The Health Dangers of Dichlorophene

Dichlorophene is a chemical commonly used as a pesticide because it’s toxic to many organisms, including bacteria and fungus. Dichlorophene is also toxic to humans. It irritates the skin, it’s very harmful to the eyes and mucous membranes, and if it’s eaten or inhaled, the results can be fatal.

Effects of Exposure to Dichlorophene

Dichlorophene is not safe in any way. The possible negative effects of exposure to dichlorophene are endless and largely depend on the method of exposure. Skin or eye contact can cause irritation. If it’s eaten or inhaled, depending on the amount, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, cramping, neurotoxicity, organ problems, and even death. ^[1] Dichlorophene is positive in the Ames mutagenicity test, meaning it has the potential to cause cancer. Despite this, dichlorophene has been added to cosmetics to kill bacteria and fungus. ^[2]

Dichlorophene is Toxic to the Brain

Dichlorophene is a developmental toxicant, meaning it can severely affect unborn children if mothers are exposed. Negative health effects can include low birth weight, defects, and psychological problems. These problems can be difficult to pinpoint, as negative effects may not immediately surface and only become apparent when the child is older.

Dichlorophene Exposure Completely Messes Up Your Body

Chemicals that are toxic to the endocrine system are known as “endocrine disrupting chemicals” and dichlorophene is one of them. The endocrine system regulates mood, metabolism, growth, development, reproduction, and sexual function; in other words, the serious bodily processes you do not want to be impacted by a toxic pesticide. Dichlorophene is especially toxic to the endocrine system because it mimics estrogen. ^[3] This can lead to horrible hormone imbalances in both men and women that can completely derail the body.

Dichlorophene and Obesity

Childhood obesity is a growing problem and chemical exposure might play a role. A study conducted by Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon Georgia looked at over 6700 subjects from the 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. After determining individual exposure to pesticides by measuring pesticide residue in the subjects’ urine, researchers noted that individuals with higher concentrations of dichlorophenol were also more likely to be obese. ^[4]

Preventing Exposure to Dichlorophene

You can control your own exposure to dichlorophene by using organic or natural pesticides, bactericides, and fungicides to safely remove pests instead of dangerous chemicals such as dichlorophene.

Unfortunately, dichlorophene also enters the environment through channels we cannot individually control. This re-enforces the need to drink water that has been purified and consume organic food that’s been grown in conditions free of toxic chemicals. Consuming toxins needs to be cut off at the source. Cleansing your life of the sources of toxins is the first step to cleansing your body.

References (4)

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