So what’s the big deal with toxins? Are they really making us sick? It’s easy to see why so many people are skeptical about the detrimental long-term (and even short-term) effects that toxins have on our health. After all, if these ingredients are truly detrimental to our health, how do they end up in our commonly used products? It’s solid logic until you dig a little deeper. I hope that the information covered in this class is eye opening, but more than anything I hope you’re inspired to take it upon yourself to research what’s in your home and start making informed decisions. It’s a shame the standards for what’s allowed in our products is so low, but in the end we choose what we expose ourselves to in our homes. Put your detective hat on – today is the day you say “NO MORE”!
Dryer Sheets are the #1 toxic product in homes today?
Febreze contains over 80 known toxic chemicals?
Most candles are made with petroleum based wax? Yep, the same petroleum used to make gasoline! Then they add fake fragrance which includes synthetics, which are cancerous!
Bioaccumulation is the process by which our bodies accumulate toxins faster than they can eliminate them. Many chemicals are deemed safe in small quantities or for single uses, but these can be harmful over time and with consistent use.
The majority of products contain not one, but an abundance of toxic chemicals that are absorbed through the skin, inhaled into the lungs, etc. These chemicals can often be found in our bodies within seconds of exposure and are linked to health issues such as asthma, allergies, cancer, reproductive issues, hormone disruption, and neurotoxicity. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Environmental Health found that women who used a combination of cleaning products in their homes are up to 110% more likely to develop breast cancer than those who rarely used them.
New York State Department of Health. (2013, October). “What You Know Can Help You: An Introduction to Toxic Substances”. Retrieved from: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/chemicals/toxic_substances.htm.
Fox News. (2010, July 20). “Study Links Household Cleaning Products to Breast Cancer”. Retrieved from: http://www.foxnews.com/story/2010/07/20/study-lin…
Not only have chemicals in cleaning products been linked to serious health issues, but many have not been thoroughly tested for their impact our health, nor are the effects of chemical combinations often considered. Often, the synergistic effects of these combinations are worse than the individual chemicals alone.
Most conventional cleaning products are deceptive because manufacturers aren’t required to specify ingredients. Basically we don’t know all of the toxic chemicals to which we are exposing ourselves, our families, and our pets when we clean our homes, wash our hair, launder our clothes . . . the list goes on.
Many of the toxic chemicals you’ll be learning about are endocrine disruptors – but what does that mean? Endocrine disruptors are chemical compounds that interfere with healthy hormone production. This includes interfering with normal production, imitating and modifying natural hormones, and upsetting hormone signaling and proper binding. Scary stuff! Why do hormones matter? In addition to puberty, mood, and fertility, balanced hormones affect our overall health and regulate our heart rate, metabolism, mental and emotional wellness, and sleep quality. Hormones are the chemical messengers that communicate to our cells throughout our bodies and are a crucial factor for health and vitality. Young Living has many amazing products to support hormone health, but adding GOOD to your routine only goes so far if you continue to expose yourself to the bad things that cause damage. Ditching toxins is one of the most important steps in your wellness journey!
Environmental Working Group. (2013, October 28). “Dirty Dozen Endocrine Disruptors”. Retrieved from: https://www.ewg.org/research/dirty-dozen-list-end…
I know this probably has your brain on overload right about now, so I’m going to let this sink in so you can digest this information. Check back tomorrow, when we will talk about GREENWASHING!
I look forward to your time again tomorrow!
