Reduce Your Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Longtime health educator and advocate Regan Nelson ’02 is the host of the Clean & Green Living podcast, which guides listeners on lifestyle changes to minimize exposure to toxic chemicals.
THE PROBLEM
The chemical industry has grown substantially in recent decades, with countless new compounds created each year. “Chemicals are really everywhere,” Nelson says. “We’re using more health and beauty products. We’re wearing synthetic clothing. We’re exposed to chemicals in nearly every room of our home. And plastics are part of our convenience lifestyle.”
WHO’S IN CHARGE?
Oversight has failed to keep pace with the proliferation of potentially harmful products. The Modernization of Cosmetic Regulation Act of 2022, for example, was the first significant update of FDA oversight of cosmetics since 1938.
A TRUSTWORTHY RESOURCE
The nonprofit, science-driven Environmental Working Group is one of Nelson’s favorite resources. “They’re all about education and advocacy,” she says.
YOU CAN LOOK IT UP
EWG’s “Skin Deep” database evaluates more than 102,000 skin and beauty products and assigns a hazard rating and data availability rating. Its annual “Dirty Dozen” list highlights the 12 fruits and vegetables most contaminated with pesticides, while its annual “Clean 15” list identifies the 15 fruits with the lowest pesticide residues.
WHERE TO START
“You’ll never live a completely toxin-free life, so focus on small changes that can make a big difference,” Nelson advises. Begin with products you use most frequently and swap them out one at a time. “Start by buying products without ‘fragrance’ on the ingredient list. Fragrance is not one ingredient but up to 300 that companies don’t have to disclose, because their formula is a trade secret.” Fragrance can include harmful chemicals like phthalates, which are linked to obesity and Type 2 diabetes, and formaldehyde, which can be highly toxic. “But there’s no way for consumers to know they’re there,” Nelson says, “since they’re not listed on the label."
