This popular pest killer kills more than mosquitos

For many years now, I’ve had a preoccupation with chemicals and their impact on health…

I know it seems crazy to a lot of people. After all, we’re told that most of the chemicals we’re exposed to in our lives are “safe” in small doses. So why not spray weed killer on your lawn? Or cover your body in Off? Or cook everything in those convenient non-stick pans?

My concern is that all those small doses of “safe” chemicals add up. A little bit of this chemical and a little bit of that chemical may not be dangerous on their own. But together? Who knows?

Plus, let’s face it, we’re getting hit by small doses of chemicals from all angles. They’re in our yard, parks, clothes, shoes, yoga mats, water bottles, furniture, shampoo, makeup, food. The list goes on and on.

But it’s not just the pervasiveness of chemicals that concerns me. It’s the fact that, as a society, we tend to err on the side of convenience rather than caution when it comes to chemicals…

If we can use a chemical to make our lives easier right now — by eradicating a pesky weed or making our pans a breeze to clean — we’ll do it. Even if we don’t know for sure how that chemical will affect us in the future. Or even if we have reason to believe it may not be good for us, but the risks lie far head. In the human mind, immediate gratification trumps hazy, far-off risk. That’s just how it is.

Unfortunately, this mindset could be killing us. I know that sounds extreme. But long term studies are starting to show the effect common chemicals can have on our health and our lives. And it’s not pretty…

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These insecticides are everywhere… and they’re increasing death rates

Pyrethroid insecticides are all around you. They’re in yard and garden insecticides you can buy at any big box store. They’re in flea and tick treatments you put on your pets. They’re in bug spray you use on yourself. They’re in lice shampoo.

Even if you try to avoid all these things, they’re sprayed around neighborhoods by fumigation trucks trying to curb mosquito populations. They’re used in agriculture and landscaping. So, there’s no way to totally shield yourself from them.

Unfortunately, these common chemicals aren’t just killing mosquitos… they’re upping the disease risk and death of humans…

A recent study led by researchers at the University of Iowa found that exposure to pyrethroid insecticides increases the risk of dying from all causes.

The study included data from 2,116 adults in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which lasted from 1999 until 2002. Pyrethroid insecticide levels were tracked through urine samples. And here’s what researchers determined…

People with higher pyrethroid insecticide levels in their urine were 56 percent more likely to die from any cause within 14 years of the survey. Heart disease was the top cause of death. And pyrethroid insecticides have been linked to heart problems in animal studies previously. So, it seems like these popular pest killers are killing more than bugs.

What can you do to protect yourself from pyrethroid insecticides?

The tricky thing about pyrethroid insecticides is that they’re used to keep pests away — some of which carry diseases. So, you have to wonder whether the benefits outweigh the risks in some cases or vice versa.

I can’t answer that question. But here’s what I can tell you…

You should minimize your exposure to them and other chemicals whenever you can. One of the best ways to do that is to eat an organic diet. In fact, research shows that most exposure to pyrethroid insecticides comes from food sprayed with it, especially fruits and vegetables.

Unfortunately, you’re going to be exposed to some pyrethroid insecticides no matter what you do… not to mention a long list of other chemicals. So, what else can you do to protect your health?

Practice habits that help your body filter these chemicals out more efficiently. Besides eating a healthy, organic diet, exercising can help your body filter toxins more efficiently. So can some supplements like:

  • Milk thistle seed extract
  • Dandelion leaf
  • Cilantro leaf
  • Astragalus root
  • Goldenrod
  • Chinese salvia
  • N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid
  • L-Methionine
  • Calcium D-glucarate

Alternative therapies like lymphatic massage, acupuncture and sauna bathing can also help move toxins through your body better. So, treat yourself to a relaxing session regularly.

Sources:

  1. Exposure to pyrethroid insecticides linked to mortality — MedicalXpress
  2. Association Between Exposure to Pyrethroid Insecticides and Risk of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in the General US Adult PopulationJAMA Internal Medicine
  3. Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids — United States Environmental Protection Agency
  4. Pesticides are everywhere, and more dangerous than you realize — The Verge
  5. Insecticides Linked to Heart Disease Deaths — Newsmax
  6. Pyrethroid Exposure Increases Risk for Death — Medscape
  7. 10 natural ways to battle toxin exposure — Easy Health Options
Jenny Smiechowski

By Jenny Smiechowski

Jenny Smiechowski is a Chicago-based freelance writer who specializes in health, nutrition and the environment. Her work has appeared in online and print publications like Chicagoland Gardening magazine, Organic Lifestyle Magazine, BetterLife Magazine, TheFix.com, Hybridcars.com and Seedstock.com.

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