It’s not up for debate. Toxin exposure in today’s environment is linked to many disorders and diseases such as autoimmunity, asthma, allergies, diabetes, reproductive abnormalities, and cancer. There are somewhere around 84,000 chemicals approved for commercial use today. The vast majority of which are unregulated and untested for safety[1]. The average woman puts on products containing 168 harmful chemicals each day. Teens could be exposed to more and men are exposed to an average of 85.[2] This is only accounting for beauty/skincare products. Children are particularly at risk since early exposure can have long-term effects on disease outcomes due to their vulnerable, developing bodies.[3][4] In a study done by the Environmental Working Group researchers found an average of 200 industrial chemicals and pollutants in the umbilical cords of newborns.[5] They go on to state, “Of the 287 chemicals we detected in umbilical cord blood, we know that 180 cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests. The dangers of pre- or post-natal exposure to this complex mixture of carcinogens, developmental toxins and neurotoxins have never been studied.”

A study by Dr. Marcia Herman-Gidden found that in 1860 the average age of onset puberty in girls was 16.6 years. In 2010 the average age was 10.5 years for girls.[6] And it’s not just girls. Hormone disrupting chemicals (known as endocrine disrupters) are likely the cause[7] of our children hitting puberty earlier and earlier.

Although you won’t drop dead immediately after you eat an inorganic apple or use an endocrine disrupting beauty product, it’s the accumulative effect that leads to adverse health outcomes years down the road when your body has finally hit toxic overload. Our bodies have natural detoxification methods in place but they’re simply not equipped to keep up with the onslaught of harmful chemicals found in our environment today. Thanks to the growing field of Epigenetics, we also know that genes can be turned on or off. Often times, harmful chemicals act as triggering agent to turn on “dirty” genes.[8] In a study conducted by Dr. Dana Dolinoy of Duke University, genetically identical twin mice were used to confirm that environmental exposures to toxins can turn on or off undesirable genes. One mouse was exposed to toxins and was obese and more prone to cancer than the other twin mouse who was slender and less prone to cancer. Dr. Dolinoy concludes, “We can see that we can no longer say whether genetics or the environment have a bigger impact, because it may be not only what you were exposed to, but what your mother and potentially grandparents were exposed to as well. And maybe even your father.”[9]

According to Dr. Daniel Pompa, among many others, toxins are the number one driver behind cellular inflammation[10] and we know that inflammation creates a breeding ground for disease.

If you’re serious about disease prevention and treatment, avoiding toxins and aiding your body in its natural detoxification processes should be a top priority. The burden to educate yourself and avoid these toxic chemicals is in your hands due to our completely broken chemical regulatory system.[11] Change does not always come easy. I recommend starting with one thing at a time. Something is better than nothing. It can be expensive and overwhelming to try to do a complete product re-haul all at once.

Here are 25 ways you can reduce your daily exposure to harmful chemicals:

1. Install water-filters. Many city water sources are treated with chemicals like chlorine and fluoride. You may be surprised to know that many water supplies fail safety testing standards leaving millions of people drinking unsafe tap water.[12][13] Harmful chemical residues lurk in our drinking water from heavy metals, pharmaceutical residues, micro-plastics, household cleaning products, agriculture run-off, etc. A whole-house water filter is best since your skin will absorb the water you use as you shower or bathe but a drinking water filter is essential. I recommend purchasing a reverse osmosis system such as this one. It’s important that the RO system you use or purchase re-mineralizes and balances the water pH. “Dead” water will actually scavenge your body’s bones, tissues, and blood for minerals. If you want to avoid the under sink install, you can purchase a countertop RO system such as this one. A Brita type filter will not be strong enough but is better than nothing. If you’re on  tight budget, this water pitcher filtration system will be your most effective option.
2. Purchase air filters. We all have to breathe. Even if you don’t live in a polluted city, the air in our homes likely poses a bigger risk. Indoor air is often much more polluted than outdoor air.[14] Air filters are great options but if operating under a budget, ventilate well and often especially after cooking and/or cleaning. My family uses the IQAir when we’re not able to ventilate.
3. Throw away your non-stick pans and replace them with stainless steel. Non-stick pans have a coating that contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Even ceramic pans and cast iron are treated using a toxic coating that releases petrochemicals when heated. The EPA has labeled PFOA as a “likely carcinogen” and many Scientists have expressed their concern with this man-made chemical. PFOA’s are linked to thyroid disease, infertility, and developmental problems.[15] Stainless steel can be a pain to clean. However, I’ve got a little trick for you. It’s called the ‘hot pan cold oil non-stick’ method. Heat the stainless steel pan to a high temperature (water droplets should “dance”) and then put your room temperature oil on the pan followed by your food. Works like a charm!
4. Stop heating your food in plastic. Once plastic is heated, it releases more of the harmful chemicals such as BPA and phthalates.[16] Make sure the dish you’re using is labeled as microwave safe. When in doubt, use glass.
5. Eat organic. Eating organic is not a fad. It’s about going back to our roots and eating the food we evolved to process. There are many pesticides found on/in our food today that have been identified as group 1 carcinogens (causes cancer in humans). A study done by UC Davis and UCLA on preschool children found that all 365 children tested exceeded cancer benchmarks for arsenic, dieldrin, DDE, and dioxins[17] (dietary contaminants). Lead MIT scientist Stephanie Seneff warns against the prolific use of Glyphosate (Roundup) as a pesticide and its serious side effects.[18] If you can’t buy organic all the time, wash your produce in baking soda. A research group from the University of Massachusetts found that washing your produce thoroughly with baking soda and water removes about 96% of the pesticides.[19] Here is a list of the heaviest pesticide-laden produce items that must be purchased organic at all costs.
6. Stop eating processed meat products (i.e., hot dogs, deli meat, chicken nuggets, etc.). The World Health Organization has labeled processed meat products as a level 1 carcinogen.[20] Red meat was labeled as a group 2 carcinogen (probably causes cancer in humans). It’s best for your health and the planet to eat a mostly whole-foods, plant-based diet.
7. Stop barbecuing your food. Cooking your food over any kind of open flame produces heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).[21] Both of which are known carcinogens. If you must, definitely don’t eat the blackened portions.
8. Avoid beauty products that contain carcinogenic ingredients. The list is too long to put here but here are 11 group 1 carcinogens commonly found in beauty products: formaldehyde, phenacetin, coal tar, benzene, untreated or mildly treated mineral oils, methylene glycol, ethylene oxide, chromium, cadmium and its compounds, arsenic, and crystalline silica or quartz. The skin absorbs a large percentage of what you put on it directly into your bloodstream.[22] What goes on your skin is just as important as what goes in your mouth. I recommend downloading the app Think Dirty which allows you to scan a beauty or other household product’s barcode. The app will then rate the product for ingredient cleanliness. While I make most of my skincare products, I do purchase my makeup. I recommend RMS beauty products.
9. Ditch the harsh household cleaners for all-natural options or make your own with essential oils. If you’re on a tight budget, replacing your laundry detergent can be the most impactful since detergents are chalk full of toxic chemicals and a residue remains on your clothes after washing that your body absorbs throughout the day. Eco is an inexpensive, effective detergent option. An awesome glass cleaner recipe (courtesy of Dr. Z) I like to give out is: 1 tsp. Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 15 drops lemon essential oil, and distilled water (fill until bottle is 16 oz. full). Shake well and watch the cleaning magic unfold! My family loves Dr. Bronner’s products. I would highly recommend keeping some liquid castile soap on hand and using it for everything and anything.
10. Stop eating processed foods that contain these ingredients: nitrates/nitrites, potassium bromate, artificial colors[23], diacetyl[24], phosphates, aluminum additives[25], propyl paraben, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hyrdoxytoluene, propyl gallate, and many more. A good rule would be to read every ingredient label. If you don’t recognize the ingredient, don’t buy it! Stick to whole food ingredients only when possible.
11. Get rid of anything scented like air fresheners, candles, and perfumes. Many toxic chemicals, such as phthalate esters, can hide under the ingredient “fragrance” or “perfume” since they are considered trademark and not required to be disclosed. Multiple studies conclude that all air-fresheners tested gave off chemicals regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws and none of those chemicals were listed on the product label.[26] Instead, switch to an essential oil diffuser and forgo the perfume/cologne and air fresheners.
12. Stop drinking bottled water. Not only is it expensive and bad for the environment but it is a possible source of carcinogens.[27] A recent study found evidence of micro-plastics in over 90% of the bottled water brands on the market.[28] Which is exactly as it sounds, you’re drinking teeny tiny pieces of plastic in your bottled water. While they’re still awaiting further study from the WHO to confirm if this is safe, I’m going to urge you to the side of commonsense and avoid this. Instead, travel with a water filter that’s strong enough to filter out fluoride and chlorine and use the tap water. It’ll save you money too.
13. Stop buying things in cans. Cans are often lined with Bisphenol-A, a known endocrine disruptor. Even packaging that states it is BPA free will often times still contain another form of Bisphenol that is also toxic.[29] There’s a whole alphabet soup of bisphenols. Buying things in glass is the safest bet but if that’s not possible, avoiding acidic fruits or veggies (like tomatoes) in cans is the most important since they can absorb the BPA from the lining.
14. Don’t touch receipts. Most receipts contain a BPA coating which enters the blood stream through skin absorption.[30] Ask that they put the receipt in the bag and definitely don’t touch it with wet or sweaty hands as this can increase the rate of absorption.
15. Make sure any vitamins or supplements you take don’t contain these ingredients: maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, dextrose, titanium dioxide, dimethylamylamine (DMAA), synthetic vitamins*, and soybean oil.[31] Supplements are also a severely under regulated industry with no scientific backup required. Make sure you do your research and find a company you trust to provide you with quality, whole food ingredients. Consumer Reports has a list of an additional 15 ingredients that you may also want to check out here. *Synthetic forms of vitamins abound in supplements and as food additives. According to Dr. Ben Kim, “Synthetic vitamins contain only an isolated portion of the several different components (enzymes, co-enzymes, and co-factors) that must work together to produce their intended biologic effect.” Your body is unable to use synthetic variations. As a result of ingesting these synthetic variations, you get brightly colored yellow pee while taxing your kidney and potentially depleting your body of nutrients. You can usually tell it’s synthetic because it uses an alternate name for real vitamins. For example ascorbic acid for Vitamin C, riboflavin for Vitamin B12, folic acid for Folate, etc. These names only represent one component of the many components found in the whole food vitamin.[32] Folic acid may have surprised you. It is often prescribed by doctors to pregnant women. Yet, it blocks the body’s ability to methylate (an essential cellular function). Dr. Ben Lynch discusses the dangers of folic acid here. It’s very important for the health of you and the fetus to use folate instead of folic acid. Find a vitamin that lists actual foods as their ingredients. My family uses Garden of Life MyKind vitamins which are derived from whole, organic foods.
16. Avoid plastic or silicone infant bottles and teethers. Use glass instead. I’ve already mentioned why heating things in plastic may be a bad idea but be wary of alternative plastic products such as silicone too. If it’s not medical grade silicone, it’s likely that the product will leech. We’re still awaiting more conclusive studies but as always, I take the stance of guilty until proven innocent.
17. Become a shoes-off household. This is most important when you have a crawling baby. You carry pesticides and fecal matter into your home on the bottom of your shoes (makes you rethink the 5-second rule doesn’t it?). Have your carpets cleaned with a residue-free service and remove your shoes before entering the house. If you have dogs, this point is probably mute. I recommend making baby’s room a dog-free and shoe-free zone in order to have a safe zone for some ground play, tummy time, and crawling excursions.
18. Let newly unpackaged products “off-gas” in a well ventilated area or outside. The manufacturing process pollutes many products with all kinds of harmful chemicals. Pressed wood products like furniture and cabinetry are some of the biggest offenders. They off emit formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.[33]
19. Think about what you put in your tub like bath bombes. Many fun bath products contain toxins such as artificial colors which has some association to hyperactivity in children.[34] As mentioned, the skin will absorb a good amount of the water you’re soaking in. Instead, put a few drops of essential oil in the tub for a therapeutic and aromatic touch or find products that contain plant derived colors.
20. Wash your new clothes before you wear them and find trusted clothing brands that are committed to removing harmful chemicals from their supply chain and products. Textiles are often times laced with irritants and disease-causing chemicals.[35]
21. Invest in a quality face mask. These can be great investments for leaving the house if you live in a city that has poor quality or is prone to smoke from wildfires. If you wouldn’t smoke a cigarette, exerting yourself while the air quality is low, can be just as harmful. Make sure the filter on the mask includes activated carbon and has a high particulate matter ratting. My family uses face masks by Respro. Airnow.gov is a great resource to check for air quality conditions in your area.
22. Upgrade your feminine products. Considering the huge number of tampons and pads a woman will use in her lifetime, it would make sense to use a product that’s free of harmful chemicals. Especially when considering such a vulnerable, high absorbency area (due to dampness). Many feminine products contain dioxins, synthetic fibers, and petrochemical additives. Conventional sanitary pads can contain an equivalent of about four plastic bags which exposes the woman to all sorts of plastic related chemicals like BPA, BPS, phthalates, DEHP, etc.[36] Use 100% cotton products. 100% organic cotton products would be ideal.
23. Replace your vinyl shower curtain with a fabric one. This is again going back to heating up plastics. The heat from your shower can release harmful chemicals into the air.
24. Avoid some hand sanitizers. Apart from playing a role in bacteria resistance, hand sanitizers often times contain harmful chemicals like synthetic fragrance, glycerin, triclosan (recently banned by the FDA), and tricocarban. Read the labels. To be safe, use a homemade, essential oil-based hand sanitizer or soap and water.
25. Last but not least, have your home tested for lead (if built prior to 1978), mold, and radon. Chronic Radon exposure can cause lung cancer and it’s impossible to detect without a test. Chronic mold exposure can cause a whole range of health problems like asthma, allergies, depression, and permanent lung damage and it’s much more common that most people think. The mold doesn’t have to be visible to be present.[37] Lead has gotten a lot of publicity and is likely not one that needs a lot of explanation. It’s found today in batteries, pipes, pottery, roofing materials, and cosmetics. A CDC report found that more than half a million kids aged 1 to 5 had blood levels of lead higher than 5 micrograms per deciliter, the level of concern at which health problems occur.[38] Have your home tested for all three (except lead unless your home was built before 1978).

Sometimes the science on harmful chemicals can be confusing and contradictory but it is most definitely inadequate and has not yet captured the potential long-term adverse health effects from chronic exposure to many of the widely used chemicals today. Anytime large industry (agriculture, pharmaceutical, chemical, oil, etc.) is involved, I side with the science that promotes caution. Industry has a long history of political power and influence and not surprisingly, the side of caution never sides with industry. Another thing to keep in mind is that if a synthetic chemical is proven safe, it’s often tested in isolation. The testing is never done using a simulation of the current environment (because they have to be able to prove an outcome was relating to the test chemical). This means that all of the hundreds or thousands of other chemicals we’re exposed to already on a daily basis are left out of the study. The compounded and synergistic effects are forgotten. When in doubt, play it safe.

Tip: Look for the MADE SAFE label when purchasing products. It certifies the product as toxin-free.

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the affiliate link and purchase the item, I’ll receive a commission. I disclose this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. I only recommend products that passed my strict criteria.

[1] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/harmful-chemicals-in-personal-care-products/

[2] http://abcnews.go.com/Health/women-put-average-168-chemicals-bodies-day-consumer/story?id=30615324

[3] http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/publish/news/newsroom/7190

[4] https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/early-exposure-to-toxic-substances-damages-brain-architecture/

[5] https://www.ewg.org/research/body-burden-pollution-newborns#.WpQ00ocwuUk

[6] https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/04/why-is-puberty-starting-younger-precocious

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065309/

[8] https://www.drbenlynch.com/cleaning-up-your-genes/

[9] http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/epigenetic-mice.html

[10] https://drpompa.com/

[11] https://earthjustice.org/healthy-communities/toxic-chemicals/regulatory-system

[12] https://newrepublic.com/article/115883/drugs-drinking-water-new-epa-study-finds-more-we-knew

[13] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/toxic-chemicals-drinking-water/

[14] https://www.mana.md/indoor-air-vs-outdoor-air/

[15] https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/06/03/non-stick-cookware-dangers.aspx

[16] https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/microwaving-food-in-plastic-dangerous-or-not

[17] http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/publish/news/newsroom/7190

[18] http://people.csail.mit.edu/seneff/

[19] http://theorganicwellness.com/how-to-use-baking-soda-to-wash-off-96-of-all-toxic-pesticides-from-your-fruits-and-vegetables/

[20] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/2015/11/03/report-says-eating-processed-meat-is-carcinogenic-understanding-the-findings/

[21] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/2015/11/03/report-says-eating-processed-meat-is-carcinogenic-understanding-the-findings/

[22] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/

[23] https://www.ewg.org/research/ewg-s-dirty-dozen-guide-food-additives/food-colors-questions-and-contamination#.WpmS54cwuUk

[24] https://www.ewg.org/research/ewg-s-dirty-dozen-guide-food-additives/flavoring-industry-and-worker-health#.WpmTWYcwuUk

[25] https://www.ewg.org/research/ewg-s-dirty-dozen-guide-food-additives/food-additive-watch-list#.WpmTjYcwuUk

[26] http://the-labyrinth.com/2016/12/14/full-text-of-the-latest-australian-fragrance-study-by-professor-anne-steinemann-for-translation-purposes/

[27] https://www.ewg.org/news/news-releases/2008/10/15/harmful-chemicals-found-bottled-water#.WpmU94cwuUk

[28] https://orbmedia.org/sites/default/files/FinalBottledWaterReport.pdf

[29] https://www.ewg.org/research/bpa-canned-food/what-does-bpa-free-mean#.WqAdCIcwuUk

[30] https://www.ewg.org/research/new-study-confirms-bpa-receipts#.WpmPhIcwuUk

[31] http://health.allwomenstalk.com/toxic-ingredients-to-avoid-when-buying-supplements/

[32] https://drbenkim.com/articles-vitamins.html

[33] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/formaldehyde/formaldehyde-fact-sheet

[34] https://www.ewg.org/research/ewg-s-dirty-dozen-guide-food-additives/food-colors-questions-and-contamination#.WqAea4cwuUk

[35] https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/06/27/toxic-clothing.aspx

[36] https://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/feminine-hygiene-products_b_3359581.html

[37] https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/dangers-of-mold/

[38] https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips.htm