Everyday Sources of Toxic Exposure | Heavy Metals, Mold & PFAS
Everyday Sources of Toxic Exposure: Heavy Metals, Mold, PFAS, Phthalates & VOCs
Understanding where exposures come from and what they can do in the body is so important. Toxins are part of our reality. We've been exposed since we were in the womb and have been exposed every day after that.
So let's take a closer look at some of these toxins, where they can be found, and what effects they can have on the human body.
Heavy Metals
Lead
Sources: Old paint and household dust, contaminated soil, older plumbing, some imported spices and cosmetics, certain ceramics, and occupational exposures.
Can affect: The nervous system, kidneys, blood, and cardiovascular system.
Possible effects: Fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain, cognitive problems, memory and concentration difficulties, and neurological effects.
Mercury
Sources: Large predatory fish such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and some tuna; dental amalgams and occupational exposure.
Can affect: Primarily the nervous system and kidneys.
Possible effects: Tremors, sensory changes, memory and concentration problems, mood changes, and weakness.
Arsenic
Sources: Contaminated groundwater, rice and rice products, some pesticides, pressure-treated wood, and certain industrial exposures.
Can affect: The cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, as well as the skin.
Possible effects: Gastrointestinal symptoms, skin changes, numbness or tingling, and cardiovascular effects.
Cadmium
Sources: Cigarette smoke, contaminated food or soil, batteries, pigments, and industrial exposure.
Can affect: The kidneys, bones, and lungs.
Possible effects: Kidney damage, effects on bone health, and respiratory problems with significant exposure.
Mold
Sources: Water-damaged buildings, flooding, leaks, damp basements, HVAC systems, and building materials that remain damp for prolonged periods.
Exposure: Mold spores, fragments, and microbial volatile organic compounds.
Can affect: Primarily the respiratory system and can trigger allergic and inflammatory responses.
Possible effects: Nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, and worsening of asthma or allergies.
PFAS
PFAS are a large group of chemicals used for their resistance to water, oil, heat, and stains.
Sources: Some non-stick cookware, stain-resistant materials, certain food packaging, textiles, and contaminated drinking water.
Can affect: PFAS exposure has been associated with effects involving the immune system, liver, cholesterol, and thyroid. Some PFAS are also associated with certain cancers and reproductive and developmental effects.
Possible effects: There isn't one specific “PFAS symptom.” Health effects depend on the particular PFAS, exposure level, and duration of exposure.
Phthalates
Sources: Some plastics, fragrances, cosmetics, personal-care products, and other consumer products.
Can affect: The endocrine and reproductive systems.
Possible effects: Certain phthalates can interfere with hormone signaling and have been associated with reproductive and developmental effects.
VOCs — Volatile Organic Compounds
Sources: Paints, solvents, adhesives, fragrances, cleaning products, furnishings, and building materials.
Can affect: Primarily the respiratory and nervous systems, depending on the chemical and exposure level.
Possible effects: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, eye/nose/throat irritation, and respiratory symptoms.
Why Exposure Matters
And the reality is YES, our body can process toxins, but in this day and age, there is simply too much for it to keep up with. They end up being passed from one organ system to the next, never fully being eliminated, leaving the body overburdened and unable to function as it was intended to.
THAT is when symptoms start.
This is why understanding your potential sources of exposure matters. It's not only about asking what you can do to eliminate toxins from the body. It's also about looking at where those exposures are coming from in the first place and what you can do to reduce your ongoing exposure.
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