Top 10 Most Common Toxins

Toxins are everywhere around us. There are over 75,000 chemicals that are licensed for use in the US, most of which are suspected or known carcinogens, toxins, hormone disruptors, poisons and contaminates. Below is a list of the 10 most common toxins and where exactly you can find them.

1. Talc

While this product is considered safe for use on the body, it is carcinogenic when inhaled. It is found in baby powder, feminine powders, foot powders, and condoms.

2. Pesticides

Herbicides, fungicides, insecticides are banned from home use, but continue to be widely used on vegetable and fruit crops, which sometimes result in more than trace amounts being consumed by American families. Possible effects include damage to the nervous system, miscarriages, disruption of hormone function, and immune dysfunction.

3. Blue 2

This is a clothing dye that produces the color indigo blue. Studies have shown that it produces brain tumors in mice, but in humans has caused allergic reactions, nausea and skin rashes. This is just one dye in a long list that has been linked with terrible side effects in its use.

4. Fluoride

Found in most toothpaste, and usually recommended when you go for your teeth cleaning at the dentist, too. Fluoride accumulates in the body and contributes to bone disease. It is a known carcinogenic and may contain lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic.

5. Dioform

With big pearly whites all the rage these days, many Americans are using tooth-whitening products that contain this chemical. Dioform has been found to damage and weaken tooth enamel allowing more staining and discoloration to take place in the long term.

6. Sulphite

This chemical can cause reactions in asthmatics, and even lead to death. Sulphites used to be widely used in foods, but are now banned on all food products except raw potatoes, wine and dried fruit.

7. Chlorine

Used in many household cleaners. It can cause problems in your respiratory system and skin irritation as well. A way to avoid this is purchasing organic cleaners or even making them yourself.

8. Phthalates

These are used to soften plastic and are found in many childrens’ toys, water bottles, plastic wrap, Tupperware, etc. Because this chemical does not bond with the plastic, as the plastic ages and breaks down, this chemical is released into the air. They are thought to cause harm to the endocrine systems of children.

9. Mercury

There has been a lot of media attention surrounding mercury overload and its connection with eating large marine fish, such as tuna. It also used to be used a filling agent for tooth cavities. Too much mercury in the human body has been linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, heart failure, irregular heartbeat and even some cancers.

10. Sugar

Refined sugar is also known as “the white death.” We all know it’s bad for us, that it contains calories without nutrients. Too much of it can cause insulin resistance, or diabetes. The answer is simple: eat less white sugar.