The 3 Toxin Classifications

Almost all toxins fall into one of three classifications.  When a client hires me for a Healthy Home consultation, we look at their family history and determine which category to begin with for the reducing stage.  Although some toxins fall into more than one category, we focus on the top priority and go from there.  So, what are the three classifications.

The three classifications are carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and allergens.

Carcinogens

Carcinogens are either known or suspected to cause or exacerbate cancer.  Not all are ingredients.  Some products may be carcinogenic due to the manufacturing process or through reactions between products.  Obviously, that's hard to know, so we focus on actual carcinogenic ingredients.  Examples are talc sodium lauryl sulfate, and PEGs.

Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine disruptors (or EDCs) are known or suspected to mimic or change the way our hormones function.  They cause adverse effects at much lower doses than other toxins and repeat exposure is what is harmful.  This is the largest, yet easiest, category to begin with.  Some examples include parabens and phthalates. 

Allergens

Allergens are chemicals that make asthma or allergy symptoms worse.  They rarely are the cause but definitely exacerbate the symptoms.  The biggest example is in the ingredient "fragrance".  When "fragrance" or "parfum" is listed in an ingredient list, it is used as a catch-all term for what has been considered by manufacturers to be "trade secret" and literally any ingredient can be a part of the "fragrance" make up without disclosure.  Talk about a great way to deceive the public!

So there you have it!  Choose a category and begin your purge.  Or hire me and let me help!