Clean up the Environment

Reducing the number of toxic substances in the home is a positive move for all the family. Toxins are all around us; unfortunately we can't avoid them all but we can make an impact by limiting known expsoures.

The most important thing is to become aware of the issue. It's all totally overwhelming to start with, so do what you can now and work on dealing with the rest in the future. I would personally put drinking water at the top of my action plan:-

Water

Toxin: Chlorine, which destroys 'good' bacteria in the gut. Lead, copper and other heavy metals from pipes, solder or supply.

Garden

Toxin: Pressure treated timber and some bark chippings contain large amounts of Arsenic. Old paintwork may contain Lead, some hosepipes contain Lead to help keep the plastic supple, always run the hose into a drain before using on the garden to remove any water sitting for extended periods in the pipe.

Mattresses, Carpets, Soft Furnishings

Toxin Antimony and Arsenic (both toxic heavy metals) are used in fire retardents. Details on how to wrap a mattress to reduce antimony exposure

Cleaning materials and consumables

Toxin: Chemical ingredients. Get rid of air freshners - they emit phenolic fumes which use up sulphur and glutathione as th ebody detoxes them - our kids of short of this in the first place. Avoid strong perfumes, paint your nails in the garden!!

Cooking Pans and Crockery

Toxin:Teflon can emit fumes, aluminium, copper and iron pans can leech toxic metals into food. Lead is used in some glazes for crockery.

Old Paintwork (including previously painted but stripped wood)

Toxin: Lead

Vaccines: Make sure you child has no further vaccinations that contain the preservative Thimerosal (Mercury)

Dental Work: Make sure your child does not have any amalgam, 'silver', fillings placed. White composites can be used if necessary. Silver fillings are made with Mercury and other toxic metals.

This list is in no way exhaustive. We are working on expanding the information and providing resources for solutions and alternatives. We have found some links (though not used them all, so unable to comment on products) for further information, which can be found on the Links page in the Safety & Security section.