12 persistent toxic chemicals

In everyday life we are never exposed to one chemical at a time, we are exposed to a vast chemical cocktail. Persistent, toxic, bio-accumulation result in a toxic body burden which could lead to toxic problems such as chronic illnesses and development abnormalities. PBT chemicals are known to be persistent, toxic and bio accumulative in nature.

 12 persistent chemicals that are strictly regulated under the stockholm convention (a united nation global treaty).

• PCBs are found at elevated levels in oily fish at high concentrations in the blood of people who eat more oily fish than in the blood of others tested in the same sample.
• Dioxins
• Furans
• Aldrin
• Dieldrin
• DDT
• Endrin
• Chlordane
• Hexachlorobenzene (HCB)
• Mirex
• Toxaphene
• Heptachlor.

 POPs are persistent organic pollutants; that are persistent, toxic, bio-accumulative and extremely hazardous. Examples are BFRs (Brominated Flame Retardants), PBTs.

Pesticides such as DDT, industrial chemicals like PCBs, by-products of industrial processes such as dioxins and furans can travel through water, air to regions far away from their source and can cross boundaries of geographical generations.

Avoid products made using any of the above chemicals, they are considered extremely harmful and carcinogenic.


 Onyinye A

Toxic stuff in our food part 3

BHA, BHTBHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydrozyttoluene) are preservatives used in foods to prevent oxidation. They are used in fats and oils to stop them from becoming rancid.These preservatives are found in such common foods as chewing gum, cereals, potato chips, and various vegetable oils. It may be a contributing factor that can cause cancer and tumor.

Propyl Gallate

Propyl gallate is another preservative-often used together with BHA and BHT. It can be found in some meat products, chicken soup base, and chewing gum. Animal studies have linked propyl gallate to cancer.

Acesulfame-K

Acesulfame-K is an artificial sweetener which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998 for use in soft drinks. Its use has gone beyond soft drinks to baked goods, chewing gum, and gelatin desserts.

Acesulfame-K is 200 times sweeter than sugar. Rat studies show that this artificial sweetener may carcinogenic.

Food Colorings: Blue 1,2; Red 3; Green 3; Yellow 6

Animal testing has linked all of these commonly used colorings to cancer. Blue 1 and 2 can be found in beverages, candy, baked goods, and pet food.

Red 3 is used to dye cherries, and can be found in fruit cocktail, candy, and baked products. Laboratory studies have shown that red 3 causes thyroid tumors in rats.

Green 3 has been linked to bladder cancer; it is used in candy and beverages. Yellow 6 has been linked to tumors of the adrenal gland and kidney. It is used in beverages, sausage, gelatin, candy, and baked goods.

Olestra

Known by the brand name Olean, olestra is a synthetic fat. It prevents the body from absorbing fat. Olestra is used in some brands of potato chips.

While stopping the absorption of fat, olestra often leads to severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and gas. Besides the severe abdominal discomfort, olestra prevents vitamin absorption from fat-soluble carotenoids found in fruits and vegetables.

Potassium Bromate

Potassium bromate is used to increase the volume in white flour, breads, and rolls. It is known to cause cancer in animals. Even a small amount potassium bromate can be risky for humans.