Toxic solvents create that new car smell and can linger in a vehicle and cause problems for up to six months. If you have allergies or chemical sensitivities and you get a new car, know that you may suffer with these symptoms more during the first few months after your purchase.
If you buy a new piece of furniture, it’s likely laced with fungicides and nanotechnology. It may also have a smell, which is due to the high-level of solvents typically found in new fabrics. Even if the furniture doesn’t smell, solvents are still usually present. Due to the toxic nature of the solvents, simply sitting on a new piece of furniture could slow down someone’s healing.
Whenever you purchase new clothes, blankets, towels, quilts, or other bedding, wash them before you wear them. Many of these new pieces have been saturated with formaldehyde, fungicide, and other toxic chemicals. Avoid traditional dry cleaners as well, as the toxic chemicals used at these places can hinder healing.
Diesel exhaust contains tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs. Incomplete combustion of diesel fuel creates harmful substances that stick to the particles in the exhaust and are carried into the lungs.
“These substances are organic chemicals found in diesel, which include PAHs, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. But there are many different substances — a cocktail — in the mix of chemicals in diesel exhaust.”
Perfumes and Colognes
Perfumes and colognes should be avoided whenever possible. Chemical compounds used in perfumes and colognes have the same chemical compound construction as particular pesticides and herbicides.
Perfumes and colognes are so toxic that simply breathing in the cologne or perfume of another colleague at work on a daily basis can set your healing back slightly.
If you’re hesitant to give up your perfume or cologne, switch to some high-quality essential oils. Essential oils can give you a wonderful fragrance without exposing you to toxins.
Air Fresheners
Plug-in air fresheners, like perfumes and colognes, possess the same chemical compound construction as certain pesticides and herbicides. Remove and toss any plug-in air fresheners or sprays. Air fresheners are so harmful that moving into a place where air fresheners were once used can actually slow down someone’s healing for a period of time.
Resilience and Adaptation
Remember that even though we’re being bombarded with environmental toxins wherever we live and wherever we go, our bodies are incredibly resilient. Even if you lower the level of heavy metals in your body by a small margin, or slightly decrease your viral load, it’s likely your body will noticeably reward you for your efforts. (Learn more about how viral load is relevant and responsible for many chronic health issues in Thyroid Healing). Your body has a God-given, miraculous ability to adapt once it’s given the right foods, supplements, and care.
When it comes to battling environmental toxins, some of which can be seen (like black mold), and some of which go unseen (like the dangerous furans that come from burning highly toxic plastic), it’s important to be gentle with yourself and patient with your healing journey. Hold onto the fact that your body is not letting you down and is doing everything it can to fight against these factors.
Protecting Yourself
Here are a few simple tips to help protect yourself and your loved ones:
Organic
Choose organic produce when possible. If you eat animal products, stick to antibiotic-free, grass-fed meats and free-range chicken.