In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Alexis Temkin, Senior Toxicologist at the Environmental Working Group, discuss toxic chemicals we can’t see or detect in our food and daily-use products. Dr. Temkin describes common pesticides and other chemicals used in agriculture and how they enter the human body. She also shares resources provided by the Environmental Working Group that can help keep you and your family safer.

Key Takeaways:

• Chemicals in cosmetics and other daily-use products are often considered safe until proven otherwise. It often takes years before the harm is discovered and the chemical banned

• Pesticides are introduced into our bodies through the food we consume.

• Despite a lack of EPA regulations, consumers can decrease their exposure to potentially harmful pesticides.

• Always wash your fruits and vegetables. It may not remove all pesticides, but it is good practice and will reduce at least some of your exposure to the chemicals.

"It’ll depend on the pesticide, but we’ve seen exposure to pesticides being linked to a variety of health harms. That could include brain and nervous system toxicity, we’ve seen associations with increased cancer after exposure to certain types of pesticides, impacts on reproduction, and dietary pesticide consumption has also been associated with cardiovascular health." — Dr. Alexis Temkin

Episode References:

• EWG Consumer Guides: https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides

• Center for Biological Diversity: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/

• EWG’s 2024 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php

Connect with Dr. Alexis Temkin:

Professional Bio: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/our-experts/alexis-temkin-phd

Website: https://www.ewg.org/

Email: alexis@ewg.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-temkin-46345750

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Threads: @critically_speaking

Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.