Practices to Reduce Exposure to Environmental Toxins

Written by:

Dr. Erin Hendriks

Board-Certified Physician

Kitchen 

  • Wash fruits and vegetables using a gentle, additive free soap and clean water.
  • Trim fat and skin from animal products to minimize toxins that may accumulate in animal fat.
  • Consider testing your water supply 
  • Invest in a quality water filter 
  • Avoid high temperatures when cooking animal products, and choose methods that allow animal fat to drip away, such as steaming. 
  • Choose glass, stainless steel, or other safe materials for food containers and cookware. 
  • Avoid plastic water bottles and coffee mugs. Opt for glass or stainless steel instead. 
  • Choose glass or ceramic containers for storing food. Avoid using plastic wrap.
  • Avoid nonstick pots and pans. 
  • Use exhaust fans while cooking to reduce indoor air pollutants.

Bedroom 

  • Select organic and natural fiber clothing and bedding to reduce exposure to potential toxins. 
  • Avoid stain-resistant clothing, carpet or furniture. 
  • Consider air purifiers with HEPA filters to help remove indoor pollutants.

Bathroom 

  • Choose fragrance-free personal care products. 
  • Choose eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. 
  • Select products that have been certified by safety groups such as MADE SAFE or The Environmental Working Group. 

Workplace 

  •  Use protective equipment and follow safety guidelines to prevent inhalation or skin contact.

Grocery Store

  • Choose seasonal, local produce. Organic if possible. Avoid non-organic produce on the EWG “Dirty Dozen” list. 
  • When possible, select products with a “glyphosate residue free” certification.
  • Avoid eating large, predatory fish. 
  • Opt for purchasing pantry items in glass containers whenever possible, and if not possible choose BPA-free canned foods. 
  • Skip the receipt or request your receipt be emailed. 

Outdoor Space 

  • Remove shoes when entering the home.
  • Avoid using pesticides or herbicides on your lawn or garden.  When necessary, opt for homemade pesticides using natural ingredients.
  • Stay informed about local air quality by regularly checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) through reliable sources such as government websites or monitoring apps.
  •  Reduce your time spent outdoors when air quality is poor, especially during peak pollution hours, often midday and early evening.

Written by:

Dr. Erin Hendriks

Board-Certified Physician