Avoidance of Toxic Substances

• Important Discussion
  
• Important Notes
  
• Hazard Categories
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Important Decision

In a moderate number of cases, but certainly not all, disease is caused or contributed to by toxic exposures. These toxic exposures often involve low-level, long-term exposure that is not identified by the patient or healthcare practitioner. In such cases, the victim of the exposure is happily living his or her life not recognizing that slow poisoning and damage is occuring. It is often found that removing exposures significantly improves health and eliminates symptoms and even some chronic diseases.
It is very important to recognize that while exposure to toxic substances can cause or significantly contribute to the development of chronic diseases, most people are better off taking a relaxed approach and gradually eliminating exposures as opposed to generating extreme worry and stress.

Finally, please remember that you are most likely pursuing holistic healing techniques in order to live a healthy and enjoyable life. Please spend the majority of your time enjoying life to the fullest extent possible while spending some time pursuing investigating holistic healing techniques. Don't wait until you're "healed" to enjoy life.
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Important Notes

Please keep in mind that Chronic Toxicity refers to regular exposure. An occasional exposure to some hazards are not something to worry about. For example, the regular, day-long exposure to fluorescent lighting (school, work) can lead to a number of health problems including behavioral problems in children. Obviously, working ocassionally under fluorescent lighting is not something for most people to worry about. I may use an unhealthy household product an ocassion (and don't worry about it), but I try to stick to the non-toxic ones when they are avaible for purchase.
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Food

Food Solutions

Persons who are truly knowledgable in holistic healing and natural healing techniques understand the importance of gradually (without worry & guilt) moving towards a Natural Foods nutrition plan. Avoiding toxic and unhealthy food substances are a basic fundamental for healing acute and chronic conditions in adults and children.
Important Decision


Water

The very best solution for avoiding toxic chemicals from water (often hidden) is to drink and cook with "spring water". That is what experienced holistic medicine practitioners use. Make sure that the bottled water comes from a real spring as opposed to tap water. Bottled water for drinking and cooking is definately worth the price. If you can use the heavy plastic or even glass 5-gallon jugs, that is better than the flimsy 1-gallon plastic jugs which may leach a bit into the water if stored for a long time (especially in warm temperatures).

Only reverse osmosis or distillation filtration removes toxic fluoride compounds and certain other toxic hazards commonly found in tap water. If you do use a filter, your best bet is to use a combination reverse osmosis/carbon filter if the water is fluoridated.

If you gradually move (in a relaxed way) towards the regular use of spring water and a shower filter, you will be taking some positive steps for your long-term health prospects.
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Dental Materials/Procedures Chronic Toxicity Acute

Chronic Toxicity	Acute Reactions	Common Hazards
7	4	Mercury Amalgam Fillings
7	3	Fluoride (supplements, treatments and in fillings or crowns
7	4	Root Canals and Cavitations (from pulled teeth)
6	3	Palladium (in bridges)
3	4	Other Metals (e.g., gold)
2	4	Composite (Plastic) Dental Materials
2	2	X-Rays
2	4	Novacaine

Dental Materials/Procedures Solutions

It is important to educate yourself as to the toxicity of dental materials. One of the reason that most dentists are totally unfamiliar with the toxicity of the substances and procedures they use is that the dental trade organizations work closely with dental material manufacturers to downplay safety concerns. Please keep in mind that dentists are not independent toxicologists and often do not have a thorough knowledge of safety issues unless they belong to organizations such as the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology or the Preventive Dental Health Association.

There are three important steps you should take related to dental issues:

1. Holistic Techniques to Prevent & Help Heal Dental Disease.
   
   It is very important to prevent dental health problems because they can significantly impact one's overall health. In addition, it is important to avoid toothpastes with unhealthy ingredients such as fluoride, artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame, neotame, saccharine, acesulfame-k, sucralose), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and other artificial ingredients. There are usually some toothpastes at your local health food store which fit this criteria.
   
   
2. Locate a Holistic Dentist Who Uses Non-Toxic Techniques.
   
   It can be difficult to change to another dentist, but it is important to go with one who has experience with non-toxic techniques as opposed to one who is just starting to learn about them.
   
   
3. Fix Existing Dental Toxicity Issues for Current & Future Health Concerns.
   
   The direction most health-conscious dentists and patients seem to be moving is:
   
   
   • Properly remove all mercury & replace with composite after composite sensitivity testing.
     
     
   • Redo root canals using Biocalcex
     
     
   • Get diagnosistic procedure to check for cavitations
     
     
   • Most people are removing all metal (e.g., gold) and replacing it with composite.
     
     
   • Use Oramedics techniques such as the waterpik with pick-pocket tip to help clear up gum disease.
     
     
   • Avoid fluoride treatments including fluoride that is designed to be released from certain types of dental materials (e.g., crowns).
     
   
   There are two considerations: a) getting dental work fixed that is causing significant health problems, and b) getting dental work fixed to prevent future health problems. Even though many people have experienced benefit from fixing dental work, I always suggest that the work be done with the attitude that it is usually beneficial in the long-run and sometimes in the short-run.
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Air Hazards

Chronic Toxicity	Acute Reactions	Common Hazards
8	4	Cigarette Smoking / Second-Hand Smoke
6	3	Natural Gas (leaking)
3	5	Mold
6	4	Work / School Chemical Hazards
3	2	Gasoline
3	3	Motor Vehicle Exhaust
5	4	Copy Machine / Laser Printer Fumes
2	2	Burning Newspapers/Treated Wood

Air Hazards Solutions

Some air hazards can be difficult to identify. But one obvious hazard is cigarette smoking. Quitting smoking does not have to be the very first removal of unhealthy exposure, but it is good to consider it an eventual goal.

The goal should be to breath fresh, clean air most of the day. Some of the things at work which can create air hazards include carpeting, copy machines and laser printer toner fumes, office furniture (especially particle board ) and upholstered chairs which can outgass formaldehyde, adhesives (glue, cement, etc.), chemicals used in making a product, chemicals produced and given off into the air from the process of making a product, exhaust fumes, etc.

"Sick schools" -- schools where students are exposed to hazardous or unehealthy air are becoming more common.

Indoor air pollution in homes is common. This can happen from building materials, carpeting, and furniture outgassing chemicals, poor ventilation, cleaning products, pesticides, biological pollutants (e.g., mold, bacteria), radon, smoking, and a numer of other situations.

Cleaning up air hazards can involve:

1. Removing oneself from exposure (to the extent possible).
   
   
2. Making sure there is good ventilation.
   
   The problems with ventilation systems can be the result of several factors, such as poor design, installation, operation, or maintenance of the ventilation systems. Often some kind of contamination within the system itself is the culprit -- mold growth inside ducts, etc.
   Please note that ventilation is important in homes as well. Open windows (with screens if necessary) can provide alot of healthy, fresh air in seasons when the air outside is not too cold or too polluted. Also, please keep in mind that dirty air conditioning units, and bad filters can also cause significant air quality problems in homes.
   
3. Purchasing an air filtration device (air filter, hood).
   
   When it is difficult to clean up the air at work, I suggest that you consider purchasing a quality air personal filter.
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Psychological Issues

Chronic Toxicity	Acute Reactions	Common Hazards
5	4	Dissatified With Work/Goals
4	3	Pessimists and Fatalists (Regular Exposure)
5	5	Emotionally Chaotic Situations
5	5	Isolation (Frequent)

Psychological Issue Solutions

Psychological issues are often overlooked outside of the holisitc healing community. However, issues such as those mentioned above can have a significant effect on both pychological and physical health. Because of this, many people experienced with holistic healing have found that addressing psychological issues are sometimes a key part of healing a physical illness.

The psychological issues listed above are a few of the issues that should to be addressed at some point in time. One way not to address these issues is to beat yourself up or feel guilty about having let yourself get into one of the above-mentioned situations. These types of situations to happen to everybody. A good way to handle it is to give yourself credit for recognizing these situations when they do occur and endeavoring to address them when you are able.

A positive alternative to simply avoiding chaotic and other emotionally unhealthy situations is to put yourself in situations where you have fun! Playing, joking, laughing, etc. are all very healing and you have the added bonus of enjoying yourself while getting healthier!
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Household Products

Chronic Toxicity	Acute Reactions	Common Hazards
4	4	Household Cleaners and Disinfectants (oven, bathroom, kitchen, laundry, furniture)
5	4	Insecticides, Pesticides
4	4	Deodorizers
3	3	Furniture and Metal Treatment Products

Household Products Solutions

There is little reason to use unsafe chemicals for cleaners, deodorizers, pest control, etc. when there are so many nontoxic alternatives that cost the same or only slight more. It can be especially helpful to avoid unhealthy laundry soaps (where traces of the chemicals can be absorbed through the skin when wearing the clothes) and toxic pest control sprays or deodorizers (where toxic chemicals can be inhaled). It is important not to obsess about only using "pure" products without exception, but at the same time, it can be very helpful to gradually replace unhealthy products with healthy ones.

Many nontoxic household products can be found in your local health food store.
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Personal Care/Enhancement Products

Chronic Toxicity	Acute Reactions	Common Hazards
5	3	Toothpaste / Mouthwash
3	2	Soap & Shampoo
3	3	Makeup
4	3	Hair Coloring and Spray
5	4	Perfume, Cologne, Aftershave
2	2	Shaving Cream
3	3	Skin Creams

Personal Care/Enhancement Products Solutions

Many people do not realize that toxic chemicals from personal care products are easily absorbed through the skin and can begin to gradually weaken health over the years contributing to a serious chronic disease. Taking the time to gradually move to non-toxic personal care products can be an important step on the road to good health.

Perfume is one of the more important items to find alternatives for. One of the best solutions is not to use any. Finally, keep in mind that persons wearing large amounts of perfume or cologne are not only weakening their own health, but causing others to inhale toxic chemicals. One common solution for those who want scents is to use esstential oils from your natural foods store or from quality online resources. Avoid oils labeled "extracts", "tinctures", or "extended" oils.

Hair coloring and sprays are also quite unhealthy as the chemicals from these products get absorbed through the skin in the head. Fortunately, there are non-toxic solutions for this as well.

Health food stores have natural soaps and shampoos.

As mentioned in another section above, it is important to avoid toothpastes with unhealthy ingredients such as fluoride, artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame, neotame, saccharine, acesulfame-k, sucralose), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and other artificial ingredients. There are usually some toothpastes at your local health food store which fit this criteria.
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Clothing

Chronic Toxicity	Acute Reactions	Common Hazards
4	3	Artificial Fabrics (Polyester, Rayon, etc.)
4	3	Chemically-Treated Clothing / Pajamas
1	3	Wool Products

Clothing Solutions

Since the skin is one of the biggest elimination organs (for waste products) and since the skin can absorb chemicals, it can be helpful to very gradually take steps to move towards the use of natural, non-chemically-treated fibers such as cotton, wool, linen, and hemp. These fibers allow the skin to "breath" and are simply the healthier choice over the long run.

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Carpeting and Furniture

Chronic Toxicity	Acute Reactions	Common Hazards
7	4	Carpeting
3	3	Particle Board (releases formaldehyde)
4	3	Bedding (e.g., Treated with Formaldehyde)

Carpeting and Furniture Solutions

Carpeting is a very common source of toxic exposure. Outgassing (often not detected by the sense of smell) from new and even moderately old carpeting (less than 5 years old) can sometimes cause gradual neurological and immunological effects as detailed by research and the large number of case histories discussed in the carpeting article linked to above. In addition, dust mites, tracked-in lead (in dirt) and other hazards make avoiding carpeting a good choice in most situations. Carpeting is a significant long-term hazard for some children as offgassing of toxic chemicals, dust mites, lead, and other hazardous exposures can occur as children play on carpeting.

One solution which is very common amongst persons with chronic immune system disorders, allergies, chemical sensitivities, and many in the holistic healthcare community is to avoid carpeting altogether and put in non-toxic flooring (sometimes with a small rug or two if desired).

Try to avoid furniture made with particle board which is often treated with and gives off formaldehyde. Therefore gradually aquiring non-toxic furniture for the bedroom and for work or school should be a priority.
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Building Material Hazards

Chronic Toxicity	Acute Reactions	Common Hazards
5	3	Urea Foam Insulation
6	3	Asbestos
5	3	Fiberglass Insulation (leaking into air)
2	2	Flooring Materials
4	3	Formaldehyde-based Adhesives

Building Material Hazard Solutions

Certain types of insulation, adhesives, flooring, and other building materials can present a health hazard in some instances.
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Outdoor Product Hazards

Chronic Toxicity	Acute Reactions	Common Hazards
5	2	Pesticides, Insecticides, and Herbicides
6	3	Lawn and Garden Care Products
5	4	Insect Repellents and Sprays

Outdoor Product Hazard Solutions

Two separate categories of outdoor hazards may need to be examined:

Avoid the use of toxic outdoor products by your family.

One common toxic product that has caused acute damage to the health of some people and can be expected to contribute to chronic health problems over time is the use of DEET-containing insect repellants. One writer recently wrote: "Despite the manufacturer-led downplay of DEET risks, it does seem logical to assume that if DEET can peel paint, melt nylon, destroy plastic, wreck wood finishes and damage fishing line, then it must be hell on the skin -- perhaps worse." A significant amount of DEET and other chemicals from these insect repellents get absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Fortunately, there are now a number of fairly effective natural alternatives which can be purchased at many local healthfood stores and through the mail. One excellent product is Buzz Away, which I carry. Another product which I have used (sometimes in conjunction with Buzz Away) and found very effective is Farmer's Friend Lemongrass Insect Lotion from Burt's Bees.

It should be obvious to avoid the use of toxic lawn and garden care products like Roundup. The long-term health of you and your family should come before the goal of having a "perfect" lawn or garden. In the real world, weeds and other "imperfections" are a normal part of nature.

Avoid significant exposure to neiborhood spraying/chemical use and environmental pollution contaminants.

Find out from your city or county government offices if there is any spraying of dangerous pesticides or herbicides near your home or children's school. Also contact any farms, orchids, or logging facilities near your home to find out if and when they spray chemicals. It can be helpful to keep the windows closed and keep the kids out of harm's way when there is spraying nearby. You and your neighbors may be able to convince the groups spraying to use organic methods, or at the very least, convince them to spray on days when the wind will not carry it over you homes.

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Electrical Appliances and Lighting

Chronic Toxicity	Acute Reactions	Common Hazards
5	4	Fluorescent Lights
3	2	Digital Clocks
3	2	Computer Equipment
5	2	Electric Blanket
5	3	High-Voltage Power Lines
2	2	Microwave Ovens

Electrical Appliance and Lighting Solutions

It can be helpful to get regular exposure to natural sunlight every day. It helps produce Vitamin D, it normalizes levels of an important hormone, and it can helps prevent and heal some chronic diseases. Direct sunlight may be too strong for some people in which case sitting or walking or playing in the shade is fine -- as long as sunglasses aren't worn.

Avoiding regular, extended exposure to fluorescent lights is also a good idea. Examples of excessive exposure would be working or going to school more than a few hours daily under fluorescent lighting. Two solutions are to use regular incandescent lighting or replace the fluorescent bulbs with safer, more balanced fluorescent bulbs.

Low levels of electrical and magnetic fields can affect the permeability of the barrier surrounding the brain -- the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). This can significantly effect chemical uptake into the brain, with a predictable effect on the health of some individuals. With this in mind, many in the holistic healthcare community feel it is important to take steps to reduce electromagnetic radiation exposure to minimal levels.

It is important to keep plugged-in electrical equipment away from the bed if possible. For example, digital alarm clocks can give off a significant amount of magnetic radition and should be kept at least 10 feet from the bed. I would avoid sleeping with an electric blanket or electrically-heated waterbed (although these items can be used to heat the bed and then unplugged before sleep). Move other electrical equipment aware from bed.

Some old computer monitors have extremely high levels of magnetic and electrical radiation. Most of the computer monitors made within the past few years are much better.

If your home is very close to high power lines or a microwave or radio tower, it may be significantly effecting the health of your family. One solution is to move. It may be worth the temporary hardship, in order to protect your health and that of your family.

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Pregnancy and Birth Issues

Chronic Toxicity	Acute Reactions	Common Hazards
5	2	Anesthetics
7	4	Excessive Alcohol Intake
8	3	Smoking
6	3	Birth Position
5	2	Cesarian
4	2	Ultrasound
5	2	Dental Issues
7	2	Food and Water Issues
6	2	Medicinal Substances (Pharmaceuticals, Herbs)
4	3	Epistiotomy and Perineal Tear Protection

Pregnancy and Birth Issue Solutions

Smoking, use of hard drugs such as cocaine, and excessive alcohol consumption are well known pregnancy hazards. One simply should avoid these hazards to the extent possible during pregnancy.

Common food substances that should be avoided include artificial sweeteners, MSG (including hydrolyzed proteins, autolyzed yeast, yeast extract), fake foods such as olestra/olean, foods with alot of additives or preservatives, and non-organic dairy foods. To the extent possible, shop for organic foods even if it costs a little bit more. Fluoridated water and fluoridated toothpaste should definately be avoided since low-level fluoride exposure has been shown to increase perinatal deaths. It is best to stick with spring water for cooking and drinking.

Avoid getting work on mercury amalgam fillings or placement of composite fillings (or sealants) while pregnant. If a filling must be placed, use the composite filling, not the mercury filling.

Recent research has found that the possibility that excessive use of ultrasound may adversly affect fetal development.

Cesarians and anesthetics (and birth-inducing drugs) should only be used when absolutely necessary. You may need to be very clear with your midwife or healthcare practitioner about your desires along these lines. You may want to avoid epistiotomies unless necessary.
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