Does Exposure To Common Chemicals Affect Thyroid Function?

Health & Medical Blog

According to a report in 2009, in the United States, approximately 4.6% of children 12 years old or over has a thyroid disorder. It could be because of certain chemical exposures they are in contact with daily. The toxins can be found in many items you don't suspect as being a danger to your family.

Flame Retardant

Studies have indicated low doses of some flame-retardant chemicals can alter the thyroid hormones. Low levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers appeared in the blood stream of individuals who have been exposed to flame retardant sources.

Anyone could be exposed to these chemicals as they can be found in foam used for carpet and furniture padding as well as in computer and television screens. These harmful toxins are also associated with developmental and behavioral issues.

BPA and DEHP

Phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA) found in plastics, solvents, and other household products can have an effect on metabolism as well as reproduction. Studies also indicated the linings used in canned food and specific plastic water bottles disrupted the hormone levels in the group of adults and teenagers tested.

Also, a plasticizer called DEHP had a daunting effect, according to a survey taken involving children. The plastic elements can be exposed from the soft PVC toys or pacifiers. It can also come from foods that are packaged in some plastics.

Halogens

Chloride and fluoride can decrease iodine transport and block active forms of your thyroid hormone. These halogens can be found in water, food, medications, or in the environment. Since they are similar to iodine, they can make the iodine levels in the body unusable.

Perchlorate

Perchlorate can be found in drinking water supplies. Perchlorate can be released from soil and plants as well as ground water. It is a man-made problem from chemicals used in explosives, flares, fireworks, bleach, and some fertilizers. It is also released into our environment in association with military operations and aerospace programs.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is evaluating the issue to find a solution. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still allows the use of perchlorate in food packaging as an anti-static agent.

Triclosan

The 1990s brought antibacterial soaps into the market and caused some issues with the thyroid. A survey was completed showing 76% of commercial soap products contained this toxic chemical, Triclosan. It disturbs an essential enzyme, ENR, which can cause the bacteria in our cell walls to quit functioning. This, in turn, reduces the T3 and T4 thyroid hormones which cause weight gain and other issues in conjunction with hypothyroidism.

These are just a few of the chemical toxins that can be contacted during the day. You can be safe in your home, or your child could be playing on a floor that contains one of the contaminants. Contact a doctor, like Harvey Harold E II MD PLLC, for more help.

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26 July 2016

introducing your daughter to the gynecologist

Having a daughter comes with a number of challenges. One challenge that you will one day need to tackle is determining when to introduce your daughter to the gynecologist. Do you take your daughter to the same gynecologist that you see or take her somewhere else? Do you wait until she gets her first period or do you take her in to learn about the menstrual cycle from the doctor? There is a long list of questions you likely have about introducing your daughter to the world of gynecology. Having gone through this twice myself, I have learned quite a bit and have included a lot of helpful information in my site to help other parents get through this complicated time a little easier.