By learning to identify where and how chemicals enter our bodies, we can reduce what we are exposed to and protect our health. Chemicals can be found in air, soil, dust, water, and food.
TOXIC EXPOSURES
Chemicals are all around us in the environment.
Some synthetic chemicals, such as medicines, are beneficial. But not all chemicals in use today have been tested for safety, and the health effects of some chemicals are just starting to be understood by scientists. Some chemicals, even when we are exposed to very small amounts, have been associated with health problems that are not immediate or obvious, such as learning difficulties, ADHD, fertility problems, diabetes, and cancer. And the potential effects when multiple chemicals combine in the body are even less understood.
Dig Deeper.
By learning to identify where and how chemicals enter our bodies, we can reduce what we are exposed to and protect our health. Chemicals can be found in air, soil, dust, water, and food.
Air
As you breathe, chemicals can enter your body and cause irritation or disruption of your cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, and other body systems.
Soil
Chemicals in soil can enter your body through your mouth, nose, or skin. Chemicals in soil can also get in to water, dust, and food.
Dust
Household dust is a mix of dead skin and hair, soil, plus bits of fibres and chemicals breaking down from your possessions. Dust can enter your body through your mouth or nose.
Water
Municipal water systems in Canada are required to test the water regularly for many chemicals. If you have a private water source (well, spring, etc.), you may be unaware of what is in your water.
Food
It is important to recognize that just because a food product is on the grocery store shelf does not mean that it is good for you or that you should eat it.
Consumer Products
Depending on where our consumer products are made, and the source of the materials of which they are composed, products can be more, or less healthy both for humans and the environment on which we depend.
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The Foundation for Resilient Health is a project of the New Brunswick Lung Association, a registered charity with over 80 years of trusted health services in our community.