Physical Health Problems
Associated with Environmental Toxins |
| As environmental toxins alter a gene’s makeup, numerous and serious health issues can emerge; depending on the specific gene or genes involved the ability exists for: |
- Abnormal brain development and function
- Abnormal physical development
- Abnormal nervous system development and function
- Altered and suppressed immune response
- Lack of normal body detoxification
- Biochemical pathway irregularities
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Most of us think of “home” as a safe place – a protected retreat from the outside world. The truth is that most homes are loaded with toxins that can create serious health problems for families.
There are more than 17,000 chemicals used in common household products, of which only about 30 percent have been tested for safety.
The government does not require safety tests of chemicals for most uses; therefore, of the approximately 85,000 chemicals on the market, complete toxicology data is available on only about seven percent of those chemicals. Each year, chemical manufacturers release from 500 to 2,000 new synthetic chemicals in the market. They are not required to assure the public that these products are safe.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that airborne chemical levels in the home were as much as five times higher inside than outside. Studies have linked more than 100 chemicals commonly found in homes to a wide variety of medical conditions.
Not enough testing has been done. Scientists still can’t tell us what the long-term or short-term effects of exposure to the toxins in household products may have on our health. We do know that exposure to carcinogens over a long period of time can cause severe health consequences such as cancer.
Children, especially infants and toddlers, are the most vulnerable, because their body systems: the brain, internal organs, respiratory and immune systems aren’t fully developed so that less toxic exposure can cause more and lasting damage.
Everyone with a child, especially a child with chronic illness, should be especially vigilant about reducing toxicity in his or her home. |