The Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service reported in July 2005 that the General Accountability Office found that the US Environment and Protection Agency (EPA) is failing to protect the public from thousand of potentially toxic chemicals.

Of the 80.000 newly invented industrial chemicals over the last thirty years, the EPA has gathered data on only 15% of them regarding their health risks. Included are many substances that people are exposed to in everyday products, such as flame retardants in furniture and electronics and various other chemicals in cosmetics and plastics which can cause cancers, birth defects, altered sex hormones and damage to developing brains.

Research suggests that traces of commonly used drugs can now also be found in tap water, including Viagra and Prozac. You may not be aware that only 2-3% of the world's water is fresh, it has all been drunk at least twice before through recycling. In Germany, a random examination of tap water sampled from different towns across the country showed that they were all contaminated with progesterones found in female contraceptive pills. In many countries, compulsory fluoridation of water is now commonplace, not to mention the regular addition of other chemicals such as chlorine. Chlorine significantly inhibits DNA repair enzymes.

Lead. Evaluations of bones from the 16th century indicate that modern man has as much as 1000 times more lead.

Increased lead levels ages or destroys the kidneys, make your blood cells brittle and lowers the IQ of children. Despite many countries abandoning the use of leaded petrol, lead levels remain very high. All fossil fuels such as coal and oil used to generate electricity produce lead that finds its way to the atmosphere and ground water. Additional sources include ceramics, cosmetics, newsprint, cosmetics and hair colorings.

Mercury. This is one of the most toxic heavy metals as it causes rapid brain neuron generation. There is really no safe level for this metal. It is closely linked with senile dementia and Alzheimer. Fish stocks from most parts of the world are now found to contain mercury in their tissues particularly large fish such as Tuna, Shark and Swordfish. Studies have shown that 100% of fish from the Mediterranean Sea has mercury. So it is a simple equation, if you eat fish you are consuming mercury. Countries that still use silver-mercury containing amalgams could be endangering their citizens. My dentist tells me that his profession is now one of the highest risk factors for Alzheimer because they are regularly removing silver mercury fillings and breathing in the drilled-out vapors.

Additional sources include adhesives, fabric softeners and wood preservatives.

Arsenic. Arsenic leads to cancer of the lung, bladder and kidneys and blood vessel disease. It is found in shell fish and fruits and vegetables that were sprayed with pesticides. It is also found in manufacturing glass, wallpaper and detergents.

Cadmium. Ingested cadmium is deposited in the kidneys and prostate gland causing cancers and elevation of the blood pressure. The biggest source of cadmium is found in cigarettes and the polluted air around them. It can also be found in paints solvents, plastics and batteries.

We all should do what we can to minimize our exposure to toxins but none of us can completely avoid them. Eating a fresh variety of vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables and being kind to our overtaxed body by avoiding alcohol and cigarettes can be very helpful. You are exposed to enough toxins without them Avoid taking medications on a regular basis for the slightest complaints that frequently time and relaxation can cure. Switch the AC to the “air recycling mode” to minimize inhaling fume from the car ahead of you. Keeping a bigger distance between you and the car ahead is not only safer for driving but also better for your health! God punishes tailgaters.

The active ingredient in garlic, allicin, is a powerful antibiotic and can help the body excrete some of the mercury and lead that would otherwise accumulate in our brain and bones. Finally exercise and drink a lot of water, as water is needed to cleanse every organ in our body. Do not wait till you are thirsty. Keep a bottle of water close by. If you can drink…drink.