Many scientists believe that environmental toxicity and its impact on chronic illness is a critical health crisis. It adversely affects adults and children. In fact, our children may be hurt most of all. According to Dr. Leo Trasande, “We are in an epidemic of environmentally mediated disease among American children today. Rates of asthma, childhood cancers, birth defects, and developmental disorders have exponentially increased, and it can’t be explained by changes in the human genome. So what has changed? All the chemicals we’re being exposed to.”
A report in 2005 by the Environmental Working Group found two hundred eighty-seven chemicals in the cord blood of newborn babies, 208 of which are known to cause birth defects or abnormal development in animals, 217 of which are known neurotoxins, and 180 of which are known carcinogens. This may be the cause of the significant increase in chronic illnesses in children and a reason that more adults are facing the same.
The cost of managing chronic illness is approximately 900 billion annually in the U.S. according to the CDC. Obesity is at epidemic levels and increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease. And, the rate of obesity among young children has nearly tripled. About 33% of children born today will develop type 2 diabetes at some point in life.
What is toxicity? According to the book, Principles of Toxicology, by Stine and Brown, “Toxicology is the science of poisons and has as its focus the study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms. Although any substance in sufficient quantities (even water) can be a poison, toxicology focuses primarily on substances that can cause these adverse effects when administered in relatively small quantities.”
Toxicity and its impact on our health is a complex topic. However, education and taking control of what foods and items are in your home is an effective method to reduce your exposure.
Vulnerability to Toxicity
We all face vulnerability to environmental toxins. However, the most susceptible are unborn children and very young children. In fact, exposure to toxins can occur prior to conception. Transgenerational epigenetics has shown that exposure to a toxin can cause illness in future generations. Some studies show the effect on obesity. Women who were exposed to certain toxins had children at greater risk of obesity. One study suggested that the effect could be passed down for up to 12 generations. Exposure to DES (the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol) can epigenetically cause a greatly increased risk of developing reproductive tumors in future generations.
Vulnerability is especially critical in neonates and infants. Studies on toxins called phthalates suggest they can negatively impact gonadal development, cause endocrine disruption, and impair socialization. We still have much to learn about the link between toxicity and childhood chronic illnesses.
We also know that childhood obesity is an epidemic. One study in 2006 found that 32% of children between 2 and 19 years of age had a BMI greater than the 85th percentile for age and gender. Children who are already obese are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and potentially cancer.
What is causing this epidemic of obesity in children? Diet is definitely a part of the cause. The typical American diet is far too high in sugar and unhealthy fats. But, environmental toxicity is also linked to childhood obesity. Many studies have found a conclusive causal relation between the two.
The elderly are also at risk and vulnerable to environmental toxicity. More people are living longer, which means that they are exposed to toxins for much longer periods. Toxins are known to increase oxidative stress which increases the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
In previous times, so many more people died earlier in life due to infection, injury, or illness prior to reaching an advanced age. With longer life expectancies and the dramatic increase in environmental toxicity, scientists are now seeing the impact. Still, conventional medicine typically does not look at toxicity as the root cause of chronic illnesses. Instead, conventional medicine seeks to manage symptoms.
In addition to chronic illnesses like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and more, researchers are studying the effect of toxicity on cognitive function and exposure to lead. Alzheimer’s disease is rapidly becoming an epidemic. In 2014, over 5 million Americans were diagnosed with the disease. In 2050, the number is expected to rise to over 15 million. Several studies link various environmental toxins to the increase in Alzheimer’s patients. One study links the fetal exposure to lead to a far greater propensity to develop β-amyloid plaque when they get older. This plaque has been implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s.
Environmental Toxicity Overload
Let’s take a closer look at the most ubiquitous environmental toxins.
Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to soften and increase the flexibility of plastics. They are used in personal care products, especially those that are scented. They are also in air fresheners that use heat to release the aroma. Even if you avoid all of these sources, you will be exposed because phthalates bind loosely to plastics and are released into the atmosphere easily. This means that the main sources of exposure are inhalation, dermal absorption, and ingestion.
Several studies have shown that many of the metabolites of phthalates (DEP, DnBP, BBzP, and DEHP) are found extensively in the general population.
One effect of phthalate toxicity is its depression of testosterone. Increasing evidence shows that phthalate exposure may negatively impact reproductive health, especially in developing males. It has also been implicated in miscarriages and birth defects.
How do you avoid phthalates? One very handy resource to reduce toxins in your home is the Environmental Working Group website and its “Skin Deep” database that rates products, lists their toxins, and suggests less toxic alternatives. In addition, be cautious with soft plastics such as water bottles. Phthalates are heat-sensitive. If you left your water bottle in a hot car, discard it. Or buy water in glass bottles.
Benzene
Benzene belongs to a family of petrochemical refining byproducts (benzene, xylene, toluene, and styrene). Benzene is the most carcinogenic, which is why smoking cigarettes is such a health threat. About 50% of exposure to benzene comes from cigarettes. Exposure also comes from automobile exhaust, primarily diesel-powered vehicles.
Benzene is the most toxic of the group and has been linked to a higher risk of developing leukemia. It is also linked to neural tube defects, lower birth weight, smaller head circumference during pregnancy and at birth, and impaired mental development in fetuses. Some of the toxic effects may be mitigated by a diet high in antioxidants.
Toluene
Toluene is the “anti-knock” agent that replaced lead in gasoline back in the 1970s. However, toluene is a suspected carcinogen and endocrine disruptor. It is linked to problems in fetal and childhood development.
A good resource to find out what products contain toluene is the National Library of Medicines’ Household Products database. Avoidance is key to reducing your exposure.
Styrene
Styrene is ubiquitous in our daily lives. It is in Styrofoam. It is the least toxic of the “enes” family, but it’s so common, we face considerable exposure. It can be detected in our blood. The amino acid, glycine, is used to detoxify from styrene. Glycine conjugates into benzoate to create hippurate, which is eliminated from the body in urine.
A good source of glycine is bone broth. Collagen is about fifty percent glycine. Drinking a cup of broth each day can help detoxify your system from styrene.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
BPA is used to create harder plastics. It is also in the lining of certain cans used for canned foods. Absorption through the skin and ingestion are the two main ways it enters the body, but inhalation is also possible because of the volume produced in the U.S., about 1.6 billion pounds annually.
BPA is an estrogen mimicker making it a reproductive toxin. It negatively impacts the ability to reproduce in both men and women. The majority of studies have found that BPA is toxic to humans.
Avoidance is the best way to limit your exposure to BPA. Avoid canned foods with cans that have linings with BPA. Look for reusable water bottles that are labeled “BPA Free.” Or, use glass water bottles or stainless steel reusable bottles.
Xylene
Xylene is a petrochemical commonly used as paint thinner or remover. It is found in some nail polishes, shellacs, rust removers, degreasing cleaners, air fresheners, carpet adhesives, and cigarette smoke.
In addition, xylene is added to pesticides as an inert ingredient that penetrates brick, wood, and soil to deliver the poison to the pests. This ability also means it can be absorbed through your skin. Xylene is a known carcinogen and neurotoxin that increases the risk of miscarriages and birth defects.
Lead
According to the CDC, there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Lead toxicity can lead to developmental delays, learning difficulties, seizures, and more. Lead poisoning can result in death. The primary sources in the U.S. before 1970 were paint and gasoline fumes. Now banned, lead can still be found in old buildings and some water sources. Flint, Michigan still has problems with its drinking water.
Mercury
Mercury is very toxic. It can impact fetal development, cardiovascular disease, cognitive function, and chronic illnesses. The most common cause of mercury poisoning is from consuming too much methylmercury or organic mercury, which is linked to eating seafood.
Final Thoughts
Chronic illness in the United States is reaching epidemic levels, and exposure to environmental toxins is a key cause of this health crisis. It is crucial that you become aware of the use of toxins, where they are found, and how to avoid them. You can also check into detoxification programs to improve your overall well-being. Buying toxic-free or less toxic products sends a direct message to manufacturers urging them to change.