Technology and Toxins: The Good and the Bad of the 21st Century 
Each year around Christmas, technology buffs publish top ten lists of the latest must-have technology. MP3 players, iPods, and 8-megapixel digital cameras can all add to our enjoyment of life. E-mail and the Internet seem as vital as food, water, and shelter. But there is another top ten list that affects our quality of life in ways we can't see or imagine. We're talking about the Top Ten Toxins, and how to avoid them.
Environmental toxins are all around us, in our air and water supply; they're added quite deliberately to our food supply. The fact that we can't see chemical pollutants doesn't mean they're not there, it means they're that much more dangerous, coming at us from all sides without our notice or concern until we're sickened by a chronic disease.
Columbia University School of Public Health estimates that 95 percent of cancer is caused by toxins from the environment and diet. Diet is doubly important because chemicals are typically stored in fat cells. The average American has between 400 and 800 chemicals in their body. In North America alone, nearly 80,000 chemicals are produced.
With so many potential contributors to serious illness, it's almost impossible to match any single toxin to disease. However, the coincidence of increasing toxins and increasing chronic illness makes it clear there's nothing "coincidental" about it. Short and long-term effects of toxins run the gamut of known diseases, from cancer to multiple sclerosis.
Top Ten Toxins
Below is a list of the top ten toxins found in our air, water and food supply:
1. PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls): This persistent organic pollutant is often found in farm-raised salmon, which absorb it from their environment.
2. Pesticides: More than half of the food we eat -- particularly fruits and vegetables -- is contaminated with residues from pesticides.
3. Mold; Fungal Toxins: Mold, which is dangerous even in seemingly insignificant amounts, can be found in food, alcoholic beverages, and buildings.
4. Phthalates: This chemical comes from plastics -- plastic bottles, baggies, wraps, etc. The phthalates transfer from the plastic into the food.
5. Volatile Organic Compounds: These compounds increase ozone levels. They can be found in air fresheners, dry-cleaned clothing, deodorants, and more.
6. Dioxins: These toxins arise from the burning of municipal waste, wood, oil, or coal. The chemicals transfer to animals, and then into humans when humans eat animal products.
7. Asbestos: This now-outlawed insulator persists in the pipes and ducts of old buildings, contaminating the air around it with fibers that can scar and damage lung tissue.
8. Heavy Metals: Heavy metals include mercury, arsenic, cadmium and more. These dangerous metals are commonly found in fish, vaccines, metal dental fillings, treated wood, drinking water, and more.
9. Chloroform: When chlorine is added to water, chloroform results. This chemical is found in food, water, and air. It has no color, but has a nice odor and a somewhat sweet taste.
10. Chlorine: This chemical agent is commonly found in household cleaners, drinking water, and the air near chlorine-using industries.
How to Avoid Toxins
It's impossible to avoid all toxins -- even a plastic bubble wouldn't help, because, well, it would be made of plastic. You can, however, limit your exposure as much as possible by following these tips:
- Eat unprocessed foods -- "processed" means chemicals have been added.
- Buy and eat organic products whenever possible. Organic eggs and unpasteurized milk products are especially important.
- Supplement your diet with cod liver oil. That way you get the great omega 3 fatty acid benefits without the mercury and PCBs.
- Boost your immune system by getting enough Vitamin D through supplements and proper sun exposure.
- Install a water filter for each shower or bathtub and for drinking.
- Avoid artificial sweeteners and MSG.
- Use natural shampoos, toothpastes, antiperspirants, and cosmetics.
- Avoid artificial air fresheners, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and fragrances.
- Get your metal dental fillings removed by an experienced dentist.
- Stay current and motivated by reading the free Optimum Health Report newsletter. Sign up here (http://www.optimumhealthreport.com/).
SUGGESTION: Body Detox was designed to help move toxins out. For more information click here.
"How to Avoid the Top 10 Most Common Toxins"
Joseph Mercola with Rachel Droege; 2005
www.mercola.com
Copyright © 2008 Optimum Health Report, All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer
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