The Fact is: We Are Surrounded by Chemicals.
In the UK, almost everything we do, everywhere we go and every substance we interact with imparts some synthetic chemical to our bodies, many of which we are unaware of, and have little opportunity to avoid.
Many of these exposures are relatively new - life even in the 1950's exposed us to far fewer manufactured substances than we encounter today.
I concede that we can't do much about some of them, short of living in the Outer Hebrides, surviving only on foods which we grow or forage ourselves, and clothed only in natural and naturally produced fibres (and that, whilst a stunning lifestyle choice for some, can be a bit limiting!). Chemicals are all around us and here to stay.
No-one knows the effects of these chemicals - they haven't been around long enough, and just as previous generations had no idea of the subsequent effect of asbestos on the lungs, or CFC's on the atmosphere, we have no way to tell what effect the vast majority of these chemicals are having on us, either short term, or for the long-term constant exposure which we are all subject to.
Ever buy a bottle of water whilst out and about? Plastic bottles are known now to release BPA (Bisphenol A) - a carcinogen. The American singer Sheryl Crowe publicly attributed her breast cancer to water bottles a few years ago.
Despite the difficulties of avoiding potentially harmful products, awareness is key, and by being aware, we open the opportunity to make informed choices which can make a real difference to our overall exposure.
I'm not suggesting you walk around in a gas mask or sleep in an oxygen tent à la Michael Jackson, but I am suggesting you think about what you could change and at least be aware of the issues.
Here's a brief list of the worst offenders: I'm sure you can think of many more.
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