Are cancer-causing chemicals lurking in your toothpaste and soaps?

A chemical that has been linked to cancer cell growth is being used by millions of Americans in toothpaste every day. It’s called triclosan, and it is an FDA-approved antibacterial ingredient. Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antibacterial antifungal agent that is added to many cosmetics and personal care products, including some toothpastes, soaps and cosmetics. But should you be worried?

Protect yourself against brain toxins

Almost everyone has heard the phrase “mad as a hatter,” but most people don’t know that it originated in 18th century England when hatters exposed to mercury salts literally went “mad” from the toxicity. Three centuries later, toxins in our homes and environment continue to be a threat to healthy brain function.

Can’t we all just detox?

Boxes containing body “cleanses” adorn the shelves at every health food store. They contain everything from fiber to green tea to milk thistle. They promise to make you feel like a new person by coaxing all the toxins out of your body into your bowel movement or urine.

Toxins making you fat?

You have probably heard “toxins are "bad,” "toxins will cause cancer" or "toxins could be the reason for your hair loss.” But did you know toxins can cause weight gain? Yes, toxins (harmful chemicals and heavy metals in water, air, food, and household and industrial products) may very well be a cause for America’s obesity epidemic, not excess calories.

Are your tampons toxic?

The tampon was first patented in 1931 by Dr. Earle Haas, who sought to find an alternative form of period protection for his ballerina wife. At that time, tampons were purely made from cotton. However, the ever-increasing need for more absorbency in a smaller package has led companies to use harmful materials to meet the demand.

Know the facts on mercury to reduce your exposure

Many of us are old enough to remember mercury thermometers. The silvery liquid slid beguilingly up and down the thermometer, telling mom whether you were faking your sudden test-day illness or not. But mercury thermometers soon disappeared from existence — the incidents of broken glass and exposure to a toxic metal made their use too dangerous. However, mercury is still all around us and in our bodies, and it’s not a good thing.