Toxic Products for Your Brain and Body

Over 2,000 chemicals have been banned in Europe over the last two years, yet a long list of these banned chemicals are used in American households. This article will provide some resources to check the toxic levels of food and products you may be using or considering purchasing.

Jessica Novak

1/25/20253 min read

person holding purple plastic bottle
person holding purple plastic bottle

Toxic chemicals can significantly impact brain health, leading to a variety of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral issues. These chemicals, which can be found in everyday products, food, and the environment, affect the brain’s development and functioning, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

1. Neurodevelopmental Effects: Exposure to toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and certain organophosphate pesticides has been linked to developmental delays and cognitive deficits in children. These chemicals can interfere with the normal growth of the brain and nervous system, resulting in reduced IQ, attention problems, and learning disabilities.

2. Cognitive Decline: Chemicals like heavy metals and solvents can negatively impact cognitive performance in adults. Studies have shown that long-term exposure can lead to memory issues, slower processing speeds, and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

3. Mood Disorders: Certain toxic chemicals, including industrial pollutants and synthetic chemicals found in plastics, have been associated with an increased risk of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. These substances may disrupt neurochemical pathways or hormonal balances, altering mood regulation.

4. Hormonal Disruption: Some chemicals function as endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with hormone signaling in the body. This disruption may lead to changes in brain chemistry, affecting emotional regulation and cognitive function.

5. Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Many toxins can trigger inflammation in the brain and increase oxidative stress, both of which are harmful to neural health. Chronic inflammation has been linked to mental health conditions, while oxidative stress can damage brain cells and impair their function.

To minimize the impact of these toxic chemicals on brain health, check out some additional resources below.

THIS article is one example that discusses the presence of various food additives commonly found in U.S. foods, such as bread, baked goods, and candies, that are banned or restricted in Europe due to health concerns. It highlights a significant loophole in the U.S. FDA's approval process, which allows 99% of new food chemicals to enter the market without evaluation.

Key additives mentioned include:

1. Titanium Dioxide: Found in various products, it has been banned in Europe since 2022 due to its genotoxicity, which could damage DNA.

2. Potassium Bromate: Used in flour and baked goods for dough rising, it has been linked to cancer in animal studies and is banned in many countries, though still legal in the U.S. (California recently banned it).

3. Azodicarbonamide (ADA): A dough conditioner known as the "yoga mat" chemical, it can break down into harmful carcinogens during baking.

4. BHA and BHT: Preservatives linked to potential cancer risks and endocrine disruption, recommended to be avoided by consumer advocacy groups.

5. Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH): Used to increase milk production, it raises concerns about hormone-related cancers.

6. Synthetic Food Dyes: Certain dyes have been associated with hyperactivity in children, leading to restrictions on their use in California.

7. Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO): Previously used in soft drinks, it has been banned after studies indicated potential health risks.

There is a growing emphasis on consumer awareness that is pushing manufacturers to reduce the use of these additives.

Would you like to know whether the products you currently use could impact your brain health?

Imagine knowing thatyour sunscreen has toxic chemicals in it. or that your carrots are tainted with pesticides, or your local water is contaminated by pollutants from local farms and factories. Would you still use them? Click HERE for the EWG.org app that will give you this information.

Have you thought about buying better food for your family but find food labels overwhelming? Yuka designed an app that can automatically analyze the ingredients in your food items. Just like EWG they have helpful blog articles all related to making healthier choices more simple.