This week May 6th to 12th marks
Chemical Sensitivity week.
The NSW department of health reports that 2.1% of children and 2.9% of adults have been diagnosed
Those are big statistics for a condition that many people are unaware exists!
People with a chemical sensitivity can suffer from a range
of symptoms that are often unexplained such as headaches, fatigue, asthma,
sinusitis, nausea, dry or sore eyes, joint pain, rashes and poor cognition or
memory problems. The most common chemical culprits include pesticides, exhaust
fumes, perfumes, fragrances, air freshener, washing powders, chlorine,
plastics, rubber, cleaning products, paints and cigarette smoke.
While some of these environmental pollutants cannot always be avoided, there are many we can control. This highlights yet another reason why we should be aiming to use chemical free household and personal care products where possible. This is an important step to take for both yourself and family, but perhaps we should be thinking about how we are effecting other people we come into contact with as well. I have had patients who cannot catch public transport or take a job in an open plan office environment due to their chemical sensitivities. This has a hugely debilitating effect on their life.
While some of these environmental pollutants cannot always be avoided, there are many we can control. This highlights yet another reason why we should be aiming to use chemical free household and personal care products where possible. This is an important step to take for both yourself and family, but perhaps we should be thinking about how we are effecting other people we come into contact with as well. I have had patients who cannot catch public transport or take a job in an open plan office environment due to their chemical sensitivities. This has a hugely debilitating effect on their life.
Think about just how many different chemicals you may have
been exposed to via beauty products by the time you leave the house in the
morning- soap, body wash, face wash, toothpaste, shampoo, condition,
moisturizer, perfume, deodorant and make-up. I challenge you to check the
ingredients list of your products next time you are getting ready for the day
and see just how many chemicals you are being exposed to each day.
It is a similar story with cleaning products - there is an
abundance of chemicals found in everyday household products that we are exposed
to every day.
Start with small changes. As your products run out, switch
to a chemical free and natural alternative. Always check the ingredients label
as often products labelled ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ are not chemical free.
Eventually your house will be full of safe and friendly products!
Eventually your house will be full of safe and friendly products!
No comments:
Post a Comment