Author: Zac Ch’ng, Nutritionist

A toxic substance is a substance that can be poisonous or cause health effects, they can harm us when they enter or contact the body. In the study of Toxicology, “all substances are toxic, it is only the dose which matters.”

Where do the toxic substances come from?

The toxic substances can be derived from anywhere in our daily life e.g. from the air, water, food, and even household products.

Toxins from air pollution

Air pollution is a major environmental health problem affecting everyone. The WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that air pollution has carcinogenic effects on humans, especially lung cancer, urethral and bladder cancer. Exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter in the air (PM 10 and PM 2.5), whether daily or over some time, is closely related to the increase in mortality or morbidity. The other health risk including:

• Harm to the nervous system and brain
• Irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat
• Impaired lung function
• Harm to the cardiovascular system
• Reduced fertility, etc.

Toxin from food pollution

Toxins in food creates a vicious circle of disease, especially affecting infants, young children, the elderly, and the sick. Chemicals such as pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones are used in plant and animal farming. Drugs such as antibiotics and hormones are used to boost the growth of animals and cut down on feed requirements. Residues of these drugs can be hazardous to humans, and the level of harm is dose-related, meaning the more we consume, the greater the potential risk. The hormone used for growth in cattle and pigs cause health problem such as the early onset of puberty and has been linked to breast and uterine cancer. Fruits and vegetables that contain pesticide residues especially increase the risks of Parkinson’s disease in young people. Preservatives and artificial colors used in food also increase health risks.

Toxin from water pollution

Drinking water containing chemical waste, such as pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals can cause serious health problems if ingested. Contaminates from agricultural activity usually contain high amounts of phosphorous and nitrogen, which encourage the growth of algal blooms. These blooms produce toxins that kill fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, as well as harming humans. Thus, drinking filtered water is extremely important to protect humans from these harmful chemicals. A person who ingests chemical toxins in their water can be at risk of:

• cancer
• hormone disruption
• altered brain function
• damage to immune and reproductive systems, etc.

Toxin from household products

Household products are indispensable in our daily lives, including shower gel, shampoo, perfume, mosquito oil, hair dye, lipstick, cosmetics, toothpaste, etc. Scientists realise that the chemicals found in a wide array of household goods are more toxious than previously thought, some of which can be absorbed via skin. As a result, it causes hormonal imbalances, allergies, asthma, and other symptoms. It also damages immune system and even induce cancer, neurological diseases, etc.

Toxins are everywhere in our lives. Under normal circumstances, human body can eliminate toxins, but when too much toxins remain and exceed the body’s load, it will lead to many diseases. Experts believe that if people can clean the body as often as cleaning the environment, and consistently eliminate toxins in time, they will live a long and healthy life.