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Two San Francisco Bay Area Locations:
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3030 Bridgeway, Ste. 120
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-331-1823
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616 University Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-327-2053
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Many commonly used kitchen products and utensils may be linked
with the symptoms and signs of toxicity, especially those make from heavy metals
and plastics. Diagnosis of heavy metal toxicity is typically made by hair
analysis. The following is a list of potential sources of toxins in the kitchen.
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METALS |
SOURCES |
TOXICITY |
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COPPER |
pots and pans, gelatin molds |
liver and brain disease (with large
exposures)
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ALUMINUM |
pots and pans, baking pans, foil cans, food
packaging, cooking utensils |
anorexia, ataxia, colic, dementia,
difficulty breathing, esophagitis, gastroenteritis, liver dysfunction,
nephritis, muscle pain, psychosis, muscle weakness
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LEAD |
some glazed earthenware and pottery, tin
cans, pewter, some crystal, wine cork covers |
anemia, anorexia, anxiety, impaired
concentration, confusion, constipation, depression, dizziness, drowsiness,
fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, incoordination, irritability,
impaired memory, abdominal pain, bone pain, muscle pain, restlessness and
tremor
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STAINLESS STEEL
(leaks nickel after being scoured once) |
pots and pans, bakeware, utensils, flatware |
gastrointestinal upset, possible
association with cancer |
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CADMIUM |
galvanized containers and roasting pans,
some ceramic and pottery glazes |
hair loss, anemia, loss of appetite,
emphysema, fatigue, liver dysfunction, high blood pressure, joint pain,
osteoporosis, back and leg pain, dry skin, yellowed teeth |
Alternatives
Use glass, cast iron, porcelain or enamel pans, terra cotta
clay, and stainless steel which has never been scoured (let soak to remove
stains). Acidic foods absorb metals the most, so minimize their contact (fruits,
tomatoes, vinegar-containing food). Use parchment paper instead of foil. The shiny
side of foil contains a plastic which vaporizes when heated and may contaminate
food.
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PLASTICS |
SOURCES |
TOXICITY |
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food packaging, Tupperwareâ
, plastic wrap/bags, kitchen utensils, beverage containers, milk jugs,
drinking cups, Teflonâ non-stick coating,
Styrofoamâ |
suspected carcinogen, gastrointestinal
upset, headache, fatigue, birth defects, liver disease, skin disease,
nervous system problems; contains numerous additives which have not been
investigated for their toxicity |
Alternatives
Use wooden bowls and utensils, glass or paper milk and
beverage containers. Hard plastics leak less than flexible ones. For non-stick
surfaces, use seasoned cast iron or a thin layer of lecithin. Line baking pans
with parchment paper.
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