The Chemical Body Burden has got to be one of the most fascinating and also confusing areas surrounding the safety of personal care products. It is very disturbing to learn that everyday our bodies are being contaminated with a burden of toxic chemicals. “In 2003, the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York conducted a study with the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in which nine healthy volunteers, none of whom worked with chemicals, had their blood and urine tested. They found 167 industrial chemicals, (source).” That number is alarming and also staggering considering the healthy lifestyles of the participants involved. “The chemicals came from everyday things such as adhesives, pesticides, food additives, fire retardants, hair sprays, perfumes, lubricants, brake fluid, varnishes, paints, dyes, and cleaning products. A Canadian study came up with similar results, as did a European study including 47 Members of the EU Parliament from 17 nations, (source).” There are numerous ways you can diminish your exposure to hazardous chemicals by making small changes in your personal care products and overall lifestyle. First lets define this term:
Chemical Body Burden: This term refers to the total accumulation of toxins in your body. “This can include anything from dangerous metals like lead or mercury, to pesticides, unsafe food additives, or fluoride, (source).” This includes the amount of a particular chemical stored in the body at a particular time, especially a potentially toxic chemical in the body as a result of exposure. “Body burdens can be the result of long-term or short-term storage, (source).”
When looking at the chemical body burden you have to start with the priority aspects of your life from your food to your air to your water. There are aspects that can be improved and then also areas where we might just have to live with one step at a time.
- Eat Organic: “While there is some controversy over whether organic foods are more nutritious than conventional foods, there is no doubt from a body-burden perspective that they are safer and healthier, (source).” If eating all organic is too pricey (it is for us) at least make sure your meats and dairy products are organic and make sure that you avoid or eat only organic picks of Apples, Celery, Strawberries, Peaches, Spinach, Nectarines (imported), Grapes (imported), Sweet Bell Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Blueberries, and Kale.
- Use environmentally friendly cosmetics and body products: This is a huge one and one of the most easily avoidable. “Most commercial cosmetics are laden with heavy metals and other toxic ingredients. Ditto on body products ranging from shampoos and deodorants to sunscreens and lotions, (source).” Davines is a great example of a company committed to a green and natural standpoint. This philosophy permeates into all of it’s high quality products and also it’s business structure.
The Chemical Body Burden is a cause to be aware of and also concerned about. No need to hyperventilate but only to be aware of the small steps you as a consumer can take to protect yourself from excess chemical exposure. Here at Salon Movement we’re all about transparency and being informed, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
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