1 of 9

Holding a Cell
Phone to Your Ear
1. Last year, the World Health Organization (WHO)/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) issued a report admitting cell phones might indeed cause cancer, classifying radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Class 2B). The classification came in part in response to research showing wireless telephone use increases the risk for brain cancer.
Choosing a Shower Curtain Made Out
of PVC
1. PVC shower curtains are a significant source of exposure to chemicals known as phthalates—one of a group of "gender-bending" chemicals causing males of all species to become more female. These chemicals have disrupted the endocrine systems of wildlife, and scientists believe phthalates are responsible for similar patterns in humans as well. Phthalates have been linked to polycystic ovary disease, disturbed lactation, early or delayed puberty, undescended testicles and other birth defects of the sexual organs, enlarged prostate, and numerous hormonal disruptions.
Microwaving in Plastic
1. Plastics contain a slew of hormone-mimicking, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, like bisphenol-A (BPA), which is linked to cancer, premature puberty, heart disease and more. Even under normal conditions, such as drinking out of a plastic bottle, they can leach into your food and beverages. But heating them accelerates the process, releasing a larger amount of the dangerous chemicals into whatever you're warming up. Anytime you're microwaving anything, use a glass or ceramic container (and don't cover it in plastic wrap, either). Better yet, ditch your microwave entirely and use an oven or toaster oven when you need to reheat your food.
Flea and Tick Collars
1. Flea and tick collars are not only toxic to your pet, they also expose you to pesticides when you play with your dog or cat. Children are particularly at risk, and may be exposed to pesticide residues at levels up to 1,000 times higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's acceptable levels, posing a risk of cancer and damage to the neurological system. The residues can remain on your pets' fur for weeks.
Running Your Humidifier
1. The moist, warm environment of a humidifier is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which travel out of the unit via a "toxic mist" that you later breathe in. Research has shown that breathing in dirty mist from humidifiers can lead to lung problems, including infection, and humidifier use is actually associated with an increased risk of developing asthma in children. Keep in mind, also, that too much moisture in your air increases the development of mold, which is a toxin you don't want to be breathing in on a daily basis.
Antibacterial Soap and Fluoride Toothpaste
1. Washing your hands is your number one protection against the acquisition and spread of infectious disease. But you do not need to use antimicrobial soap to get the job done. Antibacterial soap containing triclosan do not provide any additional benefit compared with a non-antibacterial soap. Triclosan, the active ingredient in most antibacterial soap and even in some toothpastes, not only kills bacteria, it also has been shown to kill human cells and act as an endocrine disrupter; contributing to the creation of hardier, more resistant bacterial strains.
X-Ray Airport Scanners
1. Backscatter X-ray scanners expose your body to ionizing radiation, which causes cumulative DNA damage that can lead to cancer. Because the scanners' X-ray beams are concentrated on your skin, not distributed throughout the volume of your entire body, there is concern that the dose to your skin could be dangerously high.
Colon Cleansing
1. You need good growth of bacteria in your gut for proper digestion and voiding of waste. If you eat a healthy diet, which includes plenty of raw and fermented vegetables, your colon should be very healthy, and will naturally self-clean. Colon cleanses (colonics) can cause complications, including infection from bacteria that is introduced into the colon, or accidental punctures made during the procedure, which would require surgery to fix and can be very serious.
Ready-Made Canned Infant Formula —
Especially Soy Infant Formula
1. Pre-mixed liquid formulas are typically packaged in cans that are lined with BPA, and this is actually one of the foods most likely to be contaminated with this developmental toxin. Some of the greatest concern surrounds early-life exposure to BPA, which can lead to chromosomal errors in the developing fetus, triggering spontaneous miscarriages and genetic damage. It's also important to avoid giving your child soy infant formula, as the high concentrations of manganese it contains can lead to brain damage in infants and altered behaviors in adolescents.