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More Reasons Than Ever To Go Organic

We live in a world dominated by synthetic and industrial chemicals. Unfortunately our exposure to these chemicals is a never ending story. They are found in the food we eat, the grooming and cleaning products that we use - even in the water we drink! Sadly, industrial chemicals can even be found in the vitamins we take. Undeniably, the utilization of these chemicals and their incorporation into our basic lifestyle has skyrocketed to an all time high.

Researchers have revealed that the majority of chemicals pose substantial health hazards. Constant exposure to daily chemicals increases the risk for various diseases and unpleasant reactions. The worst is the occurrence of cancer in various forms. Though chemicals were initially designed to support the lifestyle of industrialized cultures, most are now considered toxins, wastes and pollutants. In order to protect ourselves, products containing chemicals and toxins should be eliminated. The use of organic products can make all the difference, not only for personal health but for the environment as well. Organic products are manufactured without the use of artificial fertilizers, wastes, pesticides, irradiation and preservatives.

Here is an introduction to some of the more common chemical culprits that we are regularly exposed to. After you have read this, read the labels of the products commonly used in your own home. It is guaranteed you will be shocked.

Chlorine. One of the most abundant industrial chemicals, chlorine is a poisonous greenish yellow gas that easily dissolves in water. An effective and powerful oxidant, it is mainly used as a disinfectant, a bleach and a water purifier. It is used to keep swimming pools and our drinking water bacteria free. It is also used to manufacture papers, plastics, medicines, cleansers, textiles, solvents, rubbers and insect killers. Chlorine use causes irritation to the respiratory tract, resulting in dryness of the throat, coughing, difficulty in breathing and chest tightness. Burning sensations and stiffness of the affected skin area is usually felt with prolonged exposure to chlorine. Continual drinking of chlorinated water can possibly damage the blood vessels, increasing the risk for high blood pressure and heart attacks. Excessive free radical formation associated with chlorinated water, causing early aging, gene mutations, development of cancers, increased blood cholesterol, liver damage and weakened immune systems.

Fluoride. Fluoride is derived from the element fluorine, the most reactive known element. It is commonly found in tap water, toothpaste and mouthwash. The use of fluoride, synthesized chemicals and reagents are also used in manufacturing products such as insulators in electrical transformers, coatings of non-stick frying pans and ceramics. Its use in various industries has been widespread for several years; however, clinical research reveals that fluoride can result in serious adverse effects on health. The National Toxicology Program classified fluoride as a mutagen, which initiates gene alterations, subsequently causing the development of cancers. Fluorinated water has been associated with increased fracture risk in the elderly, infertility among women, birth defects such as Down’s syndrome, disorders of the immune system and weakening of the bones and joints. Research by Dr. Phyllis Mullenix revealed that fluoride can also have a toxic effect in the brain, as manifested by lower IQs of children who are constantly exposed to fluoride.

Propylene glycol. A petroleum product derivative, propylene glycol is a clear, odorless and highly volatile liquid, commonly used as a humectant, a substance that retains moisture in cosmetic and food products. This chemical can be found in vitamins and other nutritional supplements. Women experience high exposure to propylene glycol, as it is frequently included in grooming and personal care products such as lotions, shampoos, soaps, antiperspirants and after shaves. Propylene glycol is usually added to sodas, salad dressings and ice creams to serve as a thickener, preservative or food stabilizer. Also utilized as an animal feed additive, propylene glycol is often used as a non-active component in pharmaceutical products. The exact hazardous effects of propylene glycol are uncertain. Currently, it is identified as an irritant, causing dryness, reddening and blistering of the skin. Propylene glycol has been associated with contact dermatitis, liver damage and kidney problems.

Triclosan. Triclosan is a chemical used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is frequently an added component in antibacterial soaps, creams, toothpastes, deodorants, laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids. In recent years, this chemical has been incorporated in consumer products made of plastic such as toys, toothbrushes, cutting boards, trash bags and containers. Socks, clothing, mattresses, beddings and carpets are only a few household and personal items with a significant triclosan content. Traces of triclosan have been detected in human milk, urine and blood. Thus, the approval of triclosan use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has caused an uproar, especially amongst environmentalists. It has been disclosed that triclosan disrupts the normal secretion of the thyroid hormones, resulting in errors in metabolism, altered sex hormones, infertility and birth defects. A cause for greater concern is the fact that triclosan belongs to a chemical class called chlorophenols, a known carcinogen. Studies have demonstrated the formation of chloroform gas when triclosan reacts with tap water. Prolonged and constant exposure to chloroform can cause depression, liver problems and cancer.

Parabens. A widely used synthetic chemical with antibacterial and antifungal qualities, parabens are a family of chemicals commonly used as artificial preservatives in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. They are found in a variety of products such as shampoos, deodorants, toothpastes, shaving creams and lotions. Like most other chemicals, the use of parabens was considered safe; however, recent research reveals otherwise. Contact dermatitis has been reported with continuous paraben use. This chemical has also been linked to the increasing number of women with breast cancer. Studies show that a prolonged exposure to parabens causes an interruption of the normal secretion of estrogen, a hormone that promotes the development and division of cells in the breasts. Parabens achieve this by mimicking estrogen, uncontrollably increasing the growth and proliferation of breast tumors.

Phthalates. Phthalates are used as plasticizers, which improve the durability, flexibility and stretchability of plastics. This family of chemicals are commonly added to polyvinyl chloride, which is used to manufacture plastic bottles, credit cards, audio records, and construction supplies such tubes, pipes, floorings, roofing and window blinds. In a study by the CDC, in collaboration with the National Toxicology Program, it was revealed that the byproducts of one class of phthalates, the di (ethylhexyl) phthalate or DEHP used in scented products such as soaps, lotions and perfumes, toothbrushes and toys were found in high concentrations in human urine. DEHP is considered a possible carcinogen by the U.S. Environment Protection Agency and by the Department of Health and Human Services. Other phthalates are closely linked to the disruption of hormone secretion and impairment of the reproductive system in both men and woman.

Titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide, or titania is a widely used pigment, accounting for more than 70% of total pigments produced annually. This chemical is responsible for the high opacity and luminous whiteness in paints, plastics, papers, foods and inks. It is also used in cosmetic and facial products. Like most chemicals, it has its drawbacks. Titanium dioxide is a respiratory tract irritant. Studies have shown that titanium dioxide’s long term effects include decreased function of the lungs and structural alterations in the cavity where the heart and lungs are located. Constant and continuous inhalation of titania increases the risk for lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer or IARC classified titanium dioxide as a possible carcinogen.

Limonene. For the last decade, the use of limonene as a precursor to carvone, a liquid substance used in food flavorings and perfumes has dramatically increased. Limonene, the major component of essential oils extracted from citrus fruits and pine trees exists in two active forms: the d-limonene, which smells a lot like oranges and l-limonene, which is piney in odor. The use of limonene is common in cosmetics and cleaning reagents. It serves as a grease remover and a paint stripper. Both forms cause skin irritations and sensitizations. It can have potential toxic effects on the kidneys.

Acrylamide. If you love fried, roasted and baked foods, then you increase your chances of cancer. Acrylamide, a chemical compound formed via longer cooking times at temperatures higher than 120 O C is suspected of causing cancers of the uterus and ovaries. A recent Dutch study revealed that women who ingest foods high in acrylamide have a two fold increased risk for cancer. Acrylamide is also found in plastics, water treatment products, cosmetics, cigarette smoke and pickled foods. It has been established that acrylamide is a neurotoxin with unique properties that cause brain and nerve damage. This in that of itself argues the benefits of consuming vitamin rich organic and whole foods.

Sodium lauryl sulfate. Sodium lauryl sulfate, also known as SLS is used as a cleaning agent and a grease dissolver in personal and grooming products, household and car cleaners and in some pharmaceutical processes. An aggressive and corrosive component, SLS is probably one of the most widely used chemicals due to its cheap cost. SLS is known to cause skin irritations and mouth ulcers. This chemical has also been linked in the development of eye cataracts. When SLS reacts with ingredients found in skin products, nitrates are formed. As identified by the National Cancer Organization, nitrates are cancer-causing agents used in meat preservation.

While this is just a small sampling, rest assured that thousands of industrial and synthetic chemicals have been found to wreak deleterious effects on human health and wellness. The question is, how do “they” get away with this? Though it might seem a challenge to replace the plethora of the everyday chemical products we normally use with organics, rest assured that today it is easier than ever. Quality organic products can be found at most local health food stores. The web also offers online retailers who carry quality organic products as well, which is handy for those who may not have organic products easily accessible nearby.

Another reason to choose organic is the FDA mandate of GRAS. Unfortunately, reading labels does not completely reveal the contents of consumer products. The FDA does not mandate the mention of any additive that is Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) to be recognized on any ingredients label. GRAS simply means, safe in small amounts. There are nearly 70,000 international additives and chemicals deliberately added to consumer products by manufacturers yearly. The majority of these slip by without any consumer awareness whatsoever. Subsequently, when a food or personal care product has a list of additives as long as your arm that are on the GRAS list, the unwary consumer will never know it. What this means is a daily compounded chemical effect. If you use and are exposed to 17 items that contain chemicals considered safe in small amounts on the GRAS list, what has occurred is compounded exposure to one significant and unsafe chemical bath.

Interestingly, the FDA allows the manufacturing companies of these chemicals and additives to inform them, the FDA, which of these substances is GRAS! Clearly this poses a significant conflict of interest- corporate growth depends on sales, and sales increase directly proportional to the quantity of products sold using cheap, harmful and largely untested industrial chemicals.

Substances may be removed from the GRAS category when unwanted reactions regarding their use by the general population make themselves known. Unfortunately, the position of the populous is that of laboratory rats as part of a giant, informal and unsupervised study, conducted by corporate manufacturers. Unfortunately, with the FDA’s disregard. Distresses, irritations, rashes, disorders, even death can be caused by the use of industrial chemicals in our food and personal care supplies.

Fortunately, we have the option to choose health and one effective method is by purchasing organic products. The bottom line; our bodies are designed to work compatibly with natural, clean and chemical free products. This ranges from our food, personal care items to the products we use to clean our homes, offices and even the car. It’s never too late to make the switch; both the young and old have taken control of their homes and their health by choosing a chemical free lifestyle. Rest assured; you will feel the difference.

Dr. Linda Kennedy MS SLP ND

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