breaking a sweat?
3) History of multiple allergic reactions to medications or inability to handle caffeine?
4) Mercury dental fillings?
5) Synthetic body implants?
6) Grew up in family that smoked?
7) Past or present chemical use profession or hobby: painting, auto, industrial, farming?
8) Sensitivity to diesel fumes, soap/detergent aisle, perfumes, or cigarette smoke?
9) Worsening forgetfulness/coordination, numbness/weakness, tremor, mood alterations?
10) Living in a brand new home or office?
11) Progressive immune weakening: increased allergies, infections/colds, autoimmune dz?
12) History of asthma, eczema, chronic infections, or liver disease?
13) History of cancer: esp. lymphoma, leukemia, thyroid, brain, lung, glandular cancer?
14) History heart disease, neurological disease, untreatable migraine headaches?
15) History of Sick Building or Gulf War Syndrome, chronic fatigue/CFIDS, fibromyalgia?

Continue the test taking here:

Put your hygiene products to the test.
Also determine how the drinking water rates in your town.
Don’t forget to learn what the most contaminated produce at your grocery is: and a tuna calculator, just in case you wanted to know what you could "safely" eat in a week.

SOURCES OF CONTAMINANTS Persistent Bio-Accumulative Toxics: PBTs

LIFESTYLE CHOICES:
What: ethanol, nicotine, caffeine, illicit drugs, trans-fats, hydrogenated oils, artificial colors/flavors, preservatives, flavor enhancers
Where found: alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, tobacco, coffee, soda pops, marijuana, cocaine and other drugs, fast foods, packaged food, junk foods
What effects: cancer, heart disease, auto-immune disease, nerve degeneration such as dementia

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS: Prescription drugs are the fourth leading cause of death in America 4
What: synthetic chemical drugs mostly prescription: especially painkillers, antibiotics, antidepressants, hormones, cancer drugs, seizure drugs
Where found: prescription drug consumption, water supplies from sewage runoff
What effects: side effects of any drug consumed, drug interactions, antibiotic resistance, hormonal dysfunction including early maturity and male feminization.

HEAVY METALS:
What: lead, mercury, arsenic, aluminum, nickel, and cadmium to name a few
Where found: Lead: lead paint, plumbing, batteries, industry. Mercury: amalgams filling for teeth, paints, medications, pesticides, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, vaccines for children, coal burning = polluted rain = polluted fish, especially tuna; and of course thermometers
Arsenic: treated lumber and contaminated drinking water from metal smelting and industry runoff
Aluminum: anti-perspirants, antacids, cookware, cans/foil, drinking water, smoke/fumes
Nickel: hydrogenated oils, soil and drinking water, cigarette smoke
Cadmium: environment from smelting and industry, cigarette smoke, batteries, paint and bake ware
What effects: heart disease, cancer, nerve degeneration leading to neurological diseases, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Cerebral Palsy, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, and other nerve illnesses. Lowered IQ, developmental delays, mental retardation, autism, behavioral disorders like ADD and ADHD have all been associated with heavy metal toxicity.

PCBs: Polychlorinated Biphenyls
What: industrial chemicals band in US since 1976
Where found: persists for decades in the environment; accumulates in the food chain; farmed fish, meat and dairy products
What effects: known to cause cancer and nervous system disorders

BFRs: Brominated Flame Retardants
What: industrial chemicals
Where found: furniture, foam in furniture/bedding, retardant fabrics, plastic casings for computers, car interiors
What effects: endocrine hormone disrupter (thyroid, ovaries), reproductive damage, cancer

PFCs: Perfluorochemicals
What: Industrial chemicals: notably fluoropolymers: Scotchguard, Teflon, Stainmaster, Scotchban, Gortex, PFOA
Where found: NEVER BREAK DOWN in environment! Stain repellent furniture and carpet, non-stick cook ware, fast food wrappings that repel grease, clothing, cleaning products, cosmetics
What effects: cancer (esp pancreas, liver, testicular, breast), liver damage, reproductive defects

DIOXINS:
What: industrial pollutants
Where found: primary ingredient of Agent Orange, pollutants of PVC (polyvinyl chloride plastic) production, industrial bleaching in paper mills, burning garbage including backyard burn barrels
What effects: persists for decades in the environment; accumulates in the food chain; fish,
meat and dairy products. The most potent of carcinogens; cancer, reproductive disorders, endocrine and hormone disorders, skin afflictions, liver damage

FURANS:
What: industrial pollutants
Where found: by-product of plastic production, industrial bleaching, burning waste garbage
What effects: Persist for decades in the environment. Cancer, endocrine/hormone changes

PESTICIDES/HERBICIDES:
What: organochlorine insecticides: DDT, chlordane banned in US; organophosphate insecticides
Where found: persist for decades in the environment; accumulates in the food chain; fish,
meat and dairy products; residues in all foods
What effects: cancer, reproductive disorders, very strong nervous system toxicants, autoimmune disease

PHTHALATES:
What: plastics, plasticizers, PVC, polystyrene (Styrofoam), polycarbonate
Where found: plastic wrap, bottles/pipes, storage containers, cosmetics, hair products, meat and dairy products
What effects: mimic endocrine/hormones, birth defects of male reproductive organs and infertility, facial/body hair growth in women, female disorders; painful periods, cysts, endometriosis, fibroids

VOCs: Volatile Organic Chemicals
What: industrial solvents, petroleum derivatives, xylene, benzene, chlorofluorocarbon CFC, formaldehyde
Where found: indoor air: carpet, dry wall, particle board/plywood, glues, paint, permanent markers, cleaning fluids, varnishes, aerosols, air fresheners/fragrances, insect repellents, dry cleaning
chemicals, cosmetics, deodorants, propane, methane, gasoline, auto tires, vinyl curtains
What effects: cancer, nervous system toxicant, respiratory disease, migraines, memory dysfunction

HALOGENS:
What: chlorine, fluoride
Where found: drinking water, bleach, toothpastes,
What effects: skin and membrane (mouth, lung, nose, eye) irritant, cardiovascular irritant, neurological irritant, thyroid imbalance (displaces iodine)

RADIATION: (EMF- See below)
What: radioactive elements: uranium, plutonium, strontium, cesium, radium=radon, UV light/sunlight
Where found: x-rays, airplane flights, nuclear weapon testing, basements floors from underground soil (naturally occurring), irradiated food
What effects: cancer (esp. thyroid and lung)

EMF WAVES: Electro Magnetic Frequencies
What: UV light/sunlight, electrostatic fields
Where found: fluorescent lights, cell phones, telephone, radio, TV, computer, radar, microwaves, cell tower, electric blankets, power lines,
wiring in walls, anything electric, sunshine, tanning beds
What effects: cancer (esp. thyroid, skin, blood, and brain), immune dysfunction, insomnia, nervous disorders, mood disorders, heart palpitations, eye degeneration

BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
What: mold, fungus, yeast, bacteria, viruses, animal dander, dust mites,
and feces
Where found: old buildings, pets, contaminated food: unclean food, peanuts, wheat, corn, bread, cheese, mushrooms, fermented foods (including beer and wine)
What effects: allergies, asthma, eczema, digestive disorders, neurological diseases

4) JAMA April 15, 1998;279(15):1200-5

WHAT CAN I DO???
SIMPLE TIPS FOR REDUCING EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS

• Eat fewer processed foods: often contain chemical additives.
• Eat organic meat, butter, wild game, and produce. It's free of pesticides and preservatives.
• Eat fewer meat and high fat dairy products, which contain higher levels of some pollutants.
• Don't microwave or cook food in plastic containers, Ziploc bags, or plastic wrap. Use glass.
• Run your tap water through a home filter before drinking. Remove chlorine through a shower filter before bathing.
• Avoid breathing in fumes from burned garbage and diesel/gas fumes.
• Check cosmetics and personal care products for toxic ingredients.
• Avoid artificial fragrances, deodorants, and air fresheners
• Reduce the number of household cleaners you use. Try vinegar, natural soaps, and water first.
• Avoid cleaning products that say "use in well ventilated area" then replace with safe products.
• Avoid breathing gasoline fumes when you're filling your car.
• Eat seafood known to be low in PCB and mercury, like northern wild salmon, sardines & herring.
• Avoid tuna and other predatorial fish (shark, swordfish, marlin, tilefish also grouper and snapper), which are all high in mercury.
• Don't use nail polish, which contains chemicals linked to birth defects in laboratory studies.
• Stay 3 feet away from appliances – microwave, stove, oven, toaster, dryer, heaters.
• Keep children 10 feet from the TV.
• Keep clocks, radios, cassette players 3 feet away from sleeping areas.
• Keep 3 feet away from computer video display terminal.
• Un-bag dry cleaning and air out in the garage for a day.
• Use environmentally friendly paint with low VOC-emittance.
• Avoid vinyl products like shower curtains, wall paper and floor coverings.
• Choose carpet and padding that have a low smell level; air out before installing.
• Orient your bed so your head points north.
• Don't sleep under an electric blanket or on a waterbed. If you insist on using these, unplug them before going to bed (don't just turn it off).

Toxicity Treatment

At TRILIUM we seek to find the sources of contamination as well as the overall level of exposure of patients to prevent further accumulation of poisons. Through testing of the urine for heavy metals and sometimes blood and fat biopsies for plastics and pesticides we are able find the overall level of burdens that poison the body.

To clear the body of these harmful chemicals we may choose several methods of detoxification. Dietary modifications including an abundance of organic vegetables combined with optimal water intake can be helpful in beginning the elimination process. In addition, we often use herbal medicines that purge the intestines, liver, kidneys, blood and lymph of excess wastes. Homeopathic medicines liberate poisons within the cells through processes called "drainage". Chelation is a very powerful method by which certain substances like DMSA, DMPS, and EDTA can grab onto and remove heavy metals. Vigorous exercise mobilizes fat stores and eliminates chemicals through sweating and hyperventilation. Hydrotherapy and body work such as skin brushing, deep tissue massage, and hot water applications like saunas and hot tubs increase elimination of chemicals through the skin. The underestimated cleansing action of colonics helps remove a multitude of chemicals from the intestinal mucosa and the liver through bile releases of the gallbladder. Water fasting to induce ketosis is the ultimate means of cleansing by breaking down fat cells that hold the body’s accumulated wastes.