How Toxic Are You? Six Chemical Toxins Found In Virtually Every Human

By Jeanne W. Shiffman, MD, DABFP

Steinmetz Integrative & Functional Medicine Center

More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles

How Toxic Are You? Six Chemical Toxins Found In Virtually Every Human

The question is no longer if we are toxic, but, how toxic are we? Initial exposure to toxins actually begins while a baby is still in the womb. In one study, there were 287 chemicals already present in the umbilical cord blood of newborns. Of these, 180 are known to potentially cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 can be toxic to the brain and nervous system and 208 were shown to potentially cause birth defects or abnormal development in some animal tests.

Six potentially harmful chemicals are found in virtually every person. They were identified by the CDC as probable health hazards. The six most commonly found potentially harmful chemicals, all of which are highly dangerous in high amounts, include polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PDEs), bisphenol A (BPA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), acrylamide, mercury, and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). Let's look at these so you can begin to avoid them.

Flame retardant PDEs are chemicals found in many products that are meant to decrease fire risk. If they build up in human fat tissue they can cause damage to the nervous system, liver, kidneys, sexual dysfunction, thyroid problems and brain disorders.

Bisphenol A, is another toxin added primarily to plastic products and can linings. More than 90 percent of people tested were found to have BPA in their bodies. Releases of BPA to the environment exceed 1 million pounds per year. Chemicals like BPA are called “endocrine disruptors” and in high amounts, are toxic to reproductive and developmental processes.

Because BPA has weak estrogen-like effects, there are questions about its potential impact particularly on children's health. In adults, there is a strong relationship between high urine concentrations of Bisphenol A and the incidence of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver-enzyme abnormalities.

Perfluorooctanoic acid is used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant clothing, certain food packaging and other heat-resistant products. Studies verify that in high amounts PFOA may contribute to infertility, other reproductive problems, liver abnormalities and immune system dysfunction.

Acrylamide is a potentially cancer-causing chemical that sometimes forms when carbohydrate foods are cooked at high temperatures. It can be found in French fries, fried chicken, and coffee. It is also used in plastics, cosmetics and water treatment products. Exposure to high levels of acrylamides can cause cancer and neurological dysfunction.

Mercury is another common toxin found in most Americans. At dangerous levels, mercury can cause brain and nerve problems. It is found in dental amalgams, cosmetics and fish.

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a gasoline additive not used today. However, it remains in water supplies as well as in most Americans' bodies. Second-hand cigarette smoke is also a source. High levels of MTBE can cause neurological and reproductive problems.

A good source for information about toxins is the Environmental Working Group – www.ewg.org. Next month, my column will discuss symptoms of toxin exposure, avoidance of toxins and detoxification.