Somethings TO DO in Avoidable Exposures

Somethings TO DO in Avoidable Exposures  (for breast cancer survivors)

To Do

While the scope and range of toxins in our environment can indeed be frightful, we
suggest caution, not panic. By following the commonsense suggestions in this
chapter, you are taking a big step toward creating a safer environment for yourself
and your family, while lowering your risk of breast cancer and all other cancers.

Here are some final to-dos, based on the work of both Berkson (ibid.) and the EWG
(ewg.org/bodyburden /consumerproducts):

• Instead of Teflon cookware, use stainless steel (or cast iron if iron levels are

not too high).

• Stay away from super-strength cleaners. Try nontoxic cleaning products like

baking soda, borax, and vinegar. (Helayne has had great success with white
vinegar.)

• Be sure to turn on the exhaust fan over your gas stove when you are

cooking.

• Avoid stain repellents.
• Be mindful of breathing gasoline fumes from gas-powered lawn and garden

tools.

• Wash all new clothes before wearing them and avoid traditional dry

cleaning.

• Steer clear of commercial air fresheners and toilet deodorants. Instead, try

baking soda to absorb odors.

• Avoid chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) and products containing it. Use

oxygen bleach instead and unbleached paper products.

• Stay away from pesticides or fungicides that contain chlorine, especially

weed killers, such as 2,4-D, which are found in most fertilizers and weed
killers, and are commonly used by commercial lawn services. Avoid flea
sprays for pets that contain permethrin.

• Make coffee using unbleached (brown) coffee filters or ones that were

bleached in nonchlorine bleach.

• In case of occupational exposure to pesticides or other toxins, launder work

clothes in a separate load.

We realize that making these changes overnight would be a daunting and
overwhelming task. On the other hand, being aware of the problems in our
environment and making small changes over time will lead to larger and more
profound changes. We know because we’ve done it in our own lives. And we’re still
not there yet.

Last Word

I started making changes one at a time. Some changes require a single switch in
method or action; other changes require an ongoing effort. I started replacing
kitchenware years ago, buying glass refrigerator dishes and bakeware to
replace plastic and aluminum ones, one piece at a time. Now, I rarely use
plastic bags, wrap, or containers. I won’t say never, but rarely.

I waited three years to be able to spend a hundred dollars on an entire
stainless cookware set to replace the Teflon stuff I’d started with. In the
meantime, I shopped at thrift stores to replace one pan or pot at a time.

But changing how I clean the house and my body was a progression of
changes that took very little time and saved me a chunk from my budget. It was
just a matter of replacing one product with an alternative and then getting used
to the new routine around that alternative product.

Change is rarely easy or simple, but good changes can save our lives!
—D’Ann S., breast cancer survivor