Toxics The bible calls upon us to care for our bodies as if they were temples to God (1 Corinthians 6: 19-20), but this can be challenging. Everyday we are exposed to toxic chemicals through household products, the food we eat, air pollution from vehicles or factories, hazardous waste sites, and other sources. Toxic chemicals are everywhere, and yet we are often unaware and unknowledgeable of all the contaminants that permeate our everyday lives. These environmental hazards represent one of the greatest threats to the health of God’s people and the entirety of God’s creation. More than 82,000 synthetic chemicals are registered for use in manufacturing and industry. Yet, only ten percent of those chemicals have been tested for their effects on human health. Toxics are found in products from cosmetics to toys, from our food to our homes. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found 167 toxics (including industrial compounds, pollutants, and other chemicals) in human bodies through a study they conducted. There are steps we can take though to limit our exposures to toxics. See some of the ideas below to learn about specific toxics and how to protect your family and your body. People of faith take action United Methodist Women Green Teams Massachusetts UCC Conference President Reverend Jim Antal- Reverend Antal, a vegetarian and cyclist, participated in a nationwide study and had his blood tested for toxic chemicals. All three chemical families were found present in his blood. Reverend Antal said, "I expected that because I’m a vegetarian and have a healthy lifestyle that the levels in my body would be lower. Now, I’m wondering if the water bottle on my bike, or other things I thought were safe, are actually causing harm." read more about Reverend Antal and the study. Reverend Nancy Firestone A Methodist minister, Reverend Firestone became environmentally ill in 2000. She is now working on a PhD in health and spirituality. She teaches congregations how they can build healthy churches. Learn More Toxic audit for congregations from GreenFaith Ideas for less toxic living Read the United Church of Christ report Toxic Waste and Race at 20: 1987-2007. Click here for a list of twelve dirty toxics from the Oregon Environmental Council Read a report produced by the Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine exposing the chemicals in thirteen men and women. Other Environmental Health Topics from the NCC Environmental Health- Home Toxics Environmental Justice and Health Children’s and Women’s Health Pesticides Our daily Bread- Food and Health Plastics Mercury- Our Children’s Inheritance Air Quality Flame Retardants Take Action!