Absorbed Toxins

Toxic household chemicals can be ingested by inhalation or by absorption through the skin. By simply cleaning the shower or bath you are exposing yourself to harmful fumes. The active ingredients in common household cleaning products may be absorbed through the skin. Dishwashing detergents can leave harmful residues on your pots and pans that are potentially dangerous to your body. Dishes, cutlery and glasses are also areas of concern.

Did you know... commercial liquid dish soap is the leading source of poisoning in children under the age of six years old? This is likely due to them being comprised of ingredients such as formaldehyde, chlorine, toluene, xylene, methyl, ethyl ketone and n-hexane and ammonia. Children who play on the floor and toddlers who naturally put things in their mouths are also at risk from residues from floor and other household cleaners that contain harmful additives such as; pesticides, asbestos, formaldehyde and asbestos.

Accidental exposure and consumption of cleaning products will claim the lives of over 40,000 children in America this year. Childhood cancer has increased over 26% since the end of World War II. Not surprisingly this is when companies began to introduce new and improved, "cleaner-brighter" products containing chemicals that were initially produced for warfare and are to this day remain untested for safety.

Pregnant women expose not only themselves but their unborn child to a host of toxins in many common products such as:

• window cleaners
• air fresheners
• carpet cleaning solutions
• bleach
• common household bathroom and kitchen cleansers

While in the womb the development of the child is most vulnerable. Avoid using chemicals when at all possible and keep exposure to a minimum while you are pregnant.

Household cleaning products can also put adults with chronic and symptomatic illnesses at risk.

Alarming fact... the number of people with asthma has increased over 40% during the past 15 years - mostly in women. This is likely due to women being more frequently exposed to cleaning products than men.

When you consider that exposure and absorption of toxic chemicals occurs slowly the detrimental effects may not be immediately apparent; the effects are cumulative and synergistic. Most people don't realize the cause of their conditions. A statement released by the American Cancer Society lists headaches, asthma, nausea, sinus irritations, rashes and dry skin conditions, along with various cancers, Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's among the list of conditions that may be caused by exposure to common household cleaning products. Once diagnosed, we pile on more toxins in the form of prescription drugs and medication to treat the symptoms we have developed.

The human body is not designed to eliminate the overwhelming amounts of chemicals to which we are exposed. These harmful toxins are stored in the body wreaking havoc by straining vital organs, breaking down our immune system and causing a huge variety of symptoms and disease. Keeping up with frequent body cleansing will assist the body in eliminating harmful toxins and help to keep your body functioning at optimal levels... it's a universal goal!

Read more about toxins in cosmetics, shampoos, toothpaste, hand soap and lotions in the next issue of Cleansing Matters.