A List of Toxins for the Aware Parent:

Aluminum – vaccines, antiperspirant, water, toothpaste, pans, aluminum foil, lined juice (i.e. Capri Sun) and lined broth-type box containers.

Arsenic in chicken - Arsenic is a recognized cancer-causing agent and many experts say that no level should be considered safe. Arsenic may also contribute to other life-threatening illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes, and to a decline in mental functioning. It is used to kill parasites and to promote growth. Until 2003, arsenic was used in pressure-treated wood for decks and playground equipment. Human exposure to it has been compounded because the consumption of chicken has exploded. In 1960, each American ate 28 pounds of chicken a year. For 2005, the figure is estimated at about 87 pounds per person. In spite of this threefold rise, the F.D.A. tolerance level for arsenic in chicken of 500 parts per billion, set decades ago, has not been revised. Those at greatest risk from arsenic are small children and people who consume chicken at a higher rate than what is considered average: two ounces per day for a 154-pound person. The good news for consumers is that arsenic-free chicken is more readily available than it has been in the past, as more processors eliminate its use. Tyson Foods, the nation's largest chicken producer, has stopped using arsenic in its chicken feed. In addition, Bell & Evans and Eberly chickens are arsenic-free. There is a growing market in organic chicken and birds labeled "antibiotic-free": neither contains arsenic. View the full report on specific brands and fast food ratings. Arsenic is in treated wood too.

Bisphenol A – Toxic plastic chemicals in canned foods.

BPA is in the lining of Food and drink cans are lined with a BPA-containing plastic. Beverages appear to contain less BPA residues, while canned pasta and soups contain the highest levels. All U.S. manufacturers of infant formula use BPA-based lining on the metal portions of the formula containers.

Try to avoid #7 plastics. Plastics with the recycling labels #1, #2 and #4 on the bottom do not contain BPA. Find baby bottles in glass versions, or those made from the safer plastics including polyamine, polypropylene and polyethylene. Soft or cloudy-colored plastic does not contain BPA.

Excitotoxins – Strong scientific evidence suggests these substances could cause brain damage in children, adolescents and adults; with strong emphasis on children and elderly individuals. They could affect the development of a child's nervous system; resulting in learning and emotional difficulties later in life. It has also been determined that the placental barrier is not an absolute barrier to the passage of excitotoxins; some such as cysteine can easily pass through from mother to child, and damage the developing brain of the baby. Excitotoxins include MSG, Aspartame and all other sugar substitutes, aspartate, Cysteine, cysteic acid. The following are other names for MSG -Monosodium Glutamate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Hydrolyzed Protein; Hydrolyzed Plant Extract, Plant Protein Extract, Sodium Caseinate, Yeast Extract, Texturized Protein, Autolyzed Yeast, Hydrolyzed Oat Flour, Calcium Caseinate. Things that help excitotoxin damage: CoQ10, acetyl-L carnitine, niacinamide, riboflavin, methylcobalamin, and thiamine. Read “Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills” by Russell Blaylock.

Fluoride – Fluoride is a neurotoxin and should not be consumed by children. Is implicated in thyroid disease, bone disease and arthritis. In the scale of toxicity, fluorides fall between arsenic and lead. Visit www.nofluoride.com

Lead – computer monitors must be recycled at a designated safe place. A typical 15-inch computer monitor contains 1.5 pounds of lead. Some larger television sets may contain as much as 15 pounds of lead. Lead pipes or copper pipes with lead soldering, brass alloy faucets.

Mercury in fish – Do not eat Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, or Tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury. Eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury. Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Another commonly eaten fish, albacore ("white") tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna. So, when choosing your two meals of fish and shellfish, you may eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) of albacore tuna per week. Check local advisories about the safety of fish caught by family and friends in your local lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. If no advice is available, eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) per week of fish you catch from local waters, but don't consume any other fish during that week.

Mercury fillings – this is an easy one. Get fillings removed by a mercury-free dentist specially trained to limit the exposure to mercury during removal. Visit this by state listing of specialty dentists.

Mercury in clothing and other products – button-type batteries, dryer sheets, kid’s light-up shoes, energy-saving and florescent lightbulbs, old thermometers, some oil-based paints, pre-1990 latex paints, flame retardants.

Mercury in light bulbs – the new energy-saving light bulbs on the market contain mercury. Called “compact fluorescent light bulbs” or CFLs, you must dispose of them at a facility that accept toxic waste, as it is illegal to merely throw them out with your household trash. Home Depot has started a recycling program for unbroken CFLs.

Mercury in vaccines – Despite repeated statements by many agencies and news outlets, there is still mercury (thimerosal) in a number of pediatric vaccines including all shots that contain the tetanus virus and some flu shots. It is also still present in most all adult vaccines.

Mercury in High Fructose Corn Syrup – Research by the IATP in 2009 shows a significant level of mercury in products that contain HFCS. HFCS is found in sweetened beverages, sodas, breads, cereals, breakfast bars, lunch meats, yogurts, soups and condiments. In making HFCS, caustic soda is used, among other things, to separate corn starch from the corn kernel. For decades, HFCS has been made using mercury-grade caustic soda produced in industrial chlorine (chlor-alkali) plants. The use of mercury cells to produce caustic soda can contaminate caustic soda, and ultimately HFCS, with mercury. Currently, there is no way a consumer can tell where the HFCS (or any other ingredient) in their processed foods came from, or how it was produced so avoiding all products containing HFCS is the safest course of action.

Please be aware that some honey is now being diluted with HFCS because of the bee shortages. Your safest bet is to buy honey only from a local bee grower and remember, real honey will crystallize, honey with HFCS won’t. A label that says “Pure Honey”, “Organic” or “US Honey” doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Mold – Mold can cause debilitating side effects including asthma, allergies, and chronic illness. Have a professional come in and test all levels of your house.

PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) - Fire retardant chemicals are in beds, pajamas, furniture, sofas, televisions and computers.

Sodium lauryl sulfate - a common inactive ingredient in toothpaste as well as shampoos, skin care and bubble baths. Studies report of allergies and outbreak of canker sores with this ingredient.

Sunscreen – watch out for these bad ingredients: Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), Micronized Titanium Dioxide, Nano Titanium Dioxide, Nano Zinc Oxide.

Teflon in carpets, clothes and Pots and pans – no nonstick or aluminum pans – glass, cast iron or stainless only. We're talking about Teflon, Stainmaster, Gore-tex, Silverstone. So if you buy clothing that's coated with Teflon or something else that protects it from dirt and stains, those chemicals can absorb directly through the skin. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, some of the highest C-8 levels were found in children.

Tylenol – use SPARINGLY, as studies have shown that it shuts down the liver which detoxifies metals and poisons.

Contaminated Water – call your local county cooperative extension office (in the blue pages in your phone book) for testing. You are looking for parasites, arsenic, pesticides, lead, nitrate, and coliform bacteria. Well water should be tested every 3 years. Also, check for the rocket fuel contaminant “perchlorate” and organophosphate insecticides.