Do you ever feel like your child’s learning problems are a mystery? It might surprise you to learn that the source of the problem could be toxins in your food and environment.
“There is growing evidence that the adverse effects of PCBs [toxic chemicals] on learning and memory are not reversible.” ~ Dr. David O. Carpenter
There are many toxic chemicals around us. Numerous toxins have been linked to intellectual deficits and mental disorders in children.
According to Dr. Carpenter’s research, neurotoxicological chemicals like PCBs can have an impact on IQ and behavior in both children and adults. Additionally, endocrine disruptors like phthalates can affect sexual development.
One company that produced neurotoxins found out that they were going to be banned in 1979. They could have destroyed the neurotoxins, but instead they put them in window caulking. Schools built during that time used the caulking in their school windows thus proliferating the problem. When those classrooms heat up, the toxins are released and spread in the air.
Old fluorescent light bulbs also contain neurotoxins. These brain poisons can have a negative impact on a child’s intelligence, just like lead.
Lead is known to have harmful effects on people and a lot of work has been done to get rid of it from products. But with PCBs, eradication is much more expensive so people in leadership positions have been ignoring the problem.
Some researchers highlighted a “silent pandemic” of toxins that has been damaging the brains of unborn children. They went on to name 12 toxins that are found in the environment, as well as everyday places like furniture, food containers, and clothing.
They believe that these toxins cause, not only lowered intelligence, but also conditions like ADHD and autism spectrum disorders.
So, what can you do to protect your child?
- The first step is to be intentional about the products in your home.
- Things like laundry detergent, household cleaners, and personal care products can all contain harmful toxins.
- Choose natural options whenever possible, and always read the labels carefully.
- You should also limit your child’s exposure to electronic screens, as they can emit harmful EMFs.
By making some simple changes, you can help to protect your child’s developing brain. And who knows—you might just see their grades improve, too!
Do you have any tips for avoiding toxins in the home?
Florence, I am so glad you brought this up. As one of the sensitive people, I can get weak just being in the area of toxins– even the sugar aisle in the grocery store. As a kid, I would get brain fog from sitting in a classroom; ultraviolet light tubes hurt my eyes and energy. Today I gratefully use LED light bulbs throughout the house. I use unscented Seventh Generation laundry detergent and NO dryer sheets, and Shaklee cleaning fluids (unscented and highly concentrated, ecofriendly). My food is mostly organic/free range. A European air filter unit cleans the air. It matters what you put into your body and brain! My mind is the clearest it has ever been. Why would children NOT benefit from such steps?
Kebba, I too am sensitive to many things. When I found out decades ago, I switched to laundry, cleaning, and personal care products from Melaleuca. Since then, I have had no more skin itching, nostril burning, or other reactions. I also have LED lights and I’ve been looking at air purifiers lately.
Parents need to be so careful about everything concerning their children. Manufacturers are focused on dollars, not on the negative effects of their products on children’s brains and learning.
My top tip for avoiding toxins in the home is to buy natural cleaning products (just like you shared!)
These products are made with ingredients that are safe for you and the environment. They can be found at most health food stores.
Another way to avoid toxins in the home is to use air purifiers. Air purifiers help remove harmful particles from the air, which can help improve your indoor air quality.
Finally, one of the best ways to avoid toxins in the home is to simply keep your home clean. This means vacuuming and dusting regularly and taking care of any spills or messes right away.
Thanks, Paul, for those tips. I especially like the last one. It’s so easy to overlook simple everyday things.