Every time I read about a study like this my heart just breaks. So many kids today are diagnosed with ADHD, and to think that something inside our own homes might be contributing to the problem is really hard to hear.
ADHD, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is one of the most common childhood disorders, and it can seriously impact the health and well being of not just children, but of whole families. Kids with ADHD are often severely hyperactive and have a difficult time concentrating and paying attention, and because they have such a hard time controlling their behavior, many of them have problems in school and at home. For parents of kids with ADHD, the last thing they want to worry about is toxins, but now there’s even more evidence that our increasingly toxic world is taking a toll on American families.
Recently a team of experts from Boston University looked at samples from nearly 600 kids between the ages of 12 and 15, and what they found was that those with higher levels of a type of toxin called PFCs in their bodies were more likely to suffer from ADHD. PFC stands for polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, and research suggests that these chemicals may affect healthy nervous system function. And because they’re used so much in things like food packaging and flame-retardant coatings for furniture and upholstery, it’s probably safe to say that PFCs are in most of our homes every day.
While we’ll never really be able to get rid of all the toxins that are inside our bodies, the best way to stay healthy is just to stay informed and do our best to reduce our toxic exposure. Take a good look at the products you use every day, and whenever you can, try to replace chemical-laden products with safer, natural alternatives. Your health—and the health of your kids—might just depend on it!
