If you have been or are being exposed to Toxic Mold, eliminating sources of other toxins in your environment is critical for your body to have the break it needs to begin to detox mycotoxins. From our infancy, even in utero, we are exposed to chemicals and toxins in our
environment through building materials, furniture/synthetic carpeting, paint, fragrances, cleaning and beauty products. Depending on your genetic make-up ( see MTHFR) and other factors, you may not be able to detoxify as easily as others. These toxins may be stored up in your body to deal with later when it has the resources to allot to this task. In any case, exposure to the contaminates can affect your health in negative ways. Toxic Mold keeps your immune system consumed and weakened.
Cleaning products in our homes are a major source of the toxic substances that we come in contact with and breathe. It is overwhelming to think about the amount of toxins we are exposing ourselves to on a daily basis in the everyday products we use to keep our homes and bodies clean. Cleaning products can release an abundance of chemicals into the air, including ones linked to asthma, developmental harm and cancer.
We want our laundry to smell fresh and clean but at what cost? Some products claim the freshness will last up to 12 weeks! In studies of rodents exposed to certain phthalates, high doses have been shown to change hormone levels and cause birth defects. Unfortunately, you will very rarely see phthalates listed on a product label. Luckily, there are clues. The word “fragrance” or “parfum” on a label almost always means phthalates. What you want to see are claims like: “no synthetic fragrance” or “scented with only essential oils” or “phthalate-free.” And always use only natural air fresheners.
It is so important to reduce or eliminate additional toxins when dealing with toxic mold to give your body a break from the bombardment of toxins. An app that our team has found helpful in determining safe products for home and beauty is Think Dirty. This app was created by the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization with the goal of “empowering people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. With breakthrough research and education, we drive consumer choice and civic action.” This app is a database of products and allows you to scan a barcode or search the product’s name and gives you a score on how safe the products are. You can begin by scanning your current products to see how they measure up. Then take it with you while you are out shopping to give you real-time data on product choices.
About the Author
Emily Rachal is co-owner of Texas Mold Inspectors, (or TMI), along with her husband, in the Houston, TX area. After her family’s devastating experience that not only injured her whole family, but also resulted in the loss of their youngest son Malachi, she and her husband have dedicated their lives to now educating and assisting families affected by toxic mold with their state-licensed mold inspection company.
Emily is the founder and owner of MAM. Additionally, she has recently started a non-profit organization in the name of her youngest son, called Malachi’s Message Foundation, to aid in financial support and offer hope to families who feel isolated and are unable to afford all the complex obstacles of overcoming a toxic mold exposure.