Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie are co-authors of Slow Death by Rubber Duck and Executive Director and President, respectively, of Environmental Defence.



There's certainly no escape from pollution. And though it's true that some of the most serious toxins these days come from the hidden ingredients in consumer products in our homes, there are things we can all do to cut down on how many damaging chemicals we come into contact with every day. The good news is we don't all have to live in a bubble.

Here are 10 simple ways to detoxify, as described in our book Slow Death by Rubber Duck:

1. Eat organic: Non-organic fruits and vegetables are grown with pesticides that can cause cancer and neurological disorders, as well as damage to our immune and reproductive systems. Best to avoid pesticides whenever you can, particularly in dairy products and on your fruits and vegetables. Can't eat organic? Wash all produce and eat a variety of foods so you're not exposed to the same pesticide repeatedly.

2. Avoid phthalates: Phthalates (pronounced tha-lates) are found in PVC plastic and a range of personal care products. They're strange chemicals because they both keep plastic things pliable (making them the number one pollutant in your standard rubber duck) and carry scent well (meaning they're the basis of many products with a strong artificial fragrance). It's best to get rid of phthalates if you can because they mimic human hormones and harm children. We found that levels of phthalates increased by as much as 22 times after Rick used common, brand name personal care products. Simple ways to avoid phthalates include getting rid of your vinyl shower curtain, refraining from the use of synthetic air fresheners, and choosing unscented body care products whenever possible.




3. Say 'no' to non-stick and stain repellants: These types of chemicals are on furniture, carpets, clothing, non-stick frying pans and even fast food wrappers. Known as perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), they are linked to cancer and can mimic human hormones affecting how the bodies and brains of children develop. To avoid these chemicals, don't buy the latest 'stain repellent' pants or shirts, replace your non-stick frying pan with stainless steel or iron, and pop your popcorn the old fashioned way (microwave popcorn bags are coated in PFCs).

4. Get gardening: Growing your own food means you can avoid pesticides, and have great-tasting veggies. Start by growing fresh herbs; it's easy to do and requires little space.

5. Dump the toxic flame retardants: These chemicals are linked to cancer, impaired brain development and a host of other health problems. Called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) or simply "brominated flame retardants," they are in furniture, mattresses, curtains, carpets, and electronics. To avoid them, use natural fibres, such as wool, hemp, and cotton. Lots of electronics companies are phasing out PBDEs and using safer alternatives, so ask stores or manufacturers to identify PBDE-free products for you.

6. Eat some fish in moderation: Fish is generally good for you, but levels of mercury increased by 2.5 times after Bruce ate tuna. Mercury is a known neurotoxin which harms the development of children. Mercury builds up in certain fish, so smaller fish are safer to eat than big fish. Follow Health Canada's guidelines for how much fish to safely eat. If you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant avoid all tuna, shark, and swordfish.

7. Make friends with germs: As flu specialists keep reminding us, the best way to stay healthy is to wash your hands with soap and water. Our fear of germs has led to an explosion of antibacterial products, from soaps to toothpaste. There are two types of antibacterial products, those with alcohol and those with triclosan. Alcohol is fine but triclosan weakens the immune system and is suspected of causing cancer. Its overuse can also lead to the creation of "superbugs." We found that levels of triclosan increased in Rick by an astounding 2,900 times just through the use of anti-bacterial soaps and other personal care products. So read the labels and avoid products with triclosan.

8. Get rid of bisphenol A (BPA): Why? BPA mimics estrogen, and has been linked to a host of health problems from breast cancer to diabetes. Rick's level s of BPA increased 7.5 times after eating canned foods out of a microwavable, polycarbonate plastic container. Don't use any polycarbonate plastic containers, including baby bottles, re-usable sports bottles or microwaveable containers. Polycarbonate plastic is the kind that is hard, and nearly impossible to squeeze or break. BPA also lines canned food, so choose fresh or frozen food when you can. And never microwave your food in plastic!

9. Use some elbow grease: Household cleaning products have a toxic mix of chemicals that often go unlabelled, but are linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer. The homemade concoctions our grandparents used are just as effective, are safer, and cost less. So before reaching under the sink, consider making your own cleaners using simple household ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, vegetable oil, and lemon juice. Add a little elbow grease, and that kitchen sink will be shining in no time.

10. Become an active consumer: Companies that add these chemicals to their products are very sensitive to consumer demand. So read the labels, ask store staff questions or call the 1 800 number listed on products and find out what is in them. At the end of the day government action is often needed to keep products safe, so raise these issues with your elected officials.

Click here to read an excerpt of Slow Death by Rubber Duck and find out more about the self-testing Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie did with toxic products.