Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast

Episode 195

How to Live Healthy in a Chemical World

Working as a practicing veterinarian I commonly have to deal with infectious diseases. For the most part it is something benign. Occasionally I have to deal with things that are potentially of great concern for human health. 

One such disease is the Bubonic Plague. It is endemic in the prairie dog population in Colorado. Every now and then people get excited about it then the concern fades away. But, it is always there. 

From my perspective there are so many other things in our world that pose a great threat yet we completely ignore it. One such thing is chemical pollution. I start to question whether it is possible to live healthy in a chemical world. 

So join me for episode 195 How to Live Healthy in a Chemical World. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E195 which is called Twelve Tips to Live Healthy in a Chemical World.

In this episode I first want to discuss the extensive nature of chemical contamination in our world and how exposure is unavoidable. But then I want to give you twelve very simple tips on how to live a healthier life. 

But first let’s take care of a couple of quick things. 

Sustainability question of the week

What is workplace sustainability and how can I tell if my company promotes sustainability practices? 

Good news story of the week

This weeks good news story is something I thought was very appropriate considering the topic of the podcast. It is about micro-plastics. 

Most of us have likely heard just how contaminated our world is with microplastics. Most research has shown that these plastics are accumulating in our bodies, the affects of which are not clear at this point. But it is estimated that most of us have at least 7 credits cards worth of plastics floating around in our body. Furthermore, almost all of the water on the planet contains these plastics, including bottled water. 

But, there is good news. 

A group of scientist found that boiling water prior to drinking it can remove somewhere between 25% and 90% of microplastics. This was the conclusion of a study that tested both hard and soft water. 

Since hard water contains more minerals, boiling of the water traps the micro-plastics in the mineral residue as a result of boiling.  Since soft water contains fewer minerals, less plastic are removed. 

At least in the US most of our water is considered hard water. The same is true of most bottled water. Consequently, simple boiling of the water can significantly reduce your exposure. 

The concern with micro-plastics is that no one yet knows the long-term affects as they continue to accumulate in our bodies. Studies in mice found microplastics in all major organs including liver, kidney, brain and even placenta. 

But it will of course be years and years before the government places any restrictions on micro-plastic contamination. In the meantime you can limit your exposure and consumption by first filtering your tap water and then boiling it. By doing so you can potentially remove up to 90% of contaminates. 

So, let’s get moving on this weeks episode on how we can live healthier in a world full of chemicals. 

Sometimes I think that our society constantly focuses on all the wrong things. This is a case of what I call shiny object syndrome. Every time a new shiny object comes along that is what we focus on. But in many respects this is the result of our constant media exposure and our fascination with the unfortunate. 

Bad news after bad news after bad news keeps us distracted from the real issues in our world that truly need to be addressed. It also does not help that we are exposed to a constant flow of information about our planet much of which is not founded in true science. 

A perfect example of shiny object syndrome is the Bubonic plague in Colorado. The plague is carried by fleas that live on the prairie dogs. It is endemic in their population. It seems that every 10 years or so there is a massive die off in the prairie dog colony which gets everyone’s attention. That’s when the infectious disease professionals test for the plague, the results of which turn into a media circus. 

People get really excited about it for a while and then all calms down for a few more years. People tend to forget about it for a decade or so and then there is another die off. But in between this oscillation of excitement it is always there, always posing the same potential threat. 

Another perfect example is the so called forever chemicals. These chemicals have actually been around since the 1940s and 1950s when they were first used in nonstick and waterproof coatings in consumer goods. Now all of a sudden people feel the need to make an issue of it. 

This of course completely glosses over the real issue. We are exposed to hundreds of chemicals every day. Consider the following examples:

The air we breath: The average person takes 22,000 breaths per day. Every time we take a breath we inhale pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and a whole lot of other things. 

Air pollution from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil or gas typically contains nitrogen dioxide. But it also releases formaldehyde and benzene, both of which have been shown to be highly toxic even in small amounts. The World Health Organization (PDF) considers exposure to benzene a major public health concern.

Higher exposure to air pollutants has been associated with lower birth weights, preterm deliveries and congenital heart defects. 

Organophosphates, which are a class of neurotoxic compounds, were used during warfare in the 1930s. This set of compounds accounts for about 50% of all pesticides used in the US today. The food and water we consume contains residues of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals commonly used in agriculture.

Children exposed to higher levels of these pesticides have been found to have higher rates of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. (ADHD)

Toxins commonly found in furniture and carpets, such as formaldehyde, phthalates, polybrominated,  perfluorinated and volatile organic compounds which have all been connected to a variety of ailments such as respiratory disorder, hormone disruption, thyroid disorders, birth defects, cancer, and even neurodevelopment disorders. 

Polybrominated compounds are used as flame retardants. They can be found in televisions, computers, insulation and foam products, including children’s toys and baby pillows.

Benzene has long been known to be highly toxic even at low levels. It is a potent carcinogen. And yet, a couple of years ago, an independent lab found benzene in hundreds of personal care products such as shampoo, antiperspirants, sunscreens and hand sanitizers. 

Numerous cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds which have been linked to eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and even damage to liver, kidneys and the central nervous system. 

While many of these chemicals are not harmful in small amounts, prolonged or cumulative exposure can increase the risk of some very specific health problems. And the true challenge is that we are surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands of synthetic chemicals. 

Many of these chemicals have become an everyday part of our life. But despite their usefulness, numerous compounds have been found to have detrimental affects on our health. 

According to some estimates, 6% of the world’s disease burden, including chronic diseases, cancers, neurologic and even developmental disorders, and 8% of the global death rate can be attributed to exposure to all the chemicals that are a part of our lives. What is even more concerning is that these numbers only take into account the small number of chemicals whose health affects are well established. 

For example, in 2018 it was estimated that 300 million tons of chemicals were consumed in the EU. Two thirds of those chemicals were classified as being hazardous to human health. The additional challenge is that most toxicity studies are focused on a single chemical exposure while we are daily exposed to chemical cocktails. 

The true concern is that persistent chemicals, such as the so called “forever chemicals” can accumulate  in humans and in the environment over time. These “forever chemicals” are a group of over 5,000 compounds found in our drinking water, food and food packaging, dust in the air, cosmetics, textiles and numerous other consumer products. 

Chronic exposure has been linked to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage and kidney damage, inflammatory bowel disease and a whole series of developmental disorders. 

There are about 800 chemicals known to be endocrine disruptors, many of which are present in metal food cans, plastics, pesticides, toys, cosmetics, and food. As if that is not enough, some chemicals that were found to be toxic were substituted with other chemicals which are later discovered to be just as toxic. 

Clearly we live in a world filled with chemicals. And unless you have your own personal supply chain it is difficult to know the exact contents of the products you use everyday. Even if you read product labels you need a masters degree in organic chemistry to full understand the ingredients. Furthermore, many ingredients are disguised behind terms such as “natural and artificial flavors” or “fragrances” while others are never disclosed at all. For example, the chemicals in containers or wrappers are practically never disclosed.  

To complicate matters even more, regulations around the use of specific chemicals in products vary greatly depending on the country. In the European Union, manufacturers have to first prove the safety of a given chemical before it can be used in a product. In the United States, many companies can use chemical ingredients in products with little over sight. 

Such variation in regulations and enforcement leave the general public with a precarious presumption of trust. Most people presume that if a product is on the shelf it must be safe to purchase and use. As a result the public is being exposed to thousands of toxic chemicals without any knowledge whatsoever.  

At some point we have to start questioning why we are seeing a greater incidence of chronic disease, mental health disorders, autoimmune disorders, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. 

On one hand it is likely impossible to completely eliminate exposure to the thousands of toxic chemicals in our environment. On the other hand there are things we can do to greatly limit that exposure. 

Read Labels

Especially at the supermarket it is important to read labels. Pay attention to the ingredients. If you need a degree in chemistry to understand what is in the product you are buying, choose something else. Always avoid brominated vegetable oil and potassium bromate. 

Cook at home

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to learn how to cook from basic ingredients. This is by far the easiest way to reduce your intake of chemicals, preservatives, and various other additives. 

Use cast iron and stainless steel for cooking

Cast iron and stainless steel  are by far the most economical, long-lasting cookware on the market. If you use non-stick cookware you run the risk of adding chemicals to your food especially if you over heat the cookware. Additionally, everyday wear and tear on this type of cookware means it will eventually have to be replaced. Cast iron and stainless steel will last a lifetime. 

Limit the use of plastics

Your safest bet is to avoid use of plastics whenever you can. This includes bottles, bottled water, food containers and even toys. 

BPA was a harmful chemical found in plastics and the use of it was banned. However, it was replaced with another chemical that can be just as harmful. 

Never place hot food in a plastic storage container or reheat food in plastic. The heat promotes the release of chemicals from the plastic. Opt for glass or stainless as much as possible. 

When buying fruits and vegetables opt for plastic free whenever possible. Buy in bulk and use mesh produce bags 

Buy organic

Buy organic produce and vegetables whenever possible. Organic foods will not completely eliminate pesticides from your diet but it can greatly reduce your exposure. 

The Environmental Working Group has a great list of the fruits and vegetables that have the greatest number of pesticides. It is called the Dirty Dozen. But they also have another list called The Clean Fifteen. These lists are a great place to start if you want to reduce your exposure to pesticides. 
  

Filter Your Water

As a general rule, tap water is safe to drink. But that does not mean it is free of chemicals. Several studies have proven the extent of chemical contamination that is now is most of our water supply. There are many inexpensive options for filtering your water. Lifestraw and Berkey filters are two of my favorites. We produce purified water at home for less than three cents per gallon. 

Use homemade cleaning products

The cleaning products we use are a common source of household toxins. There are numerous internet based sources with easy recipes to make safe, organic, and toxin free cleaning products. Sometimes it is as simple as vinegar and baking soda. 

Have a no shoes policy for your home

Believe it or not, one of the greatest sources of toxins in your home is what you track in on your shoes. Leave you shoes at the door or have a specific pair of shoes you wear at home. 

Dust and clean your house frequently

Clean your house frequently to reduce the amount of dust and debris that can contain a whole array of chemicals 

Careful choose your personal care products

Personal care products, such as cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, and lotions, are a part of our daily routine. However, many of these products contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin and potentially cause adverse health effects.

Things such as paragons, coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, silicones, polyethylene glycols have all been connected to hormone disruption, cancer, allergic reactions, and reproductive disorders. Some are even known carcinogens. 

You can reduce your exposure by reading labels. Choose certified organic and natural products. Avoid products with added fragrances. And choose products with minimal packaging. 

Wash your hands frequently

Most products we handle contain some type of chemicals, even the produce at the supermarket. Make it is habit to wash your hands frequently throughout the day. 

The Precautionary Principle

One thing is for certain, you aren’t going to be able to avoid every chemical or toxin that you are exposed to on a daily basis. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution and the advent of industrial agriculture, the natural world has been blanketed with pesticides, herbicides, fungicides as well as thousands of other toxins.  Our food, food wraps, cans, carpets, furniture, electronics, shower curtains, personal care products, cleaning products, and even the water we drink all contain thousands of potentially toxic chemicals. 

But since we cannot completely avoid living in a chemical coated world, there are things we can do to take precautions. It is a good idea to follow the “precautionary principle” which translates into “better safe than sorry.” What this means is that if the evidence is uncertain about the safety of a given product or compound, it is better to err on the side of caution and avoid the risks. The challenge for us as consumers is that the development of new chemical substances outpaces the research on their potential negative impacts. This is why it is better safe than sorry. 

So let’s trading winding up here by answering the sustainability question of the week. 

What is workplace sustainability and how can I tell if my company promotes sustainability practices? 

More and more companies are committing to reducing their impact by creating an environmentally conscious workplace. Research has shown that 80% of consumers are more inclined to support companies and brands with a history of sustainability. 

Workplace sustainability refers to business practices and policies that promote socially, environmentally, and economically responsible behavior as well as resource conservation. 

Business transparency is often your first clue. Check out the websites for companies such as Patagonia, IBM, Seventh Generation, Adobe, Numi Organic Tea, and Biogen. These companies rely on renewable energy, are committed to waste reduction and compostable packaging. They are also committed to implementing the best methods of environmental conservation. 

Environmentally conscious organizations are committed to reaching their business goals and maintaining their operations without negatively impacting the world around them.

Now to wrap up this episode I just want to say that over the past 5 years I have met four people that were diagnosed with a variety of autoimmune disorders and even heart disease. All of them were placed on multiple medications and given a poor long-term prognosis.

Their response to their personal situation varied. But mostly it included moving out of the city, eliminating highly processed foods in their diets, going all organic, cooking at home, and getting regular exercise and taking a variety of healthy dietary supplements. 

The end result with each of these people was that within one to two years they were symptom free and off all medications. Now you can’t argue with that kind of a testimonial of an organic sustainable lifestyle. 

I would encourage you not to live under the precarious presumption of trust. It is far better to question everything because no one is going to guard your personal health and safety better than you. Start by changing one little thing at a time and you will be surprised how much different your life will be in 5 years. 

Well folks I hope you have enjoyed this episode and found it informative and encouraging to change something about how you live. And before next week be sure to check out the home page for the podcast which can be found at adventuresinsustainableliving.com

On that page you will find a free resource of 200 sustainability questions and answers completely for free. So check it out. But until next week, this is your host Patrick sighing off. Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.