Every day, subtle exposures to various substances occur without our awareness. Unfortunately, this is a widespread phenomenon happening globally.
I invite you to explore each aspect of this topic with me. By the end, you'll gain practical insights into verifying the information and understanding your own exposure levels. Rest assured, all information provided here is based on credible facts, with evidence available within the content.
Let's begin by examining each ingredient carefully to understand its origin and significance.
The norm for these chemicals is "0". None of these compounds should be in the blood at all!
Tolerable - This level indicates that certain organisms can manage the substance without adverse effects.
Borderline - At this point, the body's capacity to handle the substance is nearing its limit.
High - This level signifies a significant degree of poisoning in the body, potentially leading to illness.
Very high - At this stage, there's a critical level of poisoning in the body, greatly increasing the risk of disease.
While it may appear humorous at first glance, there lies a profound truth beneath the surface. Blood donations for chemical compound analysis aren't covered by health insurance, perhaps to prevent the revelation of this truth.
LIFE
I've labeled this category "life" because these toxic substances infiltrate our bodies through our daily lifestyle. Virtually everyone is exposed to them, as they are present in a wide array of everyday items, including cosmetics.
2. Triclosan
Triclosan, sometimes abbreviated as TCS, serves as an antibacterial and antifungal agent found in various consumer products such as toothpaste, soaps, detergents, toys, and surgical cleaning treatments. Its function and mechanism of action closely resemble that of triclocarban. However, debates persist regarding its effectiveness as an antimicrobial agent, the risk of antimicrobial resistance, and its potential impact on hormonal development.
Humans come into contact with triclosan through skin absorption during activities like handwashing, showering, tooth brushing, using mouthwash, or washing dishes. Additionally, ingestion can occur when triclosan is swallowed. Once released into the environment, further exposure may occur through consuming plants grown in soil treated with sewage sludge or consuming fish exposed to triclosan.
A study by Monica Mendez et al., cited in an article by the American Society of Agronomy, demonstrated that watering plants with triclosan-containing water resulted in the chemical being detected in all edible parts of tomato and onion plants months later. Triclosan exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, raising concerns among researchers regarding its potential impact on beneficial soil bacteria.
Triclosan was not approved by the European Commission for use as an active substance in biocidal products in January 2016. In the United States, products containing triclosan must disclose its presence on the label. In Europe, triclosan is regulated as a cosmetic preservative and must be listed on the label. The EU commission restricted the use of triclosan in cosmetic products in 2014.
I won't elaborate further; we ingest Triclosan daily.
Now the poisoning has crossed the tolerance threshold.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triclosan#cite_note-19 and https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methacryls%C3%A4uremethylester
4. Bisphenol-A(BPA)
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic synthetic compound represented by the chemical formula (CH3)2C(C6H4OH).
Plastic derived from BPA is transparent, durable, and resistant to flames. It finds extensive use in various industries, including electronics (such as housing for electrical components), construction (for windows), automotive (in headlight covers), and data storage.
Am I eating bottles for breakfast? I think not!
However, in 2017, the European Chemicals Agency determined that BPA should be classified as a substance of very high concern due to its characteristics as an endocrine disruptor.
In July 2019, the European Union affirmed a ruling by the European Chemicals Agency to designate BPA as a substance of very high concern, marking the initial phase in the process of imposing restrictions on its usage. The decision stems from concerns regarding BPA's toxicity in relation to human reproduction.
It seems like I'm either eating or drinking from plastic bottles! Take a look around—if you're not directly or indirectly consuming anything from a plastic bottle, such as cooking oil, at least once a day.
Now the toxicity is high.
8. Aluminium
Aluminum, found in various forms like phosphates and silicates, is present in many plants and fruits. This happens as plants absorb dissolved aluminum compounds from the soil through rainwater, especially in acidic soils caused by acid rain, leading to increased absorption. This can contribute to forest damage as well.
A considerable portion of the world's soil is chemically acidic. When the soil pH drops below 5.0, aluminum ions (Al3+) are taken up by plant roots, impacting the growth of fine roots and causing stress in plants intolerant to aluminum. This affects numerous enzymes and signal-transmitting proteins, though the complete consequences of this poisoning are not fully understood yet. In acidic soils containing metals, aluminum ions (Al3+) pose the most significant potential for harm. Research on the model plant Arabidopsis has uncovered mechanisms that enhance aluminum tolerance, and tolerant varieties have been identified in cultivated plants.
Acid rain, like that experienced in Sweden during the 1960s, acidified lakes and increased the dissolution of aluminum ions (Al3+), leading to the death of sensitive fish. This correlation was also observed in Norway during a research project in the 1970s.
Estimates suggest that cooking or storing food in aluminum utensils or foil can result in an additional intake of up to 3.5 mg/day/person (excluding acidic foods). However, considerably higher intake levels can occur with acidic foods like sauerkraut or tomatoes due to acid solubility. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) advises against preparing and storing especially acidic and salty foods in uncoated aluminum containers or foil. High levels of pollution can occur when acidic or salty dishes containing lemon or other sour ingredients are cooked in aluminum containers or foils at high temperatures for extended periods.
It's estimated that adults in Europe consume between 1.6 and 13 mg of aluminum daily through their diet, varying due to different eating habits and the aluminum content in food, which can differ even within a country. Infants fed with ready-made food may have a blood aluminum concentration of 15 μg/l, but the potential health effects are unknown.
Aluminum, designated as E 173, is permitted as a coloring agent in sugar confectionery coatings and as decoration for cakes and biscuits. It's also approved for coloring drugs and cosmetics. Investigations have found aluminum in pretzels from bakeries, likely from the use of aluminum sheets in their production.
While beer is often transported in aluminum barrels without issue, aluminum hasn't become a common material for transporting wine. Prolonged contact with wine can lead to defects in smell and taste or cloudiness, particularly when exposed to air.
Aluminum isn't an essential trace element, and its toxicity depends on the amount consumed. Normal blood aluminum levels are considered to be around 10 µg/l, while levels exceeding 60 µg/l indicate excessive exposure and levels above 200 µg/l are deemed toxic.
In individuals with impaired kidney function or undergoing dialysis, aluminum intake can lead to conditions such as progressive encephalopathy, osteoporosis, and anomie due to the destruction of brain cells and other effects. This was observed in long-term hemodialysis patients in the 1970s, referred to as "Dialysis Encephalopathy Syndrome."
Aluminum's health effects are particularly scrutinized concerning its inclusion in deodorants, antiperspirants, and food additives.Because of its widespread presence, there is a significant possibility of it entering the body.
Now the poisoning has reached the tolerance threshold.
9. Arsenic
Arsenic, with the chemical symbol As and atomic number 33, is a chemical element found in the 4th period and the 5th main group of the periodic table, also known as the nitrogen group. It is primarily found in nature as sulphides and exhibits properties of both metals and non-metals.
Commonly referred to as "murder poison" colloquially, arsenic compounds have been known since ancient times. These compounds can act as mutagenic clastogens, causing chromosomal aberrations and potentially leading to carcinogenic effects.
Arsenic is used in various industries, including viticulture and timber, as a pesticide and fungicide respectively. It is also employed as a wood preservative, rat poison, and decolorizing agent in glass production. However, its toxic and carcinogenic properties make its use controversial.
In the field of electronics, arsenic is utilized in gallium arsenide semiconductors, which are crucial components in high-frequency devices like integrated circuits, LEDs, and laser diodes. High-purity arsenic, with a minimum of 99.9999 percent purity, is essential for the production of these semiconductors.
Arsenic poisoning can occur both acutely and chronically, with the fatal dose varying among individuals. While it plays a vital role in certain industrial applications, arsenic's toxicity warrants careful consideration and regulation of its use.
I haven't identified a potential source that could account for such a high level of arsenic in my body. Perhaps it was used as a pesticide somewhere... Out of curiosity, I included it in the list of elements tested as a potentially significant toxin.
Now the poisoning has reached the tolerance threshold.
20. Polyethylene-terephthalate-glycol(PET-G)
Polyethylene terephthalate glycol, commonly referred to as PETG or PET-G, is a type of thermoplastic polyester renowned for its remarkable chemical resistance, durability, and versatility in manufacturing processes. PETG is essentially an enhanced version of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), with the addition of glycol at a molecular level. This glycol modification imbues PETG with distinct chemical properties. While both PET and PETG share the same monomers, PETG offers superior strength, durability, impact resistance, and tolerance to higher temperatures compared to traditional PET.
Most commonly recognized in the form of PET bottles, PETG is a variant of PET that has been modified with glycol. One of its distinguishing features is its exceptionally high transparency and low viscosity.
Due to its low forming temperatures, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) is easily shaped through vacuum and pressure forming or heat bending, making it highly sought after for various consumer and commercial applications. These characteristics also render it one of the most commonly used materials for 3D printing and other heat-forming processes. Additionally, PETG is well-suited for techniques such as bending, die cutting, and routing.
An interesting historical note involves glycols, which gained notoriety in 1985 following the glycol wine scandal. Due to its sweet aftertaste (from the ancient Greek word "glykýs" meaning "sweet"), various wine producers used diethylene glycol to "enhance" their wines, despite it being prohibited. This practice endangered consumer health, as diethylene glycol can be harmful, with a lethal dose estimated at around 1.4 ml per kg of body weight. Diethylene glycol can produce effects similar to ethanol and is metabolized in the body to neurotoxic and nephrotoxic substances, such as glycolic acid and oxalic acid, which can lead to kidney failure.
I didn't come across any information regarding toxicity in the body, but let's revisit the earlier discussion about drinking bottles. It's clear that plastic isn't a natural ingredient meant to be in the body—it's essentially poison.
Now the level of poisoning is significant—severe poisoning.