Testing for Toxins and Pollutants in Your Body

Exposure to environmental toxins is a fact of modern life.

Numerous studies demonstrate harmful effects.

An easy way to assess one's exposure level is an Environmental Pollutants Profile Urine Test.

If results show excess exposure, detoxification methods can be initiated.

A Threat to Health

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over three billion pounds of toxic chemicals were released into the environment in 2021. These chemicals are used in industry, metal mining, manufacturing, generation of electrical power, and other applications. From there, they can eventually make their way into our food, air, water, and soil.¹

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is so concerned with this problem that they actively monitor for over 400 of these chemicals in human urine, blood, and breast milk, and gauge their health effects.² Many of them contribute to deadly diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, by triggering alterations to DNA and the creation of free radicals.^3-6

Assessing Your Toxic Burden

The Environmental Pollutants Profile sample can be collected at home. It checks for some of the most common and potentially harmful chemicals excreted in urine, including:

Xylene. This colorless chemical is well-known for its toxicity.⁷ One study showed that occupational exposure to xylene correlates with an increased risk of lung cancer.⁸ A recent study of 17,524 men and women found that xylene exposure was significantly associated with the development of obesity.⁹

Toluene. A colorless liquid, toluene is known to be toxic to the nervous system. A study on workers in the printing industry showed that exposure to toluene was associated with memory impairment.¹⁰ Another study of 6,070 men and women showed that toluene exposure was associated with a decline in kidney function.¹¹

Benzene. One of the most widely used chemicals in multiple industries, benzene is toxic to bone marrow and blood cells. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long-term exposure to high levels can cause leukemia.¹² Other studies have implicated benzene exposure in increased rates of lung cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.^13,14

Trimethylbenzene. Exposure causes irritation to the eyes, skin and respiratory passages. This toxin affects the nervous system, causing fatigue, lack of coordination, and dizziness.¹⁵

Styrene. Used extensively in manufacturing styrofoam, packing material, and food containers, styrene has been associated with increased risks of multiple cancers, including leukemia and bladder cancer.¹⁶

Phthalates. Known as "everywhere chemicals" because they're found in so many products, from toys to certain types of clothes, phthalates are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals¹⁷ and have been linked to breast and prostate cancer.¹⁸

Parabens. Widely used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products, parabens also disrupt the endocrine system and have been linked to thyroid problems¹⁹ and breast cancer.^20,21

Methyl Tert-butyl Ether (MTBE). It is a common additive in gasoline. Breathing gasoline with MTBE may cause headaches, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, and coughing.²²

Anyone with elevated levels of these pollutants may benefit from lifestyle changes and intake of nutrients that support detoxification, such as glutathione²³ and lipoic acid²⁴. They can also consult with a Life Extension Wellness Specialist about how to support healthy detoxification.

Summary

Environmental pollutants are implicated in a number of serious health problems, including obesity, memory issues, and multiple forms of cancer.

Specialized urine testing can assess the levels of toxic chemicals in your body, allowing you to make changes to reduce the potential damage they may do.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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14. Rana I, Dahlberg S, Steinmaus C, et al. Benzene exposure and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of human studies.Lancet Planet Health.2021 Sep;5(9):e633-e43.
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24. Available at: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/lipoic-acid#food-sources . Accessed January, 9, 2023.