No.1 Toxicologist: These Products Were Making Me Infertile And Are Harming Your Future Kids!

Dr. Ivon Burkart, a toxicologist, discusses the hidden dangers of toxins present in everyday products and their significant health impacts, including cancer, infertility, and cognitive issues. She emphasizes the lack of regulation requiring manufacturers to disclose harmful ingredients, making consumers unwitting participants in a large-scale health experiment. Burkart shares her personal journey of overcoming fertility challenges by eliminating toxins from her environment, highlighting the importance of awareness and proactive measures. She advocates for avoiding fragranced products, filtering water, and using safer cookware as critical steps to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.

• Everyday products often contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to health.
• People are generally unaware of the toxins they are exposed to daily due to inadequate labeling and disclosure laws.
• There is a proven link between certain toxins and increased rates of cancer, infertility, and obesity.

"Don't believe everything you see on a container, a bottle, or a product that you're buying."

• This quote emphasizes the importance of not trusting product labels blindly, as they can be misleading about the presence of harmful chemicals.

• Dr. Ivon Burkart aims to empower people to avoid environmental toxins using science and evidence.
• There is a lack of awareness about the new toxins emerging every day.
• The current regulatory system does not require pre-market safety testing for chemicals.

"I'm on a mission to empower people to avoid environmental toxins so they can protect their families."

• Dr. Burkart's mission is to inform and protect people by raising awareness of the hidden dangers in everyday products.

• Dr. Burkart's personal experiences with health issues and infertility motivated her to study toxicology.
• She reversed her health issues by removing toxins from her environment, which allowed her to conceive naturally.

"I was unwilling to accept that IVF would be my only option... I knew that there's an environmental component to this."

• Her personal journey of overcoming health challenges through detoxification underscores the impact of environmental toxins.

• Toxins can have multi-generational impacts, affecting not just the individual but their offspring and future generations.
• Children are particularly vulnerable to toxins due to their developing bodies and limited detoxification capabilities.

"When a woman is pregnant with a female daughter, her developing ovaries... are also in the same environment as the mother."

• This highlights the generational effects of toxins, as exposure during pregnancy can affect future generations.

• Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with hormone systems, affecting everything from metabolism to fertility.
• These disruptors can have more severe effects at lower doses, contrary to traditional toxicology beliefs.

"There are chemicals in the environment known as endocrine disruptors at very low levels have higher activity than they do at high levels."

• This challenges the traditional view that higher doses are always more harmful, emphasizing the unique danger of endocrine disruptors.

• The regulatory systems, especially in the US, are inadequate in testing and controlling the use of toxic chemicals in products.
• There is a lack of corporate responsibility and government regulation, allowing harmful chemicals to be used widely.

"Our system wasn't set up like that over here... there is a lack of regulations, a lack of requirements for toxicity testing."

• This points to systemic issues in regulatory practices that fail to protect consumers from harmful chemicals.

• Dr. Burkart improved her health by removing toxins from her environment, changing her diet, and adopting functional medicine practices.
• Regular testing confirmed the biochemical improvements in her health.

"I started targeting things in my home, my makeup cabinet... once I started to clean out my makeup drawer, I really saw a shift."

• Her personal recovery journey illustrates the tangible benefits of reducing exposure to environmental toxins.

• Dr. Burkart feels a strong urgency to spread awareness about the dangers of toxins and the benefits of detoxification.
• She is passionate about educating others on how to protect themselves and their families.

"I can't even tell you how much passion it has ignited in me."

• Her passion is driven by her personal experiences and the desire to prevent others from suffering similar health issues.

• Living by example is a more effective method for encouraging lifestyle changes than simply instructing others on what to do.
• The focus is on making small, incremental changes over time rather than drastic, immediate alterations.
• Stress from trying to make too many changes at once can be harmful and counterproductive.

"It's about simple small incremental shifts that anyone can do over the long term because it's really about uh it's a marathon not a race."

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of gradual changes in lifestyle for sustainable health improvements.

• There is a significant environmental component to the rising incidence of diseases, such as cancer.
• Historically, cancer was considered a disease of aging, but now it is being diagnosed at younger ages.
• The environment, including exposure to toxins and chemicals, plays a crucial role in disease development.

"I definitely think there is a huge environmental component to it because a lot of what was believed decades ago was that disease and cancer incidents had to do with your genes."

• This quote underscores the shift from genetic predisposition to environmental factors as major contributors to disease.

• Everyday chemicals in beauty and personal care products can increase cancer risk.
• Studies have shown that removing certain ingredients from these products can reduce cancer gene expression.
• Ingredients like phthalates, often hidden under terms like "fragrance," are particularly harmful.

"After 28 days of removing these ingredients, they took another sample and they saw that the breast cancer gene expression dropped."

• This finding highlights the potential health benefits of eliminating harmful chemicals from daily products.

• Products with "fragrance" or "parfum" often contain harmful chemicals like phthalates.
• Consumers should look for products labeled as phthalate-free and paraben-free but remain vigilant about other ingredients.
• Essential oils can be a safer alternative for fragrances.

"You don't want fragrances and you definitely want to avoid the word fragrance unless it says that the fragrance comes from essential oils."

• This advice helps consumers identify safer personal care products by checking ingredient labels.

• Fragrances are pervasive in consumer products and can have significant health impacts.
• The fragrance industry has grown significantly, and these chemicals are now found in many household items.
• Fragrance chemicals can bind to dust and remain in the environment, posing long-term exposure risks.

"The fragrance industry has absolutely exploded in the last 10 or 15 years and fragrances are the most pervasive source of toxins in our homes."

• The quote highlights the widespread use of fragrances and their potential as a major source of toxins.

• The prevalence of allergies, including food and seasonal allergies, has increased significantly.
• Environmental toxins, including those found in fragrances, may contribute to the rise in allergies.
• Children are particularly vulnerable to these toxins, which can affect their development and health.

"The prevalence of food allergies in children have increased by 50% since the 1990s in the United States."

• The statistics indicate a significant rise in allergies, potentially linked to increased exposure to environmental toxins.

• PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are widespread environmental contaminants linked to various health issues.
• These chemicals are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the food chain.
• PFAS exposure is associated with cancer, thyroid disorders, and reproductive health issues.

"PFAS are linked with several types of cancers so kidney and testicular cancer thyroid disorders."

• This quote outlines the serious health risks associated with exposure to PFAS chemicals.

• Consumers are encouraged to use alternatives to non-stick cookware and plastic utensils to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Safer options include stainless steel, cast iron, and glass cookware.
• Wooden utensils are preferable to plastic ones to avoid microplastic contamination.

"Just get rid of the nonstick chemicals altogether and that would be something as simple as cast iron stainless steel glass cookware."

• The recommendation suggests practical alternatives to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals in cookware.

• Microplastics are pervasive and can be found in various human tissues, including the placenta and lungs.
• They pose health risks by causing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
• Reducing the use of plastic containers and avoiding microwaving them can minimize exposure.

"Microplastics have been found in a whole number, I'm pretty sure they're all over the body at this point."

• The quote underscores the widespread presence of microplastics in the human body and their potential health impacts.

• Antioxidants are crucial for neutralizing free radicals created through cellular respiration.
• Glutathione is essential for detoxifying environmental chemicals and balancing free radical neutralization.
• Modern lifestyles deplete glutathione due to exposure to microplastics and chemicals in consumer products.

"In order to live on this planet and breathe oxygen, we need antioxidants to neutralize the free radicals that happen through cellular respiration."

• Antioxidants are necessary for neutralizing harmful free radicals produced during breathing.

"Glutathione is also vital for detoxifying environmental chemicals."

• Glutathione plays a dual role in managing free radicals and detoxifying harmful chemicals.

• Microplastics are pervasive and accumulate in human organs, particularly the brain.
• The brain is more susceptible to microplastic accumulation due to its fat solubility.
• Long-term exposure to microplastics may increase the risk of cognitive decline.

"A 2024 study on microplastics in human livers, kidneys, and brains found that all of them contained microplastics, but the brain contained 10 to 20 times more than any other organ."

• Microplastics are found in all major organs, with the brain having the highest concentration.

"Plastic is fat soluble, and the brain is mostly fat, so microplastics travel there through the bloodstream."

• The fat solubility of plastics facilitates their accumulation in the brain.

• Plastic bottles and containers are significant sources of microplastics.
• Conditions like UV exposure and heat promote microplastic leaching.
• Alternatives like stainless steel and glass are safer and more sustainable.

"Bottled water is a major source of microplastics because plastic is not meant to be permanent."

• Bottled water contributes significantly to microplastic pollution due to the nature of plastic.

"If you put that plastic water bottle in the sun, UV causes plastic to break down, so that's releasing microplastics."

• UV exposure accelerates the breakdown of plastics, increasing microplastic release.

• Disposable coffee cups, often lined with plastic, release microplastics when in contact with hot liquids.
• Bringing personal containers can reduce exposure to microplastics from coffee cups.

"Within 15 minutes of contact with the hot liquid, you're getting 25,000 microplastic particles in that cup."

• Disposable coffee cups are a significant source of microplastic exposure.

"If you bring your own container, Starbucks will fill it up, or if you bring your own container, some shops will fill it up for you."

• Using personal containers can mitigate microplastic exposure from disposable cups.

• Filtering water is crucial to remove contaminants like hormones, pesticides, and heavy metals.
• Different filtration methods offer varying levels of effectiveness, with reverse osmosis being the most comprehensive.

"Tap water is a source of hormones, so endocrine disruptors, pesticides, heavy metals, fluoride if it's added to the water."

• Tap water can contain numerous harmful contaminants, necessitating filtration.

"Reverse osmosis removes the most contaminants, but it also requires the most, it generates the most wastewater."

• Reverse osmosis is effective but may not be the most efficient or sustainable option.

• Simple measures like filtering water, avoiding fragrances, and cooking at home can reduce toxic exposure.
• An unprocessed diet and using safer cookware contribute to healthier living.

"First thing is to filter your water. Second thing is to get rid of fragrance products."

• Filtering water and avoiding fragrances are primary steps to reduce toxic exposure.

"Cooking at home is also significantly more cost-effective than getting takeout all the time."

• Home cooking reduces both costs and toxic exposure compared to frequent takeout.

• Many beauty products contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin.
• Products marketed to specific demographics, like black women, often contain higher levels of toxic ingredients.

"Antiperspirants contain aluminum salts, and those physically block sweat ducts."

• Aluminum in antiperspirants is linked to health risks, including breast cancer.

"50% of products advertised to black women contain endocrine disruptors compared to roughly 7% that are advertised to white women."

• Disparity in product safety highlights environmental injustice and potential health risks for black women.

• Low-income and ethnic minority groups are disproportionately exposed to harmful chemicals in personal care products.
• There is a need for better regulations and awareness to protect vulnerable populations.

"The people who are exposed to the most amount of toxins are low-income people and people in ethnic groups."

• Environmental injustice leads to higher toxic exposure for marginalized communities.

"The Cosmetic regulations in the United States were not updated until recently... nearly a hundred years had gone by with no change."

• Lack of regulatory updates has contributed to ongoing health risks from cosmetic products.

• Conventional candles, particularly those made from paraffin wax, are considered unsafe due to the release of harmful chemicals.
• Lighting these candles releases carcinogens such as benzene and formaldehyde, along with ultrafine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
• The fragrance in candles can contain endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and allergens.
• Dyes used in candles may be carcinogenic, and the candle industry is largely unregulated regarding the ingredients used.

"Conventional candles liberate carcinogens like benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde, and ultrafine particles are some of the most hazardous substances that you can create in your home."

• Lighting conventional candles releases harmful chemicals and ultrafine particles, posing a health risk.

• Incense, though traditionally used, now contains harmful chemicals and ultrafine particles, making it more dangerous than cigarette smoke.
• There is an increased risk of cancer among those frequently exposed to incense, including temple workers and children in homes where incense is burned.

"Incense creates more ultrafine particles and pollutants than cigarette smoke, leading to an increased risk of cancer."

• Modern incense releases more harmful particles than cigarette smoke, increasing cancer risk.

• Indoor air quality can be significantly worse than outdoor air, often due to inadequate ventilation and activities like cooking.
• Simple steps to improve indoor air quality include removing shoes indoors, regular cleaning, and using air purifiers.
• Keeping humidity levels low can prevent mold growth, which is toxic.

"Indoor air can be up to five times worse than outdoor air, and improving it is imperative for better health."

• Indoor air quality is often poorer than outdoor air, necessitating proactive measures for health improvement.

• Vaping involves inhaling a chemical mixture not tested for inhalation safety, posing unknown health risks.
• Hookah smoking is equivalent to smoking a large number of cigarettes, significantly increasing health risks.

"Vaping is not healthy, and hookah is equivalent to 100 cigarettes, posing significant health risks."

• Both vaping and hookah smoking involve inhaling harmful chemicals, with hookah being particularly hazardous.

• Glutathione is a natural antioxidant produced in the liver and kidneys, crucial for detoxification and reducing oxidative stress.
• Increasing glutathione levels can be achieved through exercise, consuming sulfur-rich foods, and avoiding toxins like alcohol and cigarettes.

"Exercise increases glutathione, which detoxifies the body and protects against toxicity."

• Regular exercise and dietary changes can boost glutathione, enhancing the body's detoxification processes.

• Matcha is a potent source of antioxidants, including glutathione, and supports energy production without the crash associated with other energy products.
• Choosing high-quality, organic matcha is important to avoid heavy metal contamination.

"Matcha is a strong antioxidant with anti-cancer properties and helps increase energy production in cells."

• Matcha provides sustained energy and antioxidant benefits, supporting overall health.

• The focus should be on empowerment through informed choices rather than fear when dealing with chemicals in the environment.
• Small, consistent changes can significantly impact long-term health without striving for perfection.

"I want there to be empowerment and not fear because chemicals are all around us, and simple steps can have a big impact."

• Empowerment through informed choices can lead to significant health improvements without living in fear of chemicals.

• Microplastics are an emerging environmental toxin, with ongoing research needed to understand their health impacts.
• Awareness and research into microplastics are crucial for addressing their potential health risks.

"I'm waiting to find out more about microplastics and the diseases associated with them, as more research is urgently needed."

• Microplastics represent a growing concern, necessitating further research and awareness for health protection.