PPeople will go to any length to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. They will make changes in their shopping habits, cut down on meat and dairy, and replace trips by car with walking. I’ve done all of these, but I’ve gone further.
Six months ago, I had my blood tested to determine if 100 different persistent organic pollutant chemicals (or POPs) were present in my blood. These chemicals can build up inside of us and last longer than we want. Scientists from a Norwegian specialist lab discovered trace amounts of chemicals that were removed decades ago. These included low levels of a metabolite for the pesticide DDT and concerns about levels of some of the lesser-known forever chemicals known PFAS (perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, a class that includes Teflon). My blood levels of oxychlordane, a chemical that is derived from the pesticide chlordane, were high. This was only a year after my birth. Most striking to me is the fact that some of these highly toxic chemicals can last for more than a lifetime.
So began my quest to discover how we can better protect ourselves, and the next generation, from legacy pollutants.
It is often overlooked because toxic chemical polluting isn’t so obvious. While public awareness of single-use plastic pollution has increased in recent years, all those bottles, straws, and carrier bags are tangible signs of our disposable mindsets and overconsumption.
In an effort reduce my chemical footprint, as well as that of my family’s, I have done extensive research and translated the most recent findings into practical and easy-to-use tips. Let’s finally join the dots to make this invisible world visible.
Avoid greenwash
Don’t be fooled by clever marketing campaigns that claim we need the latest eco gadgets. A product that is less toxic might be better than another. Look for sustainability claims on labels. Download Giki, a shopping app that allows you to scan products in supermarkets to find out how sustainable they are.
Unregulated language, such as natural, ecofriendly, nature-inspired, should be avoided. Be wary of products that claim to be chemical-free (there is no such thing, everything is a chemical, and not all chemical are bad). Look for brands that are transparent about their supply chain and the ingredients they use, rather than distracting with mentions about things they don’t include.
Get rid of the disinfectant
Think twice before you flush anything down your toilet or plughole. Many bottles of chlorine bleach cleaning products have a picture on the back of a dead fish. They not only harm aquatic wildlife, but they also cause irritation to us. Overuse of bleach can lead to antimicrobial resistance. In most instances, gentle cleaning products like bicarbonate or vinegar mixed with lemon and some elbow grease are sufficient. Probiotic cleaning products, which encourage healthy bacteria and fight germs in our homes, are not sterile.
Get rid of the dust
Although it may seem counterintuitive to tell your children to dust more, the truth is that they should dust more. Adults ingest approximately 20mg dust per day. Children and pets are more affected. However, many toxic chemicals that are released from products in our homes accumulate in dust.
Instead of focusing your efforts on windowsills or shelves, clean electronics like the wifi router, DVD player, and game consoles. Flame retardants can transfer to dust settling on these items.
Forget the perfume
Overpowering scents like sea spray or pine cones should not be a part of our homes. Concentrated indoor air contaminants such as those found in air fresheners can worsen asthma symptoms. The fragranced detergents’ residues can also remain on linen and clothes. Although not all synthetic fragrances are dangerous, we may not know enough about their ingredients.
P stands for persistent
PFAS chemicals are used in many everyday products, including school trousers with strengthening Teflon knee pads, nonstick cookware and food packaging, as well as mascara. These super-stable chemicals can last forever in our bodies and the environment. Many of these chemicals are endocrine-disrupting, which means they disrupt our hormonal system. Some may also be carcinogens.
PFASs are often found in products that claim to be waterproof or stain-resistant, wrinkle free, grease-free, or wrinkle-free. You can perform a clever test to determine if you are certain. The bead test. You can do this by dropping a small amount olive oil on a flat surface. If the oil forms a bead-like shape, it is likely to contain PFAS chemicals.
You can then decide if the potential toxic cost of the product is worth the benefits. If you are not satisfied, make an effort to find PFAS-free alternatives.
Toxic by design
Pesticide residues can still be found on fruits and vegetables, in loaves of bread, in non-organic cotton bedding, as well as on tampons and other non-organic tampons. These chemicals are used to kill insects, weeds, and fungi on crops. They can be found in every room of the house. Switch to organic when you can. This will reduce your exposure. This guide provides a great overview of how UK supermarkets are doing. The Pesticide Action Network (PAN). It ranks British supermarkets by pesticide use. M&S and Waitrose are the top-ranked supermarkets in Britain, underlining the old adage that you get what your pay for. But even these two have a long way to go.
Breathe easy
Simply opening a window can help to prevent indoor air pollutants and volatile organic compound (or VOCs) accumulation. If you’re using an open fire, ventilate well. Electric heating from renewable sources is better than any other. If you have a cookerhood, the back hob rings will capture more pollutants. As body heat increases the temperature of our beds at night, more VOCs can be off-gassed from polyurethane mattresses.
Buy secondhand
VOCs can be off-gassed from many furniture items and medium-density fibreboard (MDF). This is especially true if you are decorating a room for children. If you buy new, let it air out for a few days before installing. Use screws to attach shelves and other fixtures. Low-VOC paints or varnishes are best for upcycling. Secondhand clothes and textiles will have significantly reduced pesticide residues if they are available. This will help you save money on making new items.
Detox your diet
High toxic loads put more strain on the body’s natural detox mechanisms, especially the liver and kidneys. This is similar to smoking or drinking. Consume lots of antioxidants to neutralize the free radicals created by toxins. These can damage DNA and cause degenerative diseases. Eat as many organic, leafy, green veg, fruits, and nuts as possible.
Anna TurnsIs the author Go Toxic Free: Sustainable and Easy Ways to Reduce Chemical Pollution(published by Michael OMara On 20 January)
