May 9th, 2009 @ 7:21 pm
Wow. Someone “tweeted” today about a simulateously fascinating and frightening article. Apparently two noted environmentalists from Canada decided to really test out their theories regarding chemicals and toxins that we exposed to everyday in our homes. In their book Slow Death by Rubber Duck: How the Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Life Affects Our Health, Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie wrote about seven substances that showed up in high levels in the blood and urine of volunteers.
They decided to prove their point by literally immersing themselves in these substances and testing their blood both before and after the exposure. The results were disturbing.
As a couple of examples, Smith – who typically uses unscented products – used highly scented products for 2 days (shampoos, shaving cream, lotions etc.). The levels of one of the most common phthalates – monoethyl phthalate or MEP – went up 22 times in those two days!
He also checked his Bisphenol A (BPA) levels before spending 2 days eating only canned foods that he heated in plastic in the microwave. His BPA level was 7 times higher than two days before.
I know there are chemists and plastics industry people and lobbyists and all kinds of people that will deny that this is an issue. But really – this stuff hasn’t been tested. We have no idea what the effects of long term exposure to these and other chemicals are/will be.
Take a few minutes and check out the interview with these two men and see why they are so dedicated to getting the word out. From tuna to plastic baby toys to non-stick pans – you’ll get the scoop about why they are so concerned. And why we should be too!
