Thyroid Damagers Found In Household Items
How could I be so stupid!
When I think of home invasion, nonstick chemicals are not the first thing on my list but maybe they should be.
The Journal of Epidemology published a study in 2014 about the connection between ingesting perfluoroctanoic acid (PFOA) and thyroid problems. This study involved over 30,000 people and scientists found that more than ten percent of people who unknowingly ingested PFOA had various thyroid problems.
PFOA is a specific nonstick chemical in a larger group of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). Guess what? These fluoride based chemicals are what make things nonstick and stain resistant!
When ingested, PFCs contaminate our bodies because we can’t easily eliminate them from our system. Various PFCs have been linked not only to thyroid disease, but also cancer, infertility, birth defects, and weakened immune systems.
Thyroid Damagers that are Hiding Around Your House:
Thyroid Damagers: Dental Floss
Well, first of all, check your floss because there could be nonstick chemicals added to it to make it glide more easily between your teeth!
What to do: Choose a floss that’s natural and chemical free.
Thyroid Damagers: Nonstick Pots & Pans
Ever notice how nonstick cookware seems to get scratches and chips in the coating? As a result, those bits of chemicals end up in your meal and enter your digestive system! And, they contain PFOA!
What to do: Consequently, it’s best to use good old cast-iron cookware, and classic enamel, glass, or stainless steel cookware.
Thyroid Damagers: Your Typical Raincoat
Because nonstick chemicals are ideal for repelling water, it’s no surprise that they are used in everyday rain gear. As a result, your boots, umbrellas, and raincoats contain PFOA!.
What to do: To be safe, buy rain gear treated with polyurethane instead of nonstick chemicals. In addition, wax-coated gear made from real rubber is a far safer option.
Thyroid Damagers: Pizza Boxes & Fast-Food Containers
Takeout may be convenient, but think again! Most food containers are probably coated with nonstick chemicals (PFOA) so any grease will not soak through.
What to do: Hence, make sure the fast food establishment uses containers that don’t contain PFOAs, or better yet, do more cooking at home.
Thyroid Damagers: Microwavable Popcorn Bag
For the same reason as fast food takeout, popcorn companies don’t want the grease soaking through their bags and onto your clothes! Those popcorn bags are usually treated with grease-repellent nonstick chemicals (PFOAs) to keep the oily mix inside the bag.
What to do: Want another reason to never eat corn again? It’s probably GMO corn!
Thyroid Damagers: Furniture & Carpeting
Brands like Scotchguard, Teflon, Stainmaster, and others use nonstick chemicals as treatments to repel anything that may spill on upholstered furniture. Seems like a great idea until you realize that the chemicals can actually make you ill.
What to do: When buying furniture, make sure it’s not coated with a nonstick treatment (PFOAs) that repels liquids and prevents stains. For new flooring, install untreated hardwood instead of carpeting, and seal the wood with a safe product like Vermont Natural Coatings.
Thyroid Damagers: Paper Plates
In addition, each year we use approximately 64 billions paper cups and plates. And, most of those plates and cups are probably coated with nonstick chemicals (PFOAs) to prevent liquids from soaking through.
What to do: So, don’t take the chance, simply use regular glasses and plates. Yes, you’ll have to wash them, but, unlike PFOAs, it won’t kill you!
Thyroid Damagers: Your Shampoo or Conditioner
Personal care products may also contain PFOAs! Fortunately, personal care products must have a label that lists the ingredients.
What to do: Therefore, always check the ingredient on the label for item starting with “perfluoro-” and don’t buy it!
Thyroid Damagers: Household Dust
Even doing all that you can to avoid nonstick chemicals, most likely they still wind up in household dust. Since they are used in so many products, it’s no wonder the dust that settles on our furniture may contain PFOAs! In addition, household dust can contain damaging plastic chemicals, BPA, and flame retardants.
What to do: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and regularly vacuum. Also, buy or make homemade nontoxic household cleaners!
