The 10 Worst Household Toxins And How To Keep Your Family Safe

Dr. Taketa-Wong uses her unique medical and scientific expertise to educate the community about going beyond keeping our homes clean. In this event, learn how to protect your family from mercury, arsenic, lead, mold/mildew, and BPA. The next five is in the following blog post.

Mercury: This dangerous toxin is typically found in large fish, silver fillings, and fluorescent light bulbs, including compact ones. Mercury can cause harm to the nervous, digestive, and immune systems as well as the lungs and kidneys. It can be fatal.

Arsenic: Found in some shellfish, rice, some fruit juices, certain seaweeds, and drinking water. Here in Hawaii, there is still arsenic in the soil from the pesticides and herbicides in areas where sugar and pineapple were grown. Arsenic in the human body can cause joint pain, fatigue, hyperactivity, memory loss, and more.

Lead: Lead mostly comes from paint used prior to 1978, when the federal government banned it. Older dwellings often have lead paint. Lead is linked to fetal abnormalities in babies and developmental delays.

Mold and mildew: Both are types of fungi and both are toxins that are more widespread than most people realize. Symptoms include itchy, red watery eyes, sneezing, chronic headaches, memory loss, body aches and pains. Even changes in mood can be caused by mold and mildew.

BPA: This chemical is frequently found in can liners, plastic bottles and other plastics, and cash register receipts. Health effects: cancer, heart problems, and possible risks for obesity, diabetes, and ADHD.