10 Ways to Lower Your Toxic Exposure

Whatever you think about detoxing, both critics and proponents agree on one thing: The best way to reduce the level of chemicals in your body is to limit the number that gain entrance. Crinnion compares the body to a boat with a hole in it: “You’re better off patching the hole in the side before you start bailing.” In short, reducing your daily toxic exposure may be the best detox of all. Here’s how.

Don’t smoke. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 compounds, including 40 known carcinogens, and it’s the leading source of indoor air pollution. If you can’t break the habit, at least smoke outside and spare your family and friends.

Cut down on mold. Inhaled mold spores can cause allergies, asthma, and other respiratory diseases, so ventilate bathrooms, launder area rugs regularly, and thoroughly clean water-damaged carpets. Also, keep moisture levels to a minimum; an indoor humidity level below 50 percent is best. (Hardware stores sell devices that measure humidity, as well as dehumidifiers that lower humidity levels.)

Eat organic fruits and vegetables. If your budget balks at the idea of relying exclusively on organic produce, consider substituting organics for the worst offenders. According to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research organization based in Washington, D.C., the 12 most pesticide-laden fruits and vegetables are strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, cherries, peaches, cantaloupe (from Mexico), celery, apples, apricots, green beans, grapes (from Chile), and cucumbers. For a list of the 12 least contaminated produce picks, visit the group�s website at www.ewg.org.

Use sink and shower filters to reduce your exposure to chlorine. Chlorination byproducts are linked to elevated risks of birth defects, miscarriage, and bladder cancer.

Leave dry cleaning to ventilate outside of its bag for a day or two in the garage, on a deck, or inside the trunk of your car. Within 48 hours after you hang dry-cleaned garments in your closet, your home will actually contain elevated levels of solvents. The EPA lists tetrachloroethylene, a common dry cleaning solvent, as a probable carcinogen.

Scrutinize your cosmetics, deodorant, and hair spray. Last year, 52 out of 72 name-brand beauty products were found to contain phthalates, a family of chemicals known to cause birth defects. Unfortunately for consumers, a loophole allows companies to leave phthalates off of ingredient lists. For a list of phthalate-free cosmetics, visit www.nottoopretty.org.

Use nontoxic bug repellents. Long-term effects of pesticide exposure may include damage to both the liver and the central nervous system as well as cancer.

Substitute all-natural household cleansers and detergents for chemical- laden, overly scented ones. Look for products at health food stores, or, for scrubbing, make your own mix of water, vinegar, and baking soda.

Limit your use of paint, varnish, and wax, all of which contain cancer-causing organic chemicals. When you must use them, be sure to ventilate the area as thoroughly as possible. Or choose non-toxic paints.

Don’t buy products presoaked in formaldehyde, such as particleboard, plywood, and permanent-press fabrics. Formaldehyde is a suspected carcinogen that can cause everything from nausea to headaches to asthma attacks.