HEALTH RISKS OF EDC’s
The NZ Herald recently ran an article on Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). New research is highlighting the detrimental effect of these common chemicals found in everyday objects in most people’s homes. Apparently EDC’s mimic our natural hormones and block them from working properly, thus disrupting the natural human body health system.
If a product is made from plastics in any form, it probably contains EDC’s. But many other products we don’t think of as containing plastics also contain EDC’s.
WHAT TO AVOID
Here are some ideas for lowering your intake of EDC’s:
- Store food in glass containers instead of plastic. One of the almost unavoidable ways we consume EDC’s is through the plastic packaging meat products come in. Avoid wrapping kids lunches in plastic (paper bags or waxed fabric are good alternatives) and find them a light stainless steel lunchbox instead of plastic.
- Avoid canned food, the lining of the tins usually contains EDC’s. Choose fresh, dried or frozen foods. Eat organic as far as possible and get rid of non-stick pans, the coating contains EDC’s.
- Filter your tap water, unfiltered water almost always contains EDC’s, including residue from the use of birth hormone pills. On the subject of water – wash your hands before touching food – handling products containing EDC’s leaves a residue on your hands. And use soap products for washing yourself and your dishes and clothes that state they are free of contaminants.
- Dust and vacuum often. It’s not just to impress your visitors – vacuuming removes EDC’s that have accumulated on the floor through daily use of products. Speaking of floors – try to avoid non-100% wool carpets, as these also contain EDC’s. And make sure any particle board flooring is well sealed as it lets off toxic fumes into your home.
- Avoid fragrances, including those in household cleaning products, and opt for natural skin and hair care products and makeup. Lipstick is a EDC offender that many woman consume daily.
- Tempting as it is – don’t spray your new couch with Scotch guard, it will leach toxins into your air. On the same note, avoid flame retardant clothing and goods. And put up with flies in your house rather than have it sprayed with insecticide.
- Finally – protect your kids by eliminating plastic from their worlds. Teethers may make life quieter but you are letting your child suck on EDC’s. There are good non-plastic options out there for baby products and toys. Avoid painted wooden toys as well as the paint can often contain lead.
I hope this doesn’t scare you but rather inspires you to make some choices in the future that will better protect your health. Here’s to living life well!