Exposed: How Chemicals in Products Impact Our Health | Amy Ziff | TEDxBerkshires

TEDx Talks
9 Nov 202114:06
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis talk recounts the personal journey of a speaker who, as a child, suffered from debilitating migraines and shaking due to a misdiagnosed condition. Initially thought to have a rare neurological disorder, it was later discovered that her symptoms were caused by severe allergies to environmental factors. Through an allergist's intervention, she overcame her conditions by adjusting her diet and environment. The speaker then shifts focus to the broader issue of chemical exposures in everyday life, highlighting their link to chronic diseases and urging action through awareness, legislation, and personal choices to reduce these harmful impacts.

Takeaways
  • 🤔 The speaker developed severe migraines and uncontrollable shaking in their hands at a young age, which were later diagnosed as a rare condition related to PANDAS.
  • 🏥 Initial medical prognosis was grim, predicting a chronic, progressive condition that would require morphine and lead to premature death.
  • 👩‍⚕️ The speaker's mother sought alternative medical opinions and eventually found an allergist who identified severe environmental allergies and dietary sensitivities.
  • 📋 Keeping a food journal and undergoing a removal diet led to the elimination of symptoms, allowing the speaker to lead a normal life.
  • 🌿 The allergist's protocol included avoiding certain foods and using a tincture to build tolerance to unavoidable allergens.
  • 🧪 There are over 84,000 chemicals in use today, with about 700 added annually, many with insufficient safety testing.
  • ⚠️ Certain chemicals, like phthalates, bisphenols, pesticides, flame retardants, and PFAS, are known to interfere with hormones and are linked to various diseases.
  • 🌍 The prevalence of these chemicals is widespread, found in everyday items like cars, carpets, furniture, and personal care products.
  • 📉 Exposure to harmful chemicals has been linked to a decline in human fertility, with a 50% decrease in the last 50 years.
  • 🌱 The best approach to dealing with harmful chemicals is prevention and avoidance, as recommended by scientists studying these endocrine-active substances.
  • 🍎 Eat consciously by choosing real, organic food and avoiding heavily processed items.
  • 📚 Educate yourself about harmful chemicals and their impact on health; the speaker started an organization called MADE SAFE for this purpose.
  • 💌 Advocate for protective chemical legislation by writing to legislators at all levels of government.
  • 💰 Vote with your dollars by supporting companies that are transparent about their chemical policies and have safe products.
  • 🗣️ Share information about the dangers of harmful chemicals widely to protect future generations.
Q & A

  • What health issues did the speaker experience as a child?

    -The speaker experienced migraine headaches and uncontrollable shaking, primarily in their hands, which made it difficult to perform tasks like holding a pencil to take notes or complete assignments.

  • What was the initial diagnosis and prognosis given to the speaker?

    -The initial diagnosis was a rare neurological condition called 'sitting hams korea', which was believed to be related to undiagnosed strep throat. The prognosis was that the speaker's symptoms would worsen, they would need to be put on morphine, and they would die prematurely.

  • How did the speaker's mother respond to the initial prognosis?

    -The speaker's mother rejected the prognosis and refused to believe it. She sought alternative opinions by taking the speaker to multiple doctor's offices until they found an allergist who was able to help.

  • What was the allergist's approach to treating the speaker's condition?

    -The allergist had the speaker keep a food journal to record what they were eating and how they felt. It was discovered that the speaker was highly allergic to their environment, including dust, molds, mites, pollens, trees, grasses, pets, and certain foods. The allergist then crafted a removal plan to eliminate allergens from the speaker's diet and environment, and a tincture protocol to build up tolerance to unavoidable allergens.

  • What were the results of following the allergist's protocol?

    -Within two weeks of following the allergist's protocol, the speaker's symptoms completely disappeared. They no longer experienced headaches or shaking and were able to lead a normal life.

  • What is the main focus of the speaker's talk?

    -The main focus of the speaker's talk is not just their personal story, but the broader issue of exposure to harmful chemicals in everyday life and how these exposures can be correlated with various diseases and chronic conditions.

  • What is the estimated number of chemicals in use today, and how many are added to the marketplace each year?

    -There are over 84,000 chemicals in use today, with an estimated 700 added to the marketplace each year, many with insufficient or no prior market testing.

  • What are some of the harmful effects of chemicals like phthalates and bisphenols on human health?

    -Chemicals like phthalates and bisphenols are known to alter the way hormones function, potentially disrupting body processes and contributing to diseases. They are also associated with conditions like diabetes, metabolic disorders, neurological and behavioral changes, and fertility issues.

  • According to the CDC, what percentage of all cancers are environmentally caused?

    -The CDC estimates that 20% of all cancers are environmentally caused.

  • What is the speaker's message about the importance of prevention and avoidance regarding harmful chemicals?

    -The speaker emphasizes that prevention and avoidance are the best approaches to dealing with harmful chemicals. Removing as many harmful chemicals as possible from one's life is beneficial for health, as our bodies were not designed to process the vast array of chemicals we are now exposed to.

  • What are the five actions the speaker suggests to combat harmful chemical exposures?

    -The five actions suggested are: 1) Eat consciously, choosing real food and avoiding heavily processed items; 2) Educate oneself on harmful chemicals; 3) Advocate for protective chemical legislation by writing to legislators; 4) Vote with one's dollars by supporting companies with transparent chemical policies; and 5) Share information widely to raise awareness.

  • What is the significance of the speaker's mention of 'the house is on fire'?

    -The phrase 'the house is on fire' is a metaphor used by the speaker to convey the urgency of the situation regarding the prevalence of harmful chemicals and their impact on human health. It suggests that immediate action is needed to address this issue.

Outlines
00:00
🤕 Childhood Struggles with Migraines and Allergies

The first paragraph introduces the speaker's personal struggle with migraine headaches and uncontrollable shaking, particularly in their hands, starting at the age of nine in 1979. Despite the initial grim prognosis of a chronic, progressive neurological condition, the speaker's mother sought alternative diagnoses and treatments. Eventually, an allergist discovered severe environmental and dietary allergies, leading to a life-changing dietary and lifestyle protocol that eliminated the speaker's symptoms. This personal story sets the stage for a broader discussion on the impact of chemicals on health.

05:01
🚨 The Pervasive Impact of Chemicals on Health

The second paragraph delves into the broader societal issue of chemical exposure, highlighting the presence of over 84,000 chemicals in use today, many with unknown health effects. The speaker outlines the correlation between these chemicals and various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, metabolic disorders, neurological changes, and fertility issues. The paragraph emphasizes the alarming statistics related to these health conditions and the potential for environmental causes, urging for a change in the way we produce and manage chemicals.

10:04
🛡️ Combatting Chemical Exposure: Actionable Steps

The final paragraph offers a call to action, providing five concrete steps individuals can take to combat harmful chemical exposure. These steps include eating consciously, educating oneself about harmful chemicals, advocating for protective legislation, making informed consumer choices, and spreading awareness. The speaker stresses the importance of prevention and avoidance as the best approach to dealing with the toxic environment we live in, and encourages the audience to act for the sake of their health and that of future generations.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are severe, often debilitating headaches that can cause intense pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. In the video, the speaker describes how they experienced migraines that would come on suddenly and were so intense that they would lead to vomiting and the need to sleep off the headache. This personal experience is used to illustrate the impact of health issues on a person's life and sets the stage for discussing broader health concerns related to environmental factors.
💡Uncontrollable Shaking
Uncontrollable shaking, particularly in the hands, refers to involuntary muscle movements that can hinder one's ability to perform daily tasks. The speaker mentions this symptom to highlight the physical challenges they faced during their childhood, which were significant enough to affect their ability to write and participate in school activities. This symptom is part of the narrative that leads to the discovery of their allergies and the subsequent life changes that followed.
💡Allergist
An allergist is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies. In the context of the video, the allergist plays a crucial role in the speaker's life by identifying their severe environmental allergies and developing a treatment plan. This keyword is significant as it represents a turning point in the speaker's health journey, leading to the resolution of their symptoms and a return to a normal life.
💡Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies are hypersensitivity reactions to substances typically found in one's surroundings, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. The speaker's life-changing diagnosis of severe environmental allergies is central to the video's narrative, illustrating how an individual's health can be profoundly affected by their environment and how identifying and managing these allergies can lead to significant improvements in quality of life.
💡Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the body's endocrine system, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances and various health issues. The video discusses how these chemicals, such as phthalates and bisphenols, are linked to a range of diseases and conditions. This keyword is integral to the video's message about the hidden dangers of everyday chemicals and the need for awareness and action to mitigate their impact on health.
💡Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases are long-lasting conditions that typically do not have a cure but can be managed through various treatments and lifestyle changes. The video highlights the prevalence of chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes, suggesting a link between these conditions and exposure to harmful chemicals. This keyword emphasizes the urgency of addressing chemical exposure as a public health concern.
💡Pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals used to control pests, such as insects, weeds, and fungi. In the video, pesticides are mentioned as one of the harmful chemicals that can have negative effects on human health. This keyword is part of the broader discussion on the pervasiveness of chemicals in our environment and their potential to cause harm when not properly regulated or avoided.
💡Flame Retardants
Flame retardants are additives used to slow the spread of fire. The video includes flame retardants as an example of chemicals that are pervasive in everyday products and can contribute to health problems. Understanding flame retardants within the context of the video helps to underscore the ubiquity of potentially harmful substances in modern life and the importance of seeking safer alternatives.
💡PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various products to make them resistant to water, grease, and stains. The video mentions PFAS as an example of chemicals that are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body, potentially leading to adverse health effects. This keyword is used to illustrate the long-term consequences of chemical exposure and the need for preventative measures.
💡Prevention and Avoidance
Prevention and avoidance refer to proactive measures taken to stop or reduce exposure to harmful substances. The speaker emphasizes that in the face of pervasive chemical exposure, the best approach is to focus on what individuals can do to minimize their contact with these substances. This keyword encapsulates the video's call to action for viewers to take control of their health by making informed choices about the products they use and the environment they live in.
💡Legislation
Legislation refers to the process of making or enacting laws. In the context of the video, the speaker encourages viewers to advocate for protective chemical legislation as a means to address the issue of harmful chemicals at a systemic level. This keyword highlights the role of policy and regulation in creating a healthier environment and protecting public health.
Highlights

At age 9, the speaker developed migraine headaches and uncontrollable shaking in their hands, which made it difficult to write and complete school assignments.

After undergoing tests and CAT scans, the speaker was diagnosed with a rare condition called PANDAS, which was believed to be caused by an undiagnosed strep throat infection.

The initial prognosis was grim - the speaker's symptoms would worsen, they would need to be put on morphine, and they would die prematurely.

The speaker's mother refused to accept this fate and took them to multiple doctors until they found an allergist who saved their life.

The allergist discovered the speaker was severely allergic to their environment, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and certain foods.

By eliminating common allergens from their diet and using a tincture protocol, the speaker's symptoms disappeared completely within 2 weeks.

The speaker went on to lead a normal life, with a family and children, despite the initial dire prognosis.

The speaker emphasizes that the talk is not just about their personal story, but about the harmful chemicals we are all exposed to in daily life.

There are over 84,000 chemicals in use today, with 700 added to the market each year, many with insufficient prior testing.

Some chemicals have been found to alter hormone function and disrupt bodily processes, leading to disease.

The CDC estimates that 20% of all cancers are environmentally caused, including certain types linked to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Reducing environmental exposures could prevent nearly a quarter of global deaths.

Harmful chemicals are associated with a range of health issues, including diabetes, obesity, metabolic disorders, neurological problems, and infertility.

Exposure to hormone-hijacking chemicals during critical windows of development can have effects that persist for up to 4 generations.

Fertility rates have declined by 50% over the past 50 years, a trend that is concerning for the future of the human race.

Prevention and avoidance of harmful chemicals are the best strategies, as our bodies were not evolved to process many of the chemicals now prevalent in our environment.

The speaker recommends 5 key actions: 1) Eat consciously, choosing real food and avoiding heavily processed items; 2) Educate yourself about harmful chemicals; 3) Advocate for protective chemical legislation; 4) Vote with your dollars by supporting companies with responsible chemical policies; 5) Share this important information widely.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

ADHD in Girls and Women | Martha Barnard-Rae | TEDxKinjarling

Raquel's Stage 4 Colon Cancer Symptoms | Colorectal Cancer | The Patient Story

The Ideal Diet for Humans | Galit Goldfarb | TEDxWilmington

The Business of Beauty is Very Ugly​ | Carrie Hammer | TEDxSantaBarbara

Hyperparathyroidism- diagnosis, parathyroidectomy, post-op, questions and more!

"Why I Quit Wearing Wigs!" Self-Care for black women

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
Health CrisisChemical ExposureAllergiesEnvironmental ImpactNeurological DisordersPreventionAvoidanceOrganic DietLegislation AdvocacyConsumer AwarenessEndocrine DisruptorsFertility Decline