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Health News Archive 110 - Environmental Pollution
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90% of Americans Carry Toxic Chemicals in their Bodies

The third National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, issued in July 2005, shows that most people in the U.S., and especially children, carry a dangerous mixture of chemicals in their bodies. Nevertheless, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), authors of the report, issued a press release focusing on progress made in 2 of the 148 areas tested -- and most media looked no further than the optimistic press release.

The CDC sampled the blood and urine of thousands of subjects across the country for 148 environmental chemicals. The study found a significant decline since previous reports in exposure to secondhand smoke and lead levels in children's blood.

Despite the positive headlines, however, the study documented the presence in humans of dozens of pesticides and toxic compounds used in consumer products. Among the findings:

• About 1 in 18 women of child­bearing age have levels of mercury at or above the safe level set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

• More than 1 in 20 Americans carry dangerous levels of cadmium, primarily from exposure to tobacco smoke. Recent studies link cadmium to kidney injury and low bone mineral density.

• Chlorpyrifos, a pesticide that damages the nervous system, was found in more than half the samples, and was more highly concentrated in children ages 6 to 11. Primary exposure occurs through food.

• Phthalates -- chemicals used in fragrances, cosmetics, and soft plastics, which affect hormonal and genital development in fetuses and infants were concentrated more highly in children's bodies. They were found at four times EPA's safe level.  In recent animal tests, and in one recent study of human babies, some of the compounds have been shown to alter male reproductive organs or to feminize hormones.

• Organochlorides such as DDT, which have been banned for decades, were found in the blood of subjects. These pesticides can be passed from mother to child in the womb and through breastfeeding.

Body Burden

This study is the latest indication that all of us carry a "body burden" caused by widespread chemical use in our society.  It shows the need for careful choices of organic agriculture and alternative pest controls. The constant, chronic exposure to toxics from the time we are in the womb, is a major cause of chronic illness, including cancer, birth defects or abnormal development, brain or nervous system damage, hormonal and reproductive imbalances, and impaired immunity, to name just a few.  There are not a lot of long-term studies on humans to prove the level of damage, so scientists at the CDC are not able to gauge the health threat that comes from chronic exposure.

Individuals should consider taking advantage of organic products available in health food stores, and herbs and nutrients that support detoxification of the liver, the main organ of detoxification, as well as immunity. Supplements to consider include chlorella for detoxification, silymarin from milk thistle for liver support, N-acetyl cysteine, folic acid, reishi and shiitake mushrooms, and turmeric for immune support. A healthy lifestyle and appropriate supplementation can offer some protection from societal pollution.

Of the most fundamental supplements for general health, My Recommendations include Yaeyama Chlorella for detoxification.

Sources: Third National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, 2005, available at www.cdc.gov. Los Angeles Times, 7/22/05. A Brief Companion to CDC's 2005 National Exposure Report, Physicians for Social Responsibility, www.psr.org. Pesticide Action Network, www.panna.org.