We live in a chemical world; in our everyday activities we typically digest, absorb and inhale many chemicals. Where are these chemicals found? What is the toxic burden of these chemicals on us and the development of our babies? Sarah shares her research on toxins in our bodies and the impacts they may have on us and our family.
Q1. What is the Body Burden and what did your study cover?
When we talk about the “body burden” we are really looking at the overload of toxins in the body or simply, the level of toxicity in the body. Our study specifically looked at the level of toxins or chemicals that were found in the blood of the placenta and umbilical cord after birth.
Q2. What were the major findings of the study?
We found on average 200 chemicals in the placenta and the umbilical cord. These included waste chemicals, chemicals related to consumer products such as cleaning and beauty products, and even Industrial chemicals that had been banned for over 30 years.
Q3. What were some of the major chemicals discovered?
We talk about many in the associated video but a couple were PCBs that you find in the likes of electrical tape, Teflon from non-stick fry pans, BPAs that exist in plastics and tin cans, and phalates that are often used in perfumes to make the perfume last or stick for a long time.
Q4. What are the impacts of these chemicals?
A number of the chemicals found were endocrine disruptors that have a dramatic impact on your and your children’s hormones and may lead to cancer. Others have an impact on your sex drive and reproductive organs.
Q5. What are some of the key lessons?
There were a number of lessons and we talk about these in the video. If I was to offer a key three, these would be:
- We need to remember that our biggest organ is the skin and what we put on the screen is absorbed so much faster in the body than what we eat.
- Read your labels. As a rule of thumb, if the label is hard to understand it most likely contains a number of synthetic elements and therefore chemicals.
- Just because it says organic or natural does not mean that the whole product is. Take the time to look a little closer. Do not assume that the labeling laws protect you, they don’t.
Q6. Where do I get more information?
View Dr Sarah Lantz’s ambassador profile and listing on ChemFreeCom.com for books and speaking opportunities.