Hey guys, Nate here. I'm proud to announce that I'm now the Program Director of Scrawny To Brawny. From now on all of my blogs and articles will be posted on the brand-new Scrawny To Brawny Blog. So if you enjoyed what you read here, please go check it out. (It's awesome, if I say so myself.) I'm keeping the NGE website alive for resource reasons, but will no longer be actively updating it. The best way to get in touch with me is through leaving a comment on the Scrawny To Brawny blog or by posting on the S2B Facebook page. See you guys over at the new blog!
New Pollution: Why I Hate Air Fresheners and Rubber Ducks
Thanks to Lucas Hoyos for the photo
I’ve started holding my breath when walking into public restrooms, but not for the obvious reason. No, it's not the shit I'm afraid of. It's the air freshener.
Let me explain.
A few months ago I read a book called Slow Death by Rubber Duck. In it, the authors asked the question, “Do toxins that leach out of commonplace items in our homes and workplace impact our health?”
The short answer: Yes. Like, in a very bad way.
The authors did a four-day experiment where they exposed themselves to ordinary levels of phthalates, PCBs, and parabens — nasty chemicals found in everything from shower curtains, non-stick pans, deodorants, shampoos, and plastic containers — and discovered they easily make their way into our bodies.
What’s the problem with that? Well, most of these toxins are endocrine disruptors and estrogen mimics, which means they can negatively affect testosterone levels and lower sperm counts.
Not squirming in your seat yet? Here, maybe this snippet from Wikipedia can help:
“These disruptions can cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders. Specifically, they are known to cause learning disorders, sever attention deficit disorder, cognitive and brain development problems, deformations in the body, sexual development problems, feminizing of males or masculine effects on females.”
So yeah. They’re kind of a problem.
After reading the book (and wondering if my plastic Kindle was leaching PCBs into my fingertips) I made a list of all the things I could change in my daily life to reduce my exposure. It was one hell of a list. In fact, living in a bubble would be easier. Still, I decided to try.
So I started using natural shampoos, conditioners, soap, shaving cream, and deodorant. I stopped wearing cologne. I changed my sheets and most of my jeans, t-shirts, boxers, and socks to 100% organic cotton clothing. I began using natural cleaning products and laundry detergent. I stopped using the microwave. I opened windows to let some fresh air in instead of using spray or plug-in air fresheners. And I started holding my breath when walking into public restrooms, which, I assume, makes the person who’s exiting the bathroom very self-conscious.
It’s been like this for the past three months, and I feel more comfortable with the things I touch and ingest on a daily basis. The only thing is, I have no clue if I’m actually safer.
Unlike the authors, I didn’t do any blood work or measure my hormones. In fact, the only real noticeable effect — other than my elevated mood and clean microwave — is that I consistently have small sweat stains under the arms of my organic t-shirts.
(Marketing idea for natural deodorants: “This product will make you smell like a white collar hippie.”)
But I feel like it’s helping. The placebo effect is powerful, which is why some people can gain muscle with a “miracle” supplement that’s pure sugar, and why others can cure their insomnia or lessen their depression with rice pills.
Sometimes we only have to believe something will work to get benefit out of it. And maybe that’s enough. I’m not naive enough to know I can shield myself from every foreign chemical that wants to make its way into my body. But I sure as hell can reduce the amount.
The way I figure, if I’m already eating organic food, drinking lots of water, and working out regularly, why not take one more step to make life better?
If you want to try the same experiment, here are three things you can do right now to limit your exposure to hormone mimicking toxins.
3 Things You Can Do Right Now To Limit Your Exposure to Hormone Mimicking Toxins
1. Get rid of your vinyl shower curtain, air fresheners, and non-stick pans.
Chemicals called phthalates, which make plastic things soft and rubbery (like rubber ducks), mimic human hormones. They’re found in shower curtains, air fresheners, and body care products. PFCs (perfluorinated chemicals) found in non-stick cookware are linked to cancer.
I have a basic fabric shower curtain, and recently switched to stainless steel cookware.
2. Switch to natural skin and hair products.
The authors of the book found their levels of phthalates increased by as much as 22 times after they used common, brand name personal care products. Since most countries don’t have to list “phthalates” on their list of ingredients, most opt for the name “fragrance.” (Look at the ingredients on the back of your shampoo or shaving cream. If “fragrance” is listed, it probably contains phthalates.)
Products I use instead:
Herban Cowboy deodorant (I actually like this, even though it’s not an antiperspirant)
Everyman Jack face wash and shaving cream
Method body wash
Griffin Remedy shampoo and conditioner
3. Stop microwaving stuff in plastic.
From the Slow Death by Rubber Duck website:
Polycarbonate plastic containers use bisphenol A (BPA) which mimics estrogen, and has been linked to a host of health problems from breast cancer to diabetes. The authors’ levels of BPA increased 7.5 times after eating canned foods out of a microwavable, polycarbonate plastic container. Don’t use any polycarbonate plastic containers, including baby bottles, re-usable sports bottles, or microwaveable containers. BPA also lines canned food, so choose fresh or frozen food when you can. And never microwave your food in plastic.
Other things to check out:
Slow Death by Rubber Duck (Book)
The Disappearing Male (Video)
The Lost Boys of Aamjiwnaang (Article from Men's Health magazine)
Comments for This Entry
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Hi Nate! This is an awesome post, and I'm so happy that some has blogged about this.
Plastics are one of the strongest hormone disruptors we can expose ourselves too (outside of pesticides in food, and hormonal contraception).
I switched entirely over to glass cookware about 2 years ago, and haven't used a microwave in about 4. Now, I warm up my food in the oven and I *rarely* lose the glassware since I'm not handing them out after dinners like I used to with plastic tupperware, only to never seem them again, ha.
I'm not sure if you've seen these, but I use these Thai Deodorant stones, and they seem to work well for me and my clients. http://www.deodorantstones.com/
Not sure how it would work with you sweaty boys, but worth a shot :)
Great post, I hope you have a great day!
Cheers,
Sirena -
Great post, always wondered about these things.
In a effort to move about from such products did you ever consider not using shampoo? I've heard people say that not washing your hair is better for your hair and scalp than using shampoo but I've never actually tried since I sweat way too much.I use conditioner more than I use shampoo and I don't wash my hair every day. My friends think I'm borderline hippie. But I smell nice (not patchouli), so at least I have that going for me.
Nate Green
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Thanks so much Nate, this is really helpful. What clothes/sheets have you found to be the best?
Good Society Jeans
Threads 4 Thought shirts
Alternative Apparel Earth shirts -
I've been using Dr. Bronner's all natural soaps. I use the bars at home, but I use their liquid soap as body wash, shampoo and toothpaste when traveling - just pack one bottle.
I got rid of plastic food storage and bought Pyrex glass storage bowls years ago.
Also went to Kleen Kanteen http://www.kleankanteen.com water bottles instead of plastic. BPA free, look bad ass and can be used as a weapon if needed. :) -
I think you may be getting a little too concerned. The levels of chemicals to which you are exposed in a public bathroom are hardly gong to be going to detrimental to your health. Going through all these extra efforts will barely extend your life, if at all. The time you actually spend trying to avoid these "hazards" will likely be more than the life span avoiding them grants you. An interesting post nonetheless.
Well, I exaggerated a bit. I don't actually hold my breath every time I walk into a bathroom. And I don't freak out if I touch plastic. I just made a few changes I could afford to make. It may be mostly placebo effect, but there is evidence suggesting we can significantly reduce the amount of these chemicals we take in. And for me, the more I can avoid the better.
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As you can tell I didn't proofread that comment :) ^^
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Yeah, great article but......I have been hearing about this for years.
I stopped nuking my food so can I get a hell yeah!
Back to the Butt, I made peace with myself and stopped going crazy and neurotic over everything that can and possibly will eventually kill me over time.
I do my best to limit excessive exposure to the sun.
And I avoid McDees by not looking at them as i get closer in view.
Butt, we can't live in fear because then it defeats the purpose and we avoid living in the process of trying to protect ourselves so we can live forever.
It aint gonna happen and we should take caution but not to the point that we start walking around in a plastic....wait scratch that....in a non plastic bubble that protects us from everything.
The point is do what you can humanly possble to protect yourself without it killing your zeal for life cuz then you become a zombie like person.....alive but feeling dead or something like that. -
Hey nate, great post. My english is terrible but please check out the Ecolution line of pans. They are non-stick and pfoa free. I've used a wok version for over a year and it works better than any teflon i've had... I hope you don't see this as advertising.
Enjoy the tip mate. Hugs from brazil! -
I just think people are getting too worked up about things nowadays. Sure we should live a healthy lifestyle and all but I also think we should enjoy life. Getting worked up and analyzing every thing you buy or touch just isn't worth it in my opinion.
Agreed. I find this kind of stuff fun. Far from freaking out. Thanks for the comment!
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Nate - I love this post and glad you are bringing attention to this issue. I worry about those types of toxins also and they seem to be everywhere. We just purchased a new Sealy mattress and could not believe that it smells like a toxic waste dump. Apparently it is normal for foam to "off-gas" when you purchase that type of bed.
I did some research and found that the majority of mattresses and beds today are made using a variety of petroleum based chemicals, foams, plastics and controversial flame retardants. Unfortunately, these are not stable compounds and continue to evaporate into the air and are then inhaled hour upon hour by the person sleeping on the bed. Research and personal accounts suggest people can become ill after repeated and continuous exposure to these chemicals while sleeping. Scary stuff. -
Water bottles that have the #1 recycle symbol (PET) don't have BPA. It is the #7 "other" Polycarbonate that has it. You will see many aluminum water bottles that supposedly have a BPA-free lining in them. Nevetheless, there are a host of studies that prove the small residual of BPA gets broken down and urinated away very easily in the body.
I use a plastic shower curtain on the inside of my shower so that the water doesn't get my 'linen/fabric' curtain on the outside wet. What can you substitute for a typical plastic shower curtain, that won't absorb water and end up wet and moldy?I don't substitute anything. I just take it out once every two weeks and wash it.
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Already started on the no plastics in the microwave. Working on no plastics whatsoever, but that's easier said then done.
And, I've been saying for year's they're going to figure out that Fabrize crap causes cancer. I won't allow it in the house. -
Thanks for info. It's already stressing how much crap is leeches into our bodies that we don't even eat. I try but its very hard. I already use natural cleaning products but the organic foods I eat come in plastic containers..
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Good post as usual Nate,
I like the diversity of responses. If anything I tend towards the side of this-is-an-over-reaction. But I've always been a bit of a non-conformist.
Some may say that there's no price that's too high to pay for great health, but let's say that assuming all of these products are leaching deadly toxins into our bodies what's the net over all cost per month (increase or decrease) of purchasing the "safer" products? As trainers and fitness enthusiasts should we have no regard for the net effect of our preachings (albeit sincere and well intentioned) on our fans and clients pocket books? Your comments?
I always enjoy the discussions on NGE,
Tim -
We are on the same page, bro.
Nixed microwave - use stove.
Nixed Arrid Extra Dry - use lavanila deodorant (shut up, it's good stuff).
Nixed plastic water bottle and food storage containers - use glass.
Nixed conventional cotton - use organic.
And the list goes on...
Great post.Thanks Ryan! I appreciate you stopping by the blog, man.
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Soooo, that is why you blew out my candles when you came in! I like my candles, but I like you more!
Yep. But I was trying to be nice. :)
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Nice post, Nate. I just watched The Disappearing Male.. very interesting! After I post this I'm gonna look around my apartment and see what I can replace with safer stuff. Thanks for the info.
I'd eventually like to get rid of all my plastics, but for now are non-polycarbonate containers ok (the #2 and #5s for recycling code)? I'm asking cause I use some of these containers for carrying around super shakes. -
nate - I don't shower that often, don't use hair product, and don't even use soap that often. Never thought this would make me healthier and safer... looks like I've been on the cutting edge without even knowing it!
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How about products containing SPF? I have to imagine something that can block out the sun has some strong chemicals in it? Any suggestions? Obviously sun exposure needs to be taken seriously, but I sometimes wonder what is soaking into the skin with sunscreen use. Also many people use face cream that contains some SPF. Thoughts?
My friend Ryan Andrew sent me this. I think you'll find it very helpful. http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/
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Nate,
I'm glad you made the switch. It's crazy the things companies decide to include in the products they sell us. I was a lifeguard on the beach for a bunch of years and after realizing that I needed to dump the carcinogenic sunscreens and switch to physical sunscreens, I even started making my own after-sun lotion. I've honed it's formula over the past few years and freaking amazing now! -
I hear you! I do the same (although i'm using cast iron for pans). All that plastification freaks me out.
For deodorant, you can check out this homemade recipe http://www.tammysrecipes.com/homemade_deodorant_recipe
devacare makes a nice shampoo without crap in it http://www.amazon.com/DevaCurl-Low-Poo-Daily-Cleanser-355/dp/B0016ZNWMG
i also use glass containers for my shakes and all (mason pots with wide mouth are my best friends now)... -
Nate,
Here's what I use:
Shampoo: Apple Cider Vinegar once or twice a week
Shaving cream: Aloe
Moisturizer: Coconut oil, same stuff I cook with...
For years I had this nasty dermatitis on my face and scalp, every moisturizer I tried left my skin red and blotchy and still flaky...even prescription stuff didn't work. Coconut oil cleared it up overnight.
Also, all of the above can be bought in bulk and are super cheap. -
Eye opening... time to change a few things. Thanx Nate.
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Hey Nate - thanks for sharing another "day in the life of a Hero"...
There are some good BPA free plastic new-material containers for food - Like Sistema Klip-Its from NewZealand. Lighter than Glass if you carry around a big lunchbox like the PN program followers do! -
Howdy!
I'd like to second that recommendation for the thai natural salt stick as a replacement for commercial deodorant/antipersperant. I've used them for years and with surprisingly successful results. It seems counterintuitive to rinse a chunk of salt in hot water...only to rub it onto your armpit, which produces salty hot water for a living, right? But, I've found (my guy friends, too, who use it) there's no stink, and markedly less sweat with this hippie product. Sweet deal!
Love the handbook, and thanks for the heroically helpful posts! -
Hey Nate,
I just recently learned about PH balance in the body and its effects on fat, muscle and health. Check out making your body more Alkaline vs Acidic. I have been working on it myself and have noticed a big difference.
Just one more thing to edge you closer to a better life! = ) -
I've been experimenting with the same things and after concluding that most "natural" or non toxic deodorants are actually intended as cruel jokes to be played on hippies I started using the liquid crystal stuff. It's odorless, unscented and just a couple of minerals in a roll on. Works surprisingly well.
OK, you're like the fourth person to mention this. I'll have to check it out.
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For a great all purpose body, face, and hair wash you can check out Dr. Bronners. http://www.drbronner.com/
over 60 years of making great all natural products, and no issue with phthalates, and parabens in the plastic.
Most important to also consider a good water filter! you are water, and need to keep it fresh inside yourself, but there are some real nasty chemicals, metals and waste in our water, which companies dump into rivers and streams. A good water filter can help remove this bad guys, and are worth their weight in goldGreat point. I have a basic Pur water filter on my faucet. Have you found anything that works better?
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I've been avoiding microwaves like the plague for a long long time.
I remember reading a study some years ago done by Russians about microwaves and shortly after they banned them. (decades ago)
I'm unsure if they are still banned. But anything those vodka drinking Russians avoid must be pretty bad! -
Pur water filter is okay, but this bad boy is the shiznit.
Removes all contaminants, even viruses, and alkalizes water.
I'll never go back to my archaic BPA pimping water cooler again.
http://www.hightechhealth.com/html/ionizer_main.htmThat is insanity. I may have to buy it.
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Important read, Nate.
I recently read about BPA use when it first showed up, (late 70s or early 80s I believe...), and was shocked about the studies they showed. In fact, they showed a surge of autism in newborn children coincidentally at the same time the chemical was being introduced into plastics. Scary stuff.
Lately, I've been using glass containers as often as I can, and never microwave in plastic.
Thanks for the article! -
I've been kind of anal about this stuff ever since guys like TC started writing about it. What's amazing, though, is that when I see guys microwaving their soyburgers in Tupperware containers and mention to them the long, man-boobie-filled road ahead of them, they just don't seem to care.
Is it possible that if you've already thrown your hormones off balance, you stop caring about your masculinity altogether?
And I'm definitely ordering the Every Man Jack starter kit. Cedarwood scented soap? Yes, please. -
If you spent all your time trying to avoid all the little things that are bringing you closer to an early death you'd never get out of bed for fear. I always say focus on the big stuff (toxins in our food and water, for instance) then get outside and do some living. Neither you nor the authors of the book are paranoid (it IS all killing us) but you'll never be able to control it all. So unless you want to drive yourself crazy, get busy living or get busy dying.
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Very interesting. Defiantly worth keeping in mind. Thanks.
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Very interesting. I had a look at the products you suggested and will pick some up to try out. What do you do about water? I generally drink tap water (i'm in Australia) but sometimes use bottled water.
I have a basic water filter, but am looking into other options.
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Generally like your posts, but on this one I had to comment.
First, 4 days is not enough time to do and prove anything, especially with two test subjects. If they did have toxins, four days doesn't give the body long enough to remove a life time of exposure. Second, any study that is testing any hypothesis needs more than two people. It needs more like 10 and I would say that is to small to have a control group and two test groups. Second, while there is evidence to support BPA and other Estrogen mimicking chemicals overall effect on the human body there is no peer reviewed studies showing the age at which it will effect you. But i do agree, and after reading the article in Men's Health I am trying to remove as much BPA from my life. Third, what are the Authors' motives and are there other studies that have been used as references that back up the claims not just twisted to fit a agenda. These are somethings that I would consider before believing everything put in print (especially Wikipedia). I do agree with you on the BPA an kudos on taking an interest on the effect of manufactured products on our lives, most people are age care more about that dumb show on VH1 and MTV (that would be all of them). Sorry for the rant, keep up the work. -
Nate,
Is there any way to find out if blow-up air mattresses have any of those chemicals in them? The rubber is "soft and squishy," like your description above. If so, how much can those things leach? What if they are stored away in a closet and just not slept on? -
Nice post
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great piece Nate, every so often I like to do a deodorant cleanse and go a week or more without using anything.
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Nate - this post as well as other recent things brought to my attention led me to finally watch a documentary many co-workers at my gym told me about, "The Beautiful Truth". If you haven't seen it, you've got to check it out. Interesting stuff!
I'd like to hear your opinion on it...
-Matt -
Thanks a lot Nate for sharing this. I have read the book and already made some changes. Also thanks for posting some suggested products. I'll order a herban cowboy deodorant but I would like to know if you have any recommandations for a deodorant for women. My gf has some difficulty finding one. Thanks again
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I suggest the Tom's Wood Spice Deoderant for men and use the Peppermint Dr. Bronners soaps for everything else.
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Great article. I despise all air fresheners. The best thing (besides cleaning the house!) is to take cinnamon sticks and slowly boil them with water on the stove for a little while. The house smells of baking and it's safe.
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Nate,
Great little write-up, and I can't say I disagree with you on most of it. After years of dismissing anything approaching this subject as "acting like a hippy", I pretty much woke up one day and realized that what I could (mostly) control is what goes into my body and to me there's pretty much nothing more sacred than that. Granted, I still drink my share of beer and 'Turkey, but the trade-off is worth it.
The past couple of years have been a great journey for me as far as the whole "mastery of self" thing that I think all young men should go through. I've learned to take care of what goes into my body and what I project from it (as in my mental and vocal expulsions... perverts). While I don't think that everyone needs to avoid everything potentially toxic like the plague, eat 110% organic, and basically live in a bubble, simple awareness of what's out there and the effect it can have on you is a key aspect of taking care of yourself.
As I said, good post.
The rub? I'm not giving up my Devil Ducky. Like the women in my life, I know he most likely will be the death of me, but I'm powerless under his gaze. -
Hi Nate,
I actually started to make this change myself. I am now buying my soaps, shampoos and such from www.squidbalm.com. Really good stuff and it works great. If you or any of your readers would like more info on Xeno and Phyto-estrogens these two websites have great info.
www.progresteronetherapy.com and www.womhoo.com, the video series is pretty amazing on womhoo.
My wife and I are doing much better after just a month of making the changes.
Great content by the way. Keep it coming! -
Wonderful journey and experience!
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The patent Michael Kors Totes are the quintessential tote bag
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During use, fix the scuffing of cylinder bore, put into solvent and lower the mixing plate. Turn on the motor after the mixing plate reaches the specified location. Add slowly solid materials such as resin and pigment according to the craft. Increase the rotate speed after adding materials.
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Sirena 10:43am Jun 27, 2011