Seven Environmental Toxins in Our Everyday World — and How They Affect Health
In the mid to late 2000s, I was one of the lead trainers for Pinks Boutique – a Soil Association accredited organic skincare brand. It was the beginning of my education on the meaning of terms such as ‘natural’ and ‘organic’. I began to understand that they’re often marketing terms which sell products because the consumer is often none the wiser about ingredients and legislation.
It led me down a rabbit hole about the toxins in our environment from personal care products to cleaning products. I became heavily interested in their potential impact on our health, especially female hormones and fertility. This came from my own personal struggles with endometriosis and neurological challenges – not to mention the stories I heard from clients and students on a regular basis.
LIVE zoom workshop Unleash the Wisdom of the Wombspace
On the 16th November, I’m running a LIVE zoom workshop entitled
Unleash the Wisdom of the Wombspace – this is for all women, not just therapists and environmental toxins is just one area I will cover.
Book before the 31st October and get £50 off! Click Here
I’ve heard about alarming studies which have found a teaspoons worth of plastic in the brain post mortem or a credit card sized quantity in the body!
After years of research, teaching, reading books and listening to podcasts by experts, I’ve compiled a list of the SEVEN environmental toxins to look out for. I’ve included how they may impact our health and where they’re found.
Introduction
We live in a world saturated with chemicals and pollutants. From what we eat to the air we breathe, several toxins have become ubiquitous. While exposure levels vary, evidence links certain substances to chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cognitive disorders, and fertility issues.
1) Forever Chemicals (PFAS)
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances used in nonstick cookware, waterproof fabrics, firefighting foams, and many consumer products including food packaging. Even low level chronic exposure is concerning.
Associated with increased cholesterol, insulin resistance, thyroid disruption, and certain cancers (e.g., kidney and testicular cancer) noted in population studies.
2) Microplastics and Plastic Additives
Tiny plastic particles from degraded products, packaging, tupperware, plus additives like phthalates and BPA (bisphenol A) used to soften plastics. Food packaging, bottled water, seafood (bioaccumulation), dust in homes.
Associated with endocrine disruption, reproductive and developmental effects, and potential links to metabolic disorders and inflammatory conditions. Emerging work suggests possible associations with neurodevelopmental issues and certain hormonal cancers.
3) Pesticide Residues (Organophosphates and Others)
Chemicals used to protect crops, including organophosphates (e.g., chlorpyrifos) and pyrethroids, among others. Conventionally grown produce; residues on fruit and vegetables; contaminated water runoff.
Associated with acute poisoning and longer-term neurodevelopmental effects in children; associations with metabolic syndrome and some cancers in adults.
4) Air Pollution (Particulate Matter, PM2.5 and PM10)
Tiny particles from combustion processes – vehicle exhaust, industrial activities, urban environments, near motorways, indoor air from cooking without ventilation.
Associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung cancer; associations with diabetes and cognitive decline.
5) Heavy Metals (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury)
Naturally occurring elements released via mining, industrial processes, and certain consumer products. Lead in old paint and pipes; cadmium in cigarette smoke and certain foods; mercury in fish.
Associated with neurodevelopmental delays in children (lead), kidney damage and bone effects (cadmium), neuromuscular and cardiovascular concerns (mercury). Even low-level exposure matters, particularly in pregnancy and early childhood.
6) Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in Everyday Goods
A broad category including BPA alternatives (BPS, BPF), certain parabens, and triclosan used in plastics, cosmetics, personal care and consumer products, cleaning products.
Associated with hormone disruption linked to fertility issues, thyroid imbalance, metabolic changes, and potential cancer risk.
7) Perchlorates and Nitrates in Water and Food
Perchlorate from explosives and industrial processes; nitrates from fertilizers and processed foods. Contaminated drinking water, certain leafy greens, processed meats, and water supplies near industrial activity.
Associated with thyroid hormone production, which is critical for metabolism, growth, and development; potential links to neurodevelopmental outcomes, metabolic issues, menstrual changes.
Conclusion
Our environment delivers a mix of chemicals that can accumulate in our bodies over time. While no single exposure guarantees ill health, cumulative and chronic exposure – especially during critical life stages – can raise risk for cancer, metabolic disorders, neurological effects, and fertility challenges.
Practical steps
Pick just one area and work on that. I find most of my clients start with eliminating plastic from plastic water bottles, plastic food storage and food wrapping.
The next logical step is always personal care products with skincare being the easiest to substitute with natural and organic products.
I always offer a free chat to answer questions, as well as understand your priorities in this moment.
If you want to book a FREE chat to discover how you could be maximising your time, gain clarity on your business, eliminate overwhelm and find true work/life balance – send me an email or whatsapp
[email protected] or 07942 477601
Next in person training course
Reflexology (Derby and London)
Book 2 two-day courses and get 15% off with FRIENDS15
Next online course
Unleash the WISDOM of the WOMBSPACE
Early bird discount – book by 31st October and receive £50 off
Thank you for reading this months blog, Seven Environmental Toxins in Our Everyday World — and How They Affect Health. If you would like more information please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Have a lovely day,
Sughra