Modern society has provided us with many comforts, conveniences and technology but it all comes with a price.  Toxic heavy metals and chemicals released into our environment are slowly and quietly accumulating in our bodies.  Every year the United States releases 4 billion pounds of toxic chemicals into our natural world, from a list of 80,000 various compounds.  Most of these toxic substances are in small undetectable amounts released in our air, soil, water, food, cleaning products, personal care items, plastics and building materials.  These deadly toxic substances include aluminium, lead, arsenic, mercury, VOCs, PCBs, dioxins, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, phtyalates, fluoride, chlorine, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.  They are slowly but surely accumulating in our bodies, accelerating the aging-process and undermining our health, creating undesirable symptoms, diseases and illnesses.

Recent studies indicate that most people have accumulated somewhere between 400-800 dangerous toxic substances, which are mostly stored in the fat-tissue of the body.  Fat-soluble toxins can also be stored in the brain and around vital organs, such as the heart and liver.  Many of them are zenobiotics, which are known to disrupt the endocrine system and cause cancer.  Other toxins damage delicate DNA and the reproductive system.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released its latest assessment of the chemicals people are carrying around in their bodies.
The bio-monitoring study is the most comprehensive in the world, measuring 212 chemicals in the blood and urine of 8,000 Americans. The CDC highlighted a few chemicals because they are both wide-spread  and found in all or most of the people tested and are known to be potentially harmful.

Here is the list released by the CDC and some tips on how to avoid them:

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers

PBDE’s or "flame retardants" are used abundantly in various products to reduce fire risk. They accumulate in human fat cells.  Studies suggest they may harm your liver, kidneys and neurological system. Some states have restricted the use of certain kinds of PBDEs, however avoiding them is difficult because the chemicals are integrated into so many products.

Bisphenol A

BPA, is found in most plastics.  The list includes the lining of cans, water bottles, storage containers, plastic bags, frozen and fresh food packaging and even coating many sales receipts.  BPA was found in more than 90 percent of Americans tested. The health concerns about BPA are many and increasing, including hormone disruption.  BPA-free products are becoming more available, however it can be difficult to find them unless you do research ahead of time.

PFOA

PFOA and other perfluorinated chemicals are used to create heat-resistant and non-stick coatings on cookware. They provide a grease and stain-resistant surface for clothing. Studies on PFOA have linked these chemicals to several health problems including infertility and developmental and reproductive problems in lab animals.  Avoid using cookware with these types of surface area and purchase clothes that have not been treated with stain-resistance chemicals.

Acrylamide

This substance is formed when carbohydrates are cooked at very high temperatures.  Acrylamide and its metabolites are extremely common in the Standard American Diet, including most fast-food and processed snacks.  Studies show that Acrylamide is a carcinogenic and has shown to cause neurological problems in lab animals. Choose and prepare your food wisely.

Mercury

The main source of mercury is amalgams from cavity fillings and contaminated fish.  Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can cause psychological, neurological, enzymatic and immunological problems.  Mercury poisoning can cause permanent brain damage if young children or fetuses are exposed.  Other illnesses that mercury toxicity has been linked to includes autism, autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, cancers, heart disease, endocrine problems and emotional and behavioral disorders.  Mercury accumulates in the body and is difficult to remove, however zeolite has been known to effectively act as a chelating agent.  Tuna and swordfish are two of the most contaminated fish known so I recommend avoiding them, if possible.  Talk to your dentist about alternatives to mercury fillings.