Natural Solutions May Issue Illustrates 'Cocktail Effect' of Everyday Toxins; Offers Tips to Reduce ...( BOULDER Colo. May 8 /- Regular da...),Health

BOULDER, Colo., May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Regular daily activities can expose us to hundreds of toxins -- in the air we breathe as well as the common body care and household products we use. Toxicologists assert that these toxins interact with each other when they're combined in the body and have named this synergy the "cocktail effect." A variety of illnesses, including cancer and internal organ damage, can result.

The May issue of Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living, on newsstands now, provides the background on the most harmful chemicals we encounter, how they may affect our health, and tips to reduce our risk of illness.

"Between environmental pollution and the chemicals in the beauty and household products we use every day, our bodies have to process a lot of toxins," says Editor-in-Chief Linda Sparrowe. "Changing our buying habits is the first step toward cleansing our overloaded systems."

Here are the four chemicals profiled in the article, "Toxic (Over) Load," and ways to avoid them:

-- Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) -- found in jackets, carpet, furniture, and

personal care products. PFCs cause liver, pancreatic, testicular, and

mammary-gland tumors in lab animals. Avoid products labeled "stain

resistant" or containing "fluoro" and "perfluoro."

-- Phthalates -- found in personal care products, phthalates are absorbed

into the skin and stored in fat tissue. Male fetuses and infants risk

abnormal testicular development. Switch to phthalate-free natural or

organic personal care products for adults and babies.

-- Triclosan -- an ingredient in antibacterial soaps and detergents that

emits chloroform gas when combined with chlorinated water and can cause

liver and kidney damage. Avoid antibacterial products.

-- Benzene -- a petrochemical found in tobacco smoke, gasoline, exhaust,

and industrial emissions. Long-term e
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