WHAT TOXINS AM I EXPOSED TO?

When it comes to getting rid of the harmful toxins in your body, it helps to know what you are exposed to every day as well as where these toxins are coming from and where can find them. It is amazing but you can find many of these toxins in things that you would not even think had them in there. So I am using the first section to identify these toxins and what they can do to you.  

This list only contains the more widely known chemicals and additives that can be found in your body and the foods that they are found in. There are thousands more in use but it is a good start. Many of the chemicals listed below are suspected or known carcinogens, toxins, hormone disruptors, poisons and contaminates; so you will want to know what they are. I’ve listed them in alphabetical order to make them easier to spot.

Acesulfame K
this is a common sugar substitute that is found in pudding, chewing gum, non-dairy creamers, instant coffee mixes, tea mixes and gelatin desserts. It is know that these may increase cancer in people.

Acetone
this is also known as Dimethylketone, 2-Propanone, Beta-Ketopropane. When you inhale this in moderate to high amounts, even for a short time, it can result in entry of acetone into bloodstream where it is carried to all of the rest of your organs. What this can do is be a nose, throat, lung and eye irritant, headaches, confusion, increased pulse rate, effects on blood, nausea, vomiting and unconsciousness, and even a coma. This also shortens the menstrual cycle in women. The long term effects include kidney, liver and nerve damage, increased birth defects, metabolic changes and coma. This is commonly found in nail polish remover.

Acetaldehyde
this can be found in many nail care products like polish. It is commonly known to cause cancers in people.

Alcohol
we all know what this is. This had been known to have something to do with oral cancer. Commonly this is found in mouthwash, astringent, toothpaste, cleansers.

Alkyl-phenol Ethoxylades
this can actually reduce sperm count. Found in shampoo and bubble bath.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid
this actually destroys skin cells and leaves skin more susceptible to damage from the environment, pollution and it causes skin cancer. This actually ends up aging skin whereas it advertises that it makes skin look and feel younger. Found in anti-aging facial creams and lotions.

Aluminum
this causes central nervous system damage and it has recently been linked to Alzheimers. Found in antiperspirant deodorants.

Ammonium Glycolate
this is what is called a photosensitizer and has the potential to increase risk of sunburn and skin cancer by intensifying UV exposures in deep skin layers. This can start an immune system response that includes itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin. This can also alters the skins’ structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, which will cause the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream to increase. Found in most body products like lotions etc.

Ammonium Persulfate
This is most often found in hair color and bleaching kits and can cause your immune system response that can include itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin, lung problems and can start asthma attacks or other problems with the lungs and other airway passages.

This is an immune system toxin, respiratory toxicant, skin or sense organ toxicant, that has been deemed toxic in one or more studie(s).

Aspartame
this is commonly found in sugar substitutes. People who are affected by this often report dizziness, headaches and even seizures. Scientists believe it can alter behavior due to altered brain function. Long term effects are still unknown. Found as a sweetener in foods and some body products, such as shaving gel and diet sodas.

Bentonite (Clay)
this can suffocate skin: does not allow CO2 out or O2 in. Traps toxins. Found in soaps, facial masks and cosmetics.

Benzene
when you inhale high levels of this it can cause headaches, rapid heart rate, tremors, confusion, unconsciousness and death. Hodgkin’s and Lymphomas result from inhalation. This is found in such things as detergents, drugs, pesticides and adhesives.

Benzoic Acid
when you inhale this stuff it mostly affects your nervous system and it is also relatively toxic. It is also a severe eye and skin irritant. This is used as a food preservative and is found in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics as well as canned goods.

Benzoic / Benzyl / Benzene
this actually contains popular carcinogens, and an endocrine disruptor, which may cause birth defects. Found in shower gels, shampoos, bubble bath.

BHA – BHT
This substance is actually banned in other countries, because these two preservatives are considered carcinogenic but they still remain in U.S. manufactured foods that contain oil as they retard rancidity. You find this in canned foods and body products.

Bronopol
this substance may break down into formaldehyde, and it may form carcinogenic nitrosamines. This is found in many different body products.

Butylparaben
this substance poses a potential breast cancer risk and offers an endocrine disruptor which can cause infertility or development problem, as well as an increased risk for certain types of cancers, itching burning and blistering of skin. This is also found in body products.

Carboxymethylcellulose
This can usually be found in cosmetics, and human inhalation and could cause chemical pneumonitis.

Coal Tar Dyes  
these can cause severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, headaches, nausea, fatigue, lack of concentration, nervousness, increased risk of Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. You find this mostly in bubble bath, hair dye, dandruff shampoo, toothpaste and foods.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine
this stuff can cause, itching, burning and blistering of skin. It is synthesized from coconuts; this chemical is found in body products and may be labeled natural or organic.

Coumarin
this used to be the most active ingredient in rat poison. It is a carcinogenic ingredient that is used in the manufacturing of deodorants, shampoos, skin fresheners and everyday perfumes.

D&C Yellow 11
This substance is found in: Lip gloss, polish remover, nail polish, bath oil/salts/soak, body spray, mositurizer, lipstick, styling gel/lotion, bar soap, after sun products, cologne, nail treatment and eye products.

DEA: Diethanolamine
this is a chemical that is usually used as a wetting or thickening agent in shampoos, soaps, hairsprays and sunscreens, and it blocks absorption of the nutrient choline, which is essential to brain development in a fetus.

Ethylacrylate
This substance is found in some mascara’s and it is also suspect as a cause of cancer in people.

Hydroabietyl Alcohol
This substance is found in styling gel/lotions. It is considered unsafe for use in cosmetics.

TEA: Tea, Triethanolamine
Very common but can result in tremors, nausea, heart palpitations and nervousness

NDEA
This forms when DEA reacts with nitrosating agents or the actual addition of nitrite as a preservative. Since it is impossible to trace, it is imperative to avoid all products containing DEA as it is a known carcinogen. Often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt.

TEA
This can cause allergic reactions including eye problems, dry hair and skin, and could be toxic if it is absorbed into the body over a long period of time. Repeated applications to the skin of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer also. This chemical is mostly found in shampoos, skin cream, bubble bath, shaving gel, conditioner, and lotions.

Diacetyl
this is an additive that tastes like butter but it causes a serious lung condition called bronchiolitis obliterans. This is mostly found in foods, like microwave popcorn.

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
This is a chemical that is used to keep nail polish from chipping, and it has been connected to long-term fertility issues in newborn boys.

Dimethicone
This is a silicone type of emollient which coats the skin and prevents toxins from getting out! It can also promote tumors and accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes. Found in lotions and creams.

Disodium EDTA
This is particularly harmful if it is swallowed or inhaled, and it causes irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Found in cosmetics.

Elastin
Suffocates skin by not allowing moisture in or out. Found in facial creams and body lotions.


Fluoride
with fluoride, you have to be careful because this may contain lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic. How it works is that it accumulates in body and contributes to bone disease. It is a carcinogenic that is found in toothpastes.

Formaldehyde
this substance is actually a carcinogen and neurotoxin that can be fatal if it is swallowed, absorbed through skin, or inhaled. It can cause spasms, edema, chemical pneumonitis and is particularly hard on tissue of the mucous membrane, this chemical is found in many of the common nail care products that u find today. It is known to cause cancers in people. But it is not just relegated to nails stuff, it is also found in baby shampoo, bubble bath, deodorants, perfume, cologne, hair dye, mouthwash, toothpaste, and hair spray.

Fragrances (Synthetic)
Some perfumes out there today contain hundreds of toxic chemicals in them. Some, such as methylene chloride are carcinogenic. Some of these are so harmful to people that they cause brain damage or are neurotoxins.

Glycolic Acid
This is what is known as a penetration enhancer that actually alters your basic skin structure, and it allows the other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, which will allow other harmful toxins to reach the bloodstream, skin or sense organs. It can cause itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin. It is a toxicant, neurotoxin, kidney toxicant, gastrointestinal or liver toxicant that is found in creams, lotions, and cosmetics.

GMO/Genetically Modified Organism
These are plants, animals or foods that have been genetically modified, genetically created or changed in some way. You have to eat foods like corn, soy, and tomatoes etc. GMO food is not labeled this way in the U.S. Almost all other countries have banned the use of GMO in food and body products due to insufficient testing.

High Fructose Corn Syrup/HFCS
High consumption of fructose has be viewed as a leading factor in heart disease. It raises blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. It makes blood cells more prone to clotting, and it may also speed up the aging process.

Hydrogenated/Partially Hydrogenated Oils
Hydrogenated oils contain very high levels of trans fats. Trans fats are poisonous like arsenic. Partially hydrogenated oils will kill you in the long term by producing diseases like multiple sclerosis and many of the allergies that lead to arthritis.

Hydroquinone
This is a severely toxic and very powerful chemical. It is found in skin lightening products and hair dyes, this chemical alters the skins natural structure inhibiting the production of Melanin. Without natural protection, the skin is more susceptible to skin cancer caused by sun exposure.

Hydroxymethylcellulose
This is used in cosmetics and inhalation could cause chemical pneumonitis.

Isobutylparaben
this poses a potential breast cancer risk. Itching, burning and blistering of skin. Found in body products.

Isopropyl Alcohol
This is moderately toxic chemical causing flushing, pulse rate decrease, blood pressure lowering, anesthesia, narcosis, headache, dizziness, mental depression, drowsiness, hallucinations, distorted perceptions, respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting and coma.

Kajoic Acid
this is a chemical that inhibits melanin production. It is used in skin lightening products, and it damages the skin and makes it more susceptible to cancer.

Kaolin (Clay)
Suffocates and weakens skin. Found in face powders and cosmetics.

Lacquer
this actually can cause eyelashes to fall out. Found in mascara.

Lanolin
While lanolin itself is good for the skin, it may contain carcinogenic pesticides such as DDT, lindane, dieldrin and other neurotoxins. This can cause rashes, and is found in body products.

Lye
this can dry and damage skin. Found in bars of soap.

Magnesium Stearate  
this substance may contain phosphatidyl choline which collapses cell membranes and selectively kills T-Cells which breaks down the immune system. This is also an execeptant that is used to bind medicinal pills and make them smooth it is also used in pharmaceuticals, foods, talcum powder, ammunition, and as a drying agent in paints.

Methylisothiazoline, or MIT
used frequently this causes neurological damage. Found in shampoo.
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Mineral Oil
this additive clogs pores, locks in toxins, suffocates and dries skin and inhibits your skins natural oil production and increases dehydration. Causes testicular tumors in the fetus, deposits accumulate in the lymph nodes and prevent absorption of vitamin A from the intestines. This is found in blush, baby oil, lotions, foundation and creams.

Monosodium Glutamate/MSG
MSG is an excitotoxin, which causes nerve damage and allergic reactions and is foiund in many foods.
 
Neotame
Neotame is actually a reformulated from of aspartame. Neotame also contains aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and a methyl esther. It can cause brain lesions and neuroendocrine disorders. People who are sensitive to processed free glutamic acid (MSG) often have the same problems with aspartame, and people who are sensitive to aspartame experience similar reactions to MSG. this substance is found in soft drinks, Prescription drugs, and basically all processed foods.

Nitrate – Nitrite
While nitrate on its own is harmless; it can easily be changed to nitrite. When nitrite combines with secondary amines, it forms nitrosamines: which are extremely powerful cancer-causing chemicals. The chemical reaction occurs most readily at the high temperatures of frying. Nitrite has long been suspected as being a cause of stomach cancer.

Nitrosamines
this is a very powerful, cancer-causing chemicals formed at high temperatures when the nitrite combines with secondary amines.

Olestra
While this is actually fat-free, this additive has a fatal side effect to it: in that it attaches to valuable nutrients and flushes them out of the body. Olestra is what replaces fats in ‘fat-free’ foods.

Paraffin
this is a potential carcinogen that can be found in cosmetics and food.

PEG Stearates
this might be contaminated with chemicals that are linked to cancer or other significant health problems. You find it in cosmetics, creams and foods.

PEG
This may contain ¼-dioxane which is a possible carcinogen, estrogen mimic and endocrine disruptor. It can only be removed from a product through vacuum stripping during processing. This is often ound in foods and body products.

PEG-12 Distearate
this substance may contain harmful impurities or form toxic breakdown products that have been linked to cancer or other significant health problems. Found in creams, lotions, cosmetics and foods.

PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate
this substance may contain harmful impurities or even create its own toxic breakdown products linked to cancer or other significant health problems, gastrointestinal or liver toxicity hazards. Found in cosmetics, creams, lotions and foods.

Petroleum 
this actually suffocates skin and traps toxins in the body, clogs pores. It is found in lotions, skin creams, and body jelly.

Phenoxyethanol
this substance has been known to show a possible connection to reproductive or developmental harm to fetus, it also has a potential for reduced fertility, and is classified as toxic and an irritant, potential risks to wildlife and environment through excretion of body product toxins and disposal of cosmetics.

Phthalates
this has been proven to cause damage to liver, lungs, kidneys and reproductive system, especially forming testes. This is also found in vinyl flooring, plastic wallpaper, and children’s toys. It actually accumulates in body. Found in perfume, hair spray, deodorant, nail polish, hair gel, mousse, body and hand lotion. It will not be listed on the label though.

Polyethylene Glycol /PEG
this is relatively toxic, and it is an eye irritant and possible carcinogen. Many glycols cause severe acidosis, central nervous system damage and congestion. Can cause convulsions, and even mutations. Found in cosmetics, body products, foods, lotions.

Polypropylene
this is a possible carcinogen. Found in lipstick, mascara, baby soap, eye shadow.

Polyquaternium-7
this substance may contain harmful impurities and even form toxic breakdown products that are linked to cancer or other significant health problems. It is found in body products.

Potassium Bromate
this is an additive that increases the volume and crumb of bread, and is considered carcinogenic.

Propylene Glycol
this actually causes kidney damage, liver abnormalities, inhibits skin cell growth, damages cell membranes causing rashes, surface damage and dry skin.
It gets absorbed into blood stream and travels to all organs. Many glycols produce severe acidosis, central nervous system damage and congestion. This can actually can cause convulsions, mutations, and surface EEG changes. It is derived from petroleum products. Information about propylene glycol warns against contact with eyes, skin and clothing. It also says inhalation can cause irritation of nasal passages, ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It is found in shaving gel, lotions, shampoo, conditioners, foods, deodorant.

Propylparaben
this substance can cause a potential breast cancer risk and endocrine disruptor which affects and causes impaired fertility or development, and increased risk for certain cancers, itching burning and blistering of skin, gastrointestinal or liver toxicity hazard. It is poisonous and moderately toxic. Found in body products.

Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60 etc.
This is very toxic, and causes skin rashes and allergic reactions. There is some proof that it can be related to multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other cancers. Found in body products.

Sodium Chloride
This is nothing more than table salt in it basic form. It causes eye irritation, some hair loss, and dry and itchy skin. Found in shampoo and is used as a thickener.

Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
this can be contaminated with or breaking down into chemicals linked to cancer or other significant health problems. It is most often found in facial moisturizer, facial cleanser, facial treatments, skin fading and lightening products, anti-aging products, eye makeup remover, concealer, makeup remover, around eye cream, acne treatment, shampoo, conditioner, styling lotion and gel, styling mousse and foam, hair spray, and even hair relaxer.

Sodium Nitrite
This is what causes meat to look red rather than gray, and gives meat an overly long shelf life of months. It is clinically proven to cause leukemia, brain tumors and other forms of cancer.

Soy
this popular substitute for dairy contains several naturally occurring compounds that are toxic to humans and animals. Soy foods block calcium and can cause vitamin D deficiencies. Almost all soy foods contain MSG in them, which cause neurological problems.

Soy products inhibit thyroid function, which may lead to fatigue and mental issues. Infants who are on soy formula are vulnerable to developing autoimmune thyroid disease when they are exposed to high amounts of isoflavones over time. These Isoflavones have been found to have serious side effects for people, including infertility, thyroid disease or liver disease.

SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate)
this substance basically builds up in heart, lungs, brain and liver from skin contact and may cause damage to them. It actually corrodes hair follicles and may cause hair to fall out. It also damages immune system. This is a detergent derived from coconut oil and may be labeled natural or even organic. Found in toothpaste, soap, shampoo, body wash, bubble bath, facial cleansers.

SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate)
Ether mixtures may contain carcinogenic nitrosamines. This may cause hair loss when it is applied to scalp. Found in shampoo, toothpaste, bubble bath, body wash, soap.

Stearalkonium Chloride
this is toxic and causes allergic reactions and is used in hair conditioners.

Sulfites
Can cause reactions if you are an asthmatic, and lead to death. Sulphites are now banned on all foods except raw potatoes, wine and dried fruit.

Talc
this is a cCarcinogenic when inhaled, may result in fallopian tube fibrosis. Found in blush, condoms, baby powder, feminine powders, foot and body powders.

Toluene
this is actually poisonous to humans. It causes hallucinations, bone marrow changes, may cause liver and kidney damage and birth defects, endocrine disruptor and potential carcinogen that has been linked to brain cancer. It irritates respiratory tract. Found in nail polish and cleaning products.

Triclosan
this substance is found in a lot of antibacterial soaps and toothpaste products, it can react with chlorine in the tap water to create Chloroform. This is a toxic chemical that can give you cancer. When you wash your hands with antibacterial soap that contains Triclosan, you are getting the fumes emitted from this chemical reaction.

Zinc Stearate
this is a carcinogen that is found in blush and powder foundation


Whew! As you can see many of your every day products and food that you eat can give you a toxic reaction that can cause many problems and even death! It is for this reason that you really need to be able to detox your system.