Air Quality and Hashimoto’s – Is the Air You’re Breathing Making You Sick?

Did you know that we breathe around 2,000 gallons of air each day? (1)

Most of the time, we don’t think twice about what might be in that air — but it could actually be making us sick.

As I searched for my own root causes, I found that many people with thyroid conditions can have multiple sensitivities to environmental toxins. Breathing in pollutants is inflammatory, and triggers an immune response as the body tries to process out the toxins.

This process puts the liver into overdrive, since chemicals of all kinds are metabolized by the liver. I often find that people with Hashimoto’s have overburdened livers — where the liver has a long backlog of toxins to process.

When there is a backlog of toxins, oftentimes they can linger and cause inflammation, and in some cases, they may be partially metabolized into even more toxic intermediate metabolites.

I’ve seen a number of airborne toxins showing up as frequent triggers/exacerbating factors for my clients’ autoimmune conditions — mold, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and artificial/synthetic fragrances, in particular.

I was inspired to write this blog after the September 2020 Cameron Peak fires in Colorado. One of the reasons I moved to Colorado was because of the promise of healthy living… I was so excited about living in a culture of wellness, farm to table food and fresh air…

While Colorado sure delivered the culture and the food, the mirage of fresh air was unfortunately short-lived. The beautiful community where I lived experienced the effects of hazardous air quality from raging wildfires.

As I had previously done research about heavy metals, potential endocrine disruptors, and carcinogens showing up in wildfire ash and smoke — including asbestos, vinyl materials, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and plastics — I didn’t dare let my son, Dimitry, outside the house for some time.

It was weeks before we even left our windows open again.

In 2021, our family moved back to sunny Los Angeles, CA, a big city far away from our home in the mountains of Colorado, but close to the beach and airport, so I was inspired to focus on a different type of outdoor air quality. 🙂

It’s probably not news to you that breathing in smoky air or living close to an airport may expose us to harmful substances, but one need not be exposed to wildfires or live in a big city to be impacted by air quality. In fact, the air quality within our own homes can often be more problematic than the air outside. Studies show that various airborne particulates are linked to an array of autoimmune diseases and thyroid-related illnesses. (2-4)

In this article, you will learn:

• How we are exposed to unhealthy air quality, indoors and outdoors
• How to know if there are toxins in the air you are breathing
• How airborne toxins can affect the thyroid
• The Root Cause approach to improving air quality

How We Are Exposed to Unhealthy Air

Toxic chemicals exist inside and outside of the home. They can come from anywhere, and since we usually can’t see them, most of the time we don’t even know they’re there! Indoor air quality issues can have many causes, and can also be influenced by outdoor air pollution.

Smoke, ash, pollen, dirt, bacteria, and molds are examples of common indoor and outdoor particulate matter. Although these are technically “natural” substances, they become pollutants when they accumulate in unnaturally high concentrations.

Heavy metals like lead and arsenic are examples of natural substances that we know can be extremely toxic even in slightly higher quantities than what exists in nature.

Synthetic pollutants that come from industrial and agricultural processes and persist everywhere in the environment include:

• Bisphenol-A (BPA)
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
• Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAs)
• Persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals (PBTs)
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Many of these are classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) or “forever chemicals.” Many people think that this means that there’s nothing we can do to remove these toxins out of our bodies, but in my experience, functional medicine detox protocols can help with mobilizing the toxins.

It can be challenging to know where these pollutants are, where they come from, and how to avoid them. (I encourage you to check the EPA site to learn more about these types of pollutants.) But the good news is that we can take simple steps to keep many of these toxins to a minimum in our homes.

Outdoor Air Pollution

Airborne particulates and toxins can linger in the atmosphere, travel for thousands of miles, and mix with other materials to create new toxic substances — smog is a common example. The term “smog,” which I first learned in my early days of living in Los Angeles, describes a mix of substances which include particles (such as dust or pollen) and chemicals (such as VOCs and nitrogen oxides).

Outdoor air pollution can be natural or synthetic. Examples of outdoor air pollution sources include:

• Factories
• Power plants
• Vehicles
• Heavy equipment
• Volcanic eruptions
• Wildfire smoke and ash
• Pesticides

Outdoor air pollution influences our home environments, too. VOCs can be found both indoors and outdoors. Indoor sources include flame retardants, upholstery, flooring and manufactured wood products, cleaning agents, etc.

Heavy Metals

Unfortunately, all of us are exposed to more heavy metals than we realize — and people with Hashimoto’s (and other autoimmune conditions) can be intensely affected by such toxins. (Toxins may even trigger Hashimoto’s!) Heavy metal contamination primarily results from human industrial activities, including those related to mining, industrial production, and agricultural activities. We find heavy metals like lead and mercury in the air, in our soils, in the water, and even in household products.

Mercury is a frequent trigger for my clients. Mercury creates oxidative damage in tissue (such as thyroid tissue), which can trigger and/or worsen thyroid autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s. A study of 1,587 people found correlations between mercury and decreased levels of T3 and T4. (5)

Arsenic originates from both natural and man-made sources, and is in the air and in our beauty products. It is a suspected endocrine disruptor thought to interfere with the production and action of thyroid hormones. (6)

Back in 2014, I found that my Hashimoto’s flared up after using a particular lip gloss; once tested, it came back as containing arsenic!  

Wildfire Emissions and Particulate Matter

Natural wildfires and controlled burns (such as those traditionally used by Indigenous groups in North America) can benefit the land. But massive wildfire events like the ones in Colorado are both a cause and symptom of climate change. Whether they are started by people or nature, these types of wildfires are becoming more frequent, intense, and disruptive. Smoke and ash from these types of wildfires contain dozens of dangerous toxins, including endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and carcinogens.

Old forests that haven’t burnt in decades can contain heavy metals like arsenic, lead, copper, and aluminum. When they burn, these contaminants are released into the air and environment.

Large wildfires can also be pollutants through the sheer amount of smoke that they emit. In addition, today’s wildfire ash contains greater levels of toxins due to the nature of what is being burned — today there’s a lot more human-made stuff being burned than ever before, including homes.

Everything those homes were made of, and everything they contained (appliances, metals, pipes, electrical components and tons of different chemicals) can become part of both short-term and lingering air pollution.

Researchers are examining these types of residential wildfires for their potential impact on forest fighters’ health. One study analyzing 70 different wildfire burn sites found significant levels of hazardous heavy metals in the ash (even after the burn sites had supposedly been cleaned of household hazardous waste prior to the sampling), including high levels of lead, arsenic, cadmium and copper. The levels found far exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s health guidelines. (7)

Particulate matter can be any pollutant that is suspended in the air. Particles that are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5), such as many metals, cause the most health risk, although even particles less than 10 micrometers (PM10) can make their way into the lungs. Particulate size is important relating to air filtration systems, as most air filtration systems and filters specify the size of particles they address. (8)

Here’s an image which shows the relative sizes of various types of particulate matter: 

Toxic air and particulates can infiltrate homes through windows, air conditioners, venting, and structural gaps.

Indoor Air Pollution

Unlike some types of outdoor air pollution like fires, indoor air pollution can be much more difficult to detect — yet most of us have some invisible toxins in our homes.

Indoor air pollution may originate inside the home or infiltrate through windows, air conditioning units, or gaps.

Examples of indoor sources of pollution include:

• Outdoor and indoor smoke sources
• Mold (an important Hashimoto’s trigger)
• Allergens (dust, pollen, animal dander, etc.)
• Radon (a naturally-occurring radioactive gas found in some homes’ basements)
• Bacteria
• Artificial fragrances
• Chemicals like asbestos, lead and formaldehyde

These toxins can all contribute to the body’s toxic load and be a trigger for many thyroid symptoms, as well as Hashimoto’s itself.

The EPA estimates that the concentration of certain indoor air pollutants can be two to five times greater than the same pollutant found outdoors. (9)

Sick Building Syndrome 

Have you ever spent day after day in a particular space and ended up feeling worse than you do when you’re outside or at home? (Or maybe you’ve felt like you were “allergic” to work, even if you like your job? :-))

“Sick building syndrome” could be at play. This term describes a collection of health symptoms reported by groups of people spending time in the same building and who have no other explanation for said symptoms. The symptoms tend to go away once the affected people leave the building, though sometimes they may need longer recovery times.

Examples of commonly reported symptoms include:

• Headache
• Coughs
• Skin issues
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Sensitivity to odors
• Irritated mucous membranes
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Gut issues
• Irritability
• Fever and chills
• Muscle aches

Researchers believe that sick building syndrome is caused by a combination of indoor air contaminants (bioaerosols, VOCs, molds, etc.) that can routinely be found in buildings, as well as a component of poor ventilation and/or poorly maintained HVAC systems.

It is estimated that some 30 percent of buildings may be affected. (10-12)

As such, reducing the amount of toxins in the affected building(s) and improving air quality can help address sick building syndrome.

Synthetic Fragrances

Most people love the idea of walking into a space that smells fresh and clean… but a pleasant smell doesn’t necessarily mean good air quality. Sometimes the products we purchase to try to make our homes smell “clean,” are actually doing more harm than good.

Studies confirm that most conventional air fresheners and related products contain a high number of chemicals. Synthetic fragrances found in some candles, incense, personal care products (sprays, etc.), cleaning products, and even “odor removal” and air freshener products, may contain harmful toxins, including VOCs and EDCs.

A University of Washington study shows the magnitude of this issue. In this study, 25 “fragranced” products including laundry detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, air fresheners and the like (many were top sellers within their product category) were tested. Researchers found an average of 17 VOCs across all products tested — each product tested emitted one to eight hazardous or toxic chemicals, and 44 percent of products generated at least one carcinogenic air pollutant (such as acetaldehyde or formaldehyde).

Perhaps more concerning, of the 133 different VOCs found across all tested products, only one, ethanol, was actually listed on any label! (13, 14)

Part of the challenge with fragranced products is how they are regulated and how “active” ingredients must be labeled — whether a manufacturer must disclose ingredients depends on whether the product is considered a cleaning product, over-the-counter drug, cosmetic, etc. Also, exact formulations are often protected given they are proprietary.

• For cosmetics, fragrances don’t have to be called out.
• For sunscreens and other over-the-counter drugs, fragrances must be identified on the label. For cleaning products, only compounds need to be identified.
  • For example, labels such as “antimicrobial” need to be declared on cleansers, but compounds such as triclosan, which suppresses thyroid function and has recently been banned, do not.
• Even cleaning, laundry, fragrance, and personal care products marketed as “natural” or “green” can still contain chemicals that have been artificially synthesized, and could cause health problems. (15)

This article of mine discusses 19 thyroid-toxic products that have been banned by the FDA. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) also has consumer resources that can help individuals source cleaner options.

I encourage you to read labels more often (if you’re not doing so already), as well as source your products carefully, to avoid these toxic products, as well as to support the health of your home and everyone in it!

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) 

The most common contaminant of indoor air includes volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are emitted as gases from a variety of both solid and liquid sources. The main sources of VOCs are adhesives, paints/varnishes, upholstery, carpeting, manufactured wood products, pesticides, cleaning agents, etc. Formaldehyde is a very common VOC found in the home that I wrote about in the past.

Some people are more sensitive to formaldehyde than others with regard to having a thyroid flare up upon exposure (I am one of those!). But formaldehyde has been labeled as a known human carcinogen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and as a potential carcinogen by the EPA.

Research has found that chemicals such as formaldehyde can interfere with normal thyroid function and hormone synthesis, and can be a trigger for autoimmune thyroid disease. (16)

Mold

Have you ever spent time in a space and felt like you couldn’t think or breathe after a few hours? That’s probably due to mold — and it can be an important trigger or exacerbating factor in many chronic health issues, including Hashimoto’s.

Mold can lurk in damp areas in the home such as air conditioning systems, in spaces under kitchen sinks, bathrooms, recently flooded areas, attics, crawl spaces, and basement areas. It can easily build up in areas with poor ventilation and/or high humidity, and is common in homes in moist climates.

Toxic molds have been linked to serious health conditions, including Hashimoto’s, autism, as well as neurological problems and impacts to immune system health. (17)

There’s a lot of emerging evidence that the root cause of some cases of autism is Aspergillus mold. This is emerging in the science literature, but widely reported by my functional medicine colleagues who work with children. (18-20)

Exposure to mold spores and mycotoxins (long- or short-term) can cause symptoms like:

• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Respiratory issues
• Digestive problems
• Joint pain
• Arthritis
• Immune suppression
• Poor sleep
• Depression
• Sinus problems
• Difficulty breathing
• Nasal blockages
• Chronic cough
• Rashes, eczema, and skin issues
• Headaches/migraines
• Asthma attacks
• Hormonal issues

About 10 percent of those in my 2015 survey of 2,232 people with Hashimoto’s said that mold was a trigger for them… and those were only the ones who had already uncovered the issue. Interestingly, a clue to mold (and other airborne contaminants such as formaldehyde) being an issue is when a person’s symptoms occur after moving into a different home.

Interestingly, in my survey, 20 percent of respondents reported that their health had declined after a move.

Another clue that you may have mold in your home is if you feel significantly better when you go away from the home (unless you leave for a relaxing vacation, as of course most people do feel better on vacation ;-)).

When I had my home professionally inspected for mold, I was surprised at the many potential areas where mold could hide! I also discovered that we had mold growing in our front-loading washing machine!

The inspector recommended a cleaning solution to use until we were able to replace the washer, and as this was my first household appliance purchase at the time, I used the solution and vinegar to clean the washer until my dad was able to take me to Home Depot to help me pick out a new washing machine.

If you have a front loading washing machine, the plastic gasket around the door is a common place for mold growth – it’s a design flaw in many front loading washers, so I highly recommend that you check your washing machine for mold if you have a front loading washing machine. We’ve purchased a few homes in the last decade, and now we always invest in a new washer and dryer. I also do washes with vinegar and Borax every month or so to help with maintaining the washer.

I also learned about simple interventions I could do to reduce the risk of future mold, such as replacing caulking in some areas, or being more proactive with my air conditioning/heater filters and maintenance.

If you believe that you are living in a space with mold problems, it’s crucial that you get to the source of the problem to protect your health. Otherwise, you may need to contact professionals for mold remediation, or consider moving to a different home.

Check out my article on mold toxicity to learn more about reducing mold in your home. (I have some other suggestions below to help you monitor mold in your home.)

Airborne Toxins and Your Thyroid

Poor air quality affects pretty much everyone on the planet — but those with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s may be more sensitive to all types of toxins, and may find it more difficult to clear toxins from their bodies. There are a few reasons for this.

First, many people with Hashimoto’s have a genetic predisposition (the MTHFR gene) that results in poor detoxification; second, they are more prone to having an overburdened liver; third, they are prone to certain nutrient deficiencies that impact the body’s ability to detoxify itself.

Plenty of research exists linking air pollution exposure specifically to impacts on thyroid function and thyroid hormone levels. Animal studies show a consistent association between endocrine disrupting chemical exposure and thyroid hormones. (21)

Here are just a few examples of the ways that certain chemicals can affect the thyroid: (22-35)

• PCBs can alter levels of T4 and TSH
• Pesticides may induce glucuronidation of thyroid hormones
• PFCs may interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism
• BFRs can bind to thyroid receptors and displace T4 from binding proteins
• BPAs can disrupt thyroid hormone action
• Air pollution particles can induce cell death and the self-destruction of tissue (such as thyroid tissue) observed in autoimmune diseases
• Exposure to certain VOCs can lead to an imbalance or deficiency in T3
• Flame retardants can cause thyroid dysregulation
• When exposed to formaldehyde, rat thyroids shrink, T3 and T4 decrease, and TSH spikes
• PBDEs are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that interfere with thyroid hormone action
• PBDEs cause thyroid and liver tumors in rodents
• Exposure to air pollution in early pregnancy may interfere with a mother’s thyroid function during pregnancy, affect thyroid hormone levels in the developing fetus, and potentially contribute to preterm birth

Perhaps more alarming is that flame retardants can be found in furniture as well as many clothing items, even those marketed for children. Thankfully, new laws were recently passed that require the disclosure of added flame retardants to furniture.

Some states are moving forward with bans on flame retardant chemicals. In 2021, New York restricted organohalogen flame retardants in electronic casings, and Washington may follow with something similar. The EU already has a similar ban in place, and some retailers are moving forward to ban products in a similar fashion.

Federal agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission should be responsible for moving forward with hard-and-fast rules (rather than just warnings, which do exist) to remove these chemicals from use entirely.

Check out the Safer States website for more information about bills related to flame retardants in specific U.S. states.

Other Health Consequences of Poor Air Quality

Short-term or temporary (reversible) symptoms that can result from poor air quality can be similar to allergies or colds — examples include headaches, coughing, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, fatigue, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and dizziness. If you already have issues with asthma or allergies, those symptoms may worsen.

Over the long term, exposure to certain particulates can exacerbate lung-related inflammation, respiratory problems, and heart diseases. (36)

Are Airborne Toxins Causing Your Symptoms?

So how do you know if your symptoms could be related to air quality? We can do a little detective work to find out — here are some questions to consider:

• Do the symptoms come and go depending on whether you are in a particular area of your house, or if you are away from your home completely (such as staying in a hotel)?
• Did you recently move prior to symptom onset?
• Are you using conventional or fragranced cleaning products, air fresheners, or candles?

I recommend doing what you can to remove offending items and addressing mold issues to reduce or resolve (short-term) symptoms.

In general, people who develop autoimmune diseases are more sensitive to toxins in the environment — we are like canaries in the coal mines, and our symptoms are the signs of the invisible dangers that surround us.

Unfortunately, even the most cautious people may still be exposed to thousands of harmful chemicals and heavy metals each day, by doing this one unavoidable activity: breathing!

The Root Cause Approach to Addressing/Reducing Airborne Toxins

The Root Cause approach focuses on removing obvious triggers and identifying airborne toxins that may be adding to your toxic load and worsening your autoimmune condition.

If people could smell smoke from a nearby wildfire, they would likely stay indoors. But remember, you can’t always smell toxic air. You may have non-specific symptoms that mirror an allergy or cold.

So what do you do to address this?

If you have symptoms that look like allergies — for instance, wheezing or sore eyes — a conventional doctor might suggest an over-the-counter allergy remedy and allergy testing.

Typical allergy tests will check your response to common allergens such as grasses and weeds. They won’t test for sensitivities to airborne toxins that may be in your home, except maybe molds, which may lead the doctor to prescribe allergy medication.

A conventional doctor is not likely to look for other toxic airborne triggers or the source of the mold that might be affecting you. They won’t recommend testing for your overall toxic load, nor will they likely think to retest your thyroid or connect air quality with thyroid health. If they did test your thyroid hormone levels or ask about other thyroid-related symptoms, they might just increase the dose of your thyroid medication.

They would not focus on improving your detox capability or your liver health.

This is why the root cause approach is so important.

Health History Timeline to Help Identify Specific Triggers

To help deduce whether symptoms are partially caused by toxin exposure, I start with a client’s health history timeline, then run some tests to evaluate the home, the thyroid, and a person’s toxic load.

Once we have a better understanding of specific triggers, I’ll make some recommendations to help the client remove and reduce toxins at home, optimize liver and gut health (to improve detoxification), and provide nutrients to address any underlying deficiencies that may be affecting one’s thyroid health.

Remember that symptom onset after a household move is often an indicator of sensitivity to mold or other toxic chemicals within the home. As you add your symptoms to a health history timeline, reflect on what season it was when your allergy or thyroid symptoms worsened.

Feel free to use my own health timeline as a guideline to document your health journey.

Asking the following questions can also be helpful in identifying specific triggers:

• Has it been an annual flare-up at the same time each year? Are your symptoms worse in the winter when the house is shut tight, but fine when windows are open? Seasonal influence on symptoms can often mean that something in the house is bothering you.
• Did you get new furniture (VOCs), or did you just have your draperies dry-cleaned with chemicals?
• Did you have water damage (associated with mold)?
• Did you just get a new car (which can have formaldehyde off-gassing)?
• Do you have recurring sinus infections (associated with mold)?
• Do you routinely use scented candles and air fresheners, or burn fires? (VOCs, smoke)
• Do you feel ill when you are exposed to strong chemical smells (household cleaning products, nail polish, perfume, incense, or even foods with strong odors)?
• Do you have chronic skin rashes like eczema or hives, or chronic asthma? If so, you may find that your body’s immune system is sensitive to and thus, reacts significantly to, a variety of chemicals.

As part of this health history reflection, I sometimes ask clients to keep a food diary. If mold toxicity appears to be a potential issue, for example, it’s important to stay clear of foods that are commonly contaminated with mold (coffee, mushrooms, aged cheeses, and alcoholic beverages, to name a few). Please take a look at this article about mold as a trigger for more information.

Bread is another commonly contaminated food, which — along with being detrimental to gut health — is another reason I recommend eliminating gluten.

I also want clients to think about (and attempt to reduce) the many chemicals they use in the home. Removing as many of those as possible is a helpful initial step in detoxing your home.

Testing for Airborne Toxins

Evaluating and testing for symptoms can be a first step to alerting you to air quality concerns. There are also ways to proactively monitor various airborne contaminants both inside and outside your home.

Given that many short-term symptoms relating to air pollution are non-specific and hard to pin down, I recommend people routinely proactively monitor both indoor and outdoor air quality.

Monitoring Outdoor Air Quality

The U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI) measures the level of air pollution geographically and rates it according to the impact on people’s health. It is an easy (color-coded) way to monitor outside air quality wherever you may be in the U.S.

The EPA has a website called AirNow site. You can download their mobile app from the apps store on your mobile phone. The app shows current and forecast air quality for your area (you just need to input your zip code). You can also sign up for email alerts relating to air quality issues in your area.

There is also a monitoring site called Purple Air (purple air refers to the maroon color code for hazardous air on the Air Quality Index chart). Purple Air consolidates readings from sensors around the country — you can purchase one yourself, and it then reports data directly to their network via WiFi!

I also like reviewing the EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) data. Below is a chart showing the various color coded levels for the AQI, as well as a screenshot of an actual air quality index report seen in my current city, Los Angeles, in May 2021.

Monitoring Indoor Air Quality

Even though there seems to be an “app” for everything these days, unfortunately there is no single device or program that offers a comprehensive report of your home air quality.

In addition, each area of your home can contain different toxins — for instance, mold might be in damp areas, or carpeted areas may be off-gassing in certain rooms. Your indoor air quality will also vary depending on outdoor air as well.

Having said that, here are a few ways you can monitor your indoor air quality.

• Monitor for carbon dioxide (CO2) and radon: CO2 detectors and radon test kits are easy to find and are inexpensive. Many smoke detectors also include CO2 detection. CO2 detectors are legally required in many states. (Here are some inexpensive radon test kits.)
• Monitor humidity: The company I hired to inspect mold, flagged high humidity as something that needed to be corrected. Indoor humidity can increase the risk for mold growth, so monitoring this is a good idea (especially if you use humidifiers in your home like I do). You can easily find inexpensive hygrometers online.
• Monitor mold: To test for mold growth, there are home kits that are available, or you can hire a professional service like I did. If you’re interested in testing your home, kits like the ERMI test, the Environmental Mold and Mycotoxin Assessment kit and Immunolytics are some options.

These are important steps for reducing your exposure to toxins.

Testing Airborne Toxins as a Trigger for Hashimoto’s

We are all exposed to environmental pollutants. So how do we measure the toxic load of the body?

One test that I use to test for toxins is the GPL-TOX urine test from The Great Plains Laboratory. It screens for the presence of 173 different toxic chemicals in your body, including:

• Benzene (outgasses from carpeting, furniture, glues and detergents; found in vehicle exhaust and gasoline fumes)
• Phthalates (found in cleaning products, beauty products and cosmetics, printing inks, plastic food containers, and more)
• Pyrethroids (widely used in both outdoor and indoor insecticides)
• Xylenes (found in many common products such as pesticides, paints, exhaust fumes, and even perfume)
• It also tests for perchlorate (which, while not an airborne toxin, is an important thyroid toxin often associated with jet fuel) (37)
• … and more!

It also provides testing for a marker of mitochondrial dysfunction, tiglylglycine (TG), which can be caused by exposure to inflammation, infections, and environmental toxins (as well as nutrient deficiencies).

The report will list where you were likely exposed to the flagged chemicals (including foods you eat, your work environment, car, etc.), so once you have your lab report, you may still have to do a little detective work to figure out “where” you are getting various exposures.

That said, you can start on natural treatments to help support improved detox (see below) while you are investigating further.

Note that this test does not test for molds. There are a few tests I recommend for mold testing, noted below.

How to Test Your Body for Mold

I usually also do some testing for molds, as that is a common trigger. There are tests for your home (mentioned earlier), as well as tests to see what molds are in your body.

Mold can find its way from the air into your bloodstream, sinuses (a common spot for mold to grow), and your intestines. If left unchecked, it can become a systemic health issue.

The Organic Acids Test from The Great Plains Laboratory is a screening test for mold, and can reveal if mold has colonized your body. Additionally, The Great Plains Laboratory has a Mycotoxin Test from MycoTox Profile to test for mold metabolites in your urine and determine if mold has taken up residence in your body. It detects 11 different mycotoxins from 40 species of mold. These tests won’t tell you where you were exposed to mold, but they will tell you if it has colonized your body. I’ve also listed other comprehensive mold tests that you can do in this previous article on mold.

Functional Medicine Treatments to Reduce Your Toxic Load

After some initial testing, you’ll have greater insights into what your body is retaining in terms of toxins. The next step in the Root Cause approach is to help your body with methylation.

The MTHFR gene variation or another genetic gene variation called the Glutathione Transferase (GST) polymorphism, can contribute to impaired methylation.

Methylation impairment can result in an impaired ability to clear out certain toxins such as mercury and arsenic. Symptoms like brain fog, multiple chemical sensitivities, depression, irritability and anxiety are related to impaired methylation.

Many people with Hashimoto’s (45 percent of respondents in my survey of over 2,000 people, including those without the MTHFR gene variation) reported that they feel better when adding methylation-supporting nutrients and supplements to their regimen (such as B6, B12, and methylated folate). 

Here are some natural recommendations to improve detoxification and reduce your toxic load.

Diet

• Eat an anti-inflammatory and alkaline diet – This type of diet helps take some of the stress off of your liver and also supports the detox of impaired liver pathways. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.) and other green foods rich in potassium are great for this. (38) Here’s an article about the best diets for people with Hashimoto’s (note that refined sugar and reactive foods such as gluten are not a staple in any of these!).
• Consume broccoli sprouts – Broccoli sprouts are a very rich source of a compound called glucosinolate, which upregulates the liver’s own detoxification process. A Chinese study published in Cancer Prevention found that participants who drank a beverage made of broccoli sprouts detoxed (statistically significant) greater levels of some air pollutants (such as benzene and acrolein) than those that did not. (39) You can find organic broccoli sprouts at your local health food or grocery store. I also recommend supplements such as BroccoProtect by Designs for Health. Taking broccoli sprouts in supplement form can help ensure your body absorbs glucosinolates and other nutrients properly. I also like Sungarden’s BrassiPeak broccoli sprouts, which come in a convenient powder form that can be added to your smoothies (and you can use code DRWENTZ to save 5% off your order).
• Turmeric – Research suggests that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has a protective effect on the liver, and it may even help reduce the effects of heavy metal toxicity (you can read more about this in my article about turmeric), and may help with clearing out certain mold mycotoxins. (40,41)
• Go organic when you can – Eating organic food reduces the burden of toxins in your body. Check out the Environmental Working Group’s annual Dirty Dozen List for foods to avoid!
• Eliminate high-mold foods – If you are sensitive to mold or have mold toxicity, eliminate coffee, beer, wine (sorry!), raisins, mushrooms, aged cheeses, and peanuts. (Read my mold article for more on this.)
• Make green smoothies – Green smoothies are a good source of chlorophyll which helps support liver detox. (42) Because green smoothies contain a lot of vegetables, they are a great source of fiber, which can also help with detoxification. Check out my article on green smoothies for beneficial ingredients to include.
• Filter your water – You can reduce the chemical load in your body by filtering out common toxins such as fluoride, arsenic, lead, and PFAS, that are harmful to the thyroid. I like to use the AquaTru countertop reverse osmosis filter as well as the filters from Clearly Filtered, but there are a number of additional water filtering options out there as well (check them out in this fluoride article).
• Drink dandelion tea – Drinking dandelion tea can help stimulate bile production, which helps support the liver’s efforts to filter out chemicals like formaldehyde from the body. (43) Herbal bitters such as endive, chicory and arugula, can also help support the liver.

Supplements

Supplements that support the body’s own detoxification processes and reduce inflammation can be helpful when the body is overburdened with toxins.

I suggest that people start with supplements that support liver detoxification, and recommend the Rootcology Liver Support Kit, which contains:

• Liver Reset – Contains a natural pea protein isolate to fuel natural detoxification pathways. It includes the nutrients needed to support and balance phase I and II metabolic pathways, high levels of antioxidants for safe detoxification, and a comprehensive array of herbal hepatics and cholagogues to promote healthy liver function and elimination.*
• Rootcology MTHFR Pathways – Helps maintain a healthy homocysteine pathway.* An optimally functioning homocysteine pathway provides methyl and sulfur groups for biochemical reactions such as detoxification, healthy immune function, brain, and cardiovascular health. (44)
• Liver & Gallbladder Support – A comprehensive formula designed to support bile flow for the normal processing and elimination of toxins through the specific combination of nutrients and herbs in this formula. By supporting liver and gallbladder function, Liver & Gallbladder Support supports the elimination of fatty substances from the liver and the digestion and assimilation of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.*
• Amino Support – Useful for preparing the liver for phase II detoxification.* Providing nutritional support for phase II detoxification helps conjugate toxins and prepare them for safe elimination from the body. (45)
• NAC – Supports tissue levels of glutathione, a key component of the antioxidant defense system. A multi-use nutrient, NAC is a key part of my Liver Support Protocol that helps many body functions (including reducing thyroid antibodies, improving gut function, reducing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, and addressing other issues we often see with Hashimoto’s). Read this article about NAC for more information about how it can support thyroid health. (46-48)
• Magnesium – Magnesium helps to facilitate over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including maintaining nerve and muscle function, supporting a healthy immune system, regulating blood pressure, and keeping the heartbeat steady. Magnesium deficiencies have been linked to multiple health issues, including thyroid disorders. (49,50) I recommend supplementing with magnesium as a key step in my detox protocol, to support liver health and adrenal function.

Here are some other supplements that may be helpful for liver support:

• Curcumin – I talked about the benefits of curcumin from turmeric for detox. You may also want to consider taking a supplement like Rootcology Curcumin Absorb, a highly bioavailable formulation that contains a unique combination of three health-promoting curcuminoids.
• Aloe vera – Aloe vera may protect the liver from oxidative stress-induced damage.* (51) I recommend one capsule per day of Aloe by Rootcology.
• Glutathione – If your body is overloaded with toxins, your glutathione stores could be depleted. This antioxidant is integral to your liver’s ability to detox chemicals, and is particularly helpful with detoxing heavy metals such as mercury. (52)
• Binders – Consider using a product like Biocidin Botanicals G.I. Detox, a gentle full-spectrum binder, to help clear your body of mold and other toxins.
• S. Boulardii – S. boulardii may also be useful for clearing pathogens out of the body, as well as supporting immune health. (53)
• Vitamin B3 (niacin) – B3 is needed for liver detoxification, and some use it in combination with sauna therapy for added benefits.
• Supplements to support optimal gut health – Over 70 percent of your immune system is in the gut, so if your gut isn’t functioning optimally (which we know is often a problem for people having Hashimoto’s), it may be more reactive when exposed to airborne or other toxins. I recommend taking daily probiotics, and many of my clients benefit from digestive enzymes and L-glutamine (which can help heal issues with leaky gut). I also personally love incorporating fermented foods into my family’s daily diet. All of these will help you with your body’s overall ability to detoxify.
• Selenium to support your thyroid – Selenium is a free radical scavenger, which means it can protect your body from the health impacts of airborne toxins such as formaldehyde. Many people with Hashimoto’s are deficient in selenium, and lower levels of this nutrient can also occur due to toxin exposures. Please see my selenium article for more details on how this supplement helps Hashimoto’s!

It is estimated that 70-80 percent of your immune system is in the gut, so if your gut isn’t functioning optimally (which we know is often a problem for people having Hashimoto’s), it may be more reactive when exposed to airborne or other toxins. (54)

I also love incorporating fermented foods in meals as often as possible.

Furthermore, I recommend taking probiotics and digestive enzymes daily to assist with gut healing, as well as L-glutamine. I also suggest taking a selenium supplement. Selenium has antioxidant properties, which means it can potentially help to protect your body from the health impacts of airborne toxins such as formaldehyde and mercury. (55) Many people with Hashimoto’s are deficient in selenium, and lower levels of this nutrient can also occur due to toxin exposures. Please see this selenium article for more details on how this supplement helps Hashimoto’s!

Supportive Lifestyle Interventions

Small changes in your home that affect your daily lifestyle, can help to reduce toxins in your home and body — here are a few simple ways to get started.

Replace Commonly Used Plastic and Conventional Products with Less Toxic Options

Along with cleaning up your diet, clean up your plastic kitchen tools, cookware and storage containers (that may contain phthalates and BPA) and personal care products (check out the toxicity level of your cosmetics and personal care products on the Environmental Working Group’s website — remember the story about my toxic lip gloss!) to reduce your toxic load.

Here are a few other tips:

• Swap your plastics for glass and metal whenever possible.
• Look for cleaning products that are free of artificial fragrances, synthetic detergents and other sources of toxins mentioned in this article.
• Consider making your own cleansers using baking soda, vinegar, eucalyptus oil and lemon. One of my go-to recipes for cleaning (using essential oils) includes using 1½ cup vinegar, 1½ cup hot water, and 20 drops of an essential oil such as eucalyptus oil.

If you’re looking for green and non-toxic cleaning and household product ideas, I have plenty of suggestions on my resources page.

Replace Scented Air Fresheners with Essential Oils

Essential Oils (EOs) are a wonderful way to replace the toxic fragrances found in air fresheners, and some may even promote feelings of calm and well-being. Generally speaking, they are a much less toxic option than candles, incense, or air fresheners.

Those with allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities may know that EOs do release small amounts of a compound called secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), which is a type of volatile organic compound (VOC), and may be cautious with using EOs. It’s worth noting that there are “harmful” (inflammatory, toxic) VOCs versus “helpful” VOCs. Where VOCs from synthetic products tend to accumulate in the body to contribute to potential health problems, the VOCs from essential oils tend to be processed well by the body, and do not accumulate in the air. Still, they may not all be suitable for individuals who are sensitive to these compounds and/or scents. (56-58)

People who are concerned about chemical sensitivities should be careful about consistently high levels of exposure to EO VOCs, and may want to avoid essential oils altogether.

Other tips for safe essential oil use:

• Always test a small amount of diluted oil on your skin before using it, to check for sensitivity.
• Source oils that are 100% pure, and have only that one ingredient listed on the label. (I suggest purchasing from a trusted company or from your local health store to ensure purity.)
• Use essential oils in well-ventilated spaces.
• Do diligent research, as some oils are not safe for children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, or pets.
• Never ingest essential oils (unless under specific direction from a health practitioner).

Once you have established that you are not sensitive to a particular oil (and you like the smell, of course!), I suggest using them in a bath or DIY cleaning products. I recommend starting with lavender, eucalyptus, oregano, tea tree, thyme and/or peppermint. Citrus oils blend well with most other oils as well. Tea tree oil is an effective antifungal and can be used in DIY cleaners to combat bacteria and molds.

Enjoy a Sauna or Hot Bath 

Sweating is a great way to detox! I love using an infrared sauna to do so, and sweating out the toxins during regular exercise sessions can be helpful as well (just stay indoors if the outside air quality is poor).

In my survey, 57 percent of people with Hashimoto’s reported that using a sauna made them feel significantly better. Although saunas have plenty of benefits, they may not be recommended in specific circumstances — read my sauna article for more information. (I also love hot yoga to work up a sweat!)

Taking daily Epsom baths can help give your body a little extra magnesium and support detoxification — it feels great, and can reduce stress too.

Improve Your Sleep

In my survey of 2232 people with Hashimoto’s, “a lack of sleep” was the most frequently cited reason people said their Hashimoto’s felt worse… and I believe that air pollution could be a contributing factor. Studies have correlated air pollution with a variety of sleep disorders (including the worsening of asthma and lung conditions, as well as sleep apnea).

Research has found that good quality sleep is important for optimal detoxification (as our bodies carry out detox processes while we sleep). Unfortunately, some people struggle with falling or staying asleep.

If you struggle with getting a good night’s sleep, find solutions in my article on sleep solutions for Hashimoto’s.

When you improve your indoor air quality, of course you improve your overall health! And sleep is a big part of this.

Now we’ll go over some steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality.

Preventative Measures for Healthier Indoor Air

By improving the quality of the air in your home, you’ll reduce your exposure to airborne toxins, and you’ll likely see asthma and sinus issues improve as well.

The cleaner the air we breathe, the cleaner our bodies will be, and the easier it will be to heal and stay well!

Here are some things you can do to keep that air as clean as possible:

• Clean with microfiber products to catch dust without chemicals
• Change out your furnace and/or A/C filters regularly
• Consider air/furnace duct cleaning
• Vacuum floors and furniture often
• Clean drapes, blinds, comforters and blankets often
• Take your shoes off in the house
• Invest in high-quality furnace and HVAC filters
• Use portable HEPA air filters
• Use mold reduction sprays/treatments
• Use natural cleaners and air fresheners
• Remove items that may emit VOCs

Keep reading to learn more about how we can remove these from our homes, including some easy tips and interesting products I recommend!

How to Reduce Toxic Fumes in Your Home

One of the best things you can do to reduce toxins in your home is to simply remove harmful (or potentially harmful) things from your home — here are some examples:

• Seek out materials having fewer VOCs (such as formaldehyde) when painting or renovating (carpeting, flooring, shelving, cupboards, etc.). Look for eco-friendly manufacturers advertising no or low VOC use in their products, and avoid prefabricated furniture (typically high in chemicals that outgas fumes). When looking for indoor paint in particular, choose a zero-VOC paint that has Green Seal® or GreenGuard® certification (in the US). (59)
• Circulate that indoor air! Opening a few windows and using fans to improve air flow can dilute indoor airborne toxins and lessen excess humidity.
• Buy clothes that don’t require dry cleaning. Dry cleaned clothes contain chemical solvents such as perchloroethylene (perc), thought to be a human carcinogen. It is better to choose clothes made of untreated, natural materials such as unbleached cotton or hemp. If you must dry clean clothes, try and find a cleaner that uses liquid carbon dioxide or the wet cleaning method. (60)
• Remember that products focused on making things smell “good”, are not necessarily non-toxic and good for us! Many times, scents mean products contain chemicals that can linger in your home. This may also apply to less toxic alternatives such as essential oils, if you are particularly chemically sensitive (as mentioned earlier).

Along with reducing fumes, there are other ways to help keep your air cleaner indoors.

Maintain Furnaces and HVAC Systems

One of the easiest and best investments to decrease toxic load is to invest in high-efficiency air filters in your HVAC system.

Your HVAC system only filters your air when you are running the system (either when using the AC or heating; some systems allow for air recirculation/fans as well). But changing filters on these units is important… and easy to forget (I recommend setting up an automated reminder on your phone or calendar).

Some HVAC filters only filter particles, and some only filter gasses such as VOCs. The efficiency of a filter is determined by a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). A MERV states a filter’s ability to capture particles between 0.3 (such as dust mites and bacteria) to 10 microns (such as pollen and mold spores). (61)

Depending on your furnace or HVAC system, you might be restricted to a certain type of filter. Most residential HVAC systems do not accept HEPA filters without system modification due to the increase in airflow resistance created by the HEPA filter.

You may want to talk with a professional HVAC service technician to determine what your system can handle, since higher MERV filters can cause a drop in pressure or strain your furnace blower. Most filter manufacturers have pictures on their filter packaging that indicate what they will and will not filter, along with the MERV rating.

Invest in a High-Quality Portable Air Filter

We ran the house fan for weeks just to help filter the indoor air (along with using our portable indoor air filters) during the fires, and it helped.

If you don’t have an HVAC system or you are looking for greater efficiency, portable air filtering systems are affordable, practical, and more eco-friendly than continuously running your HVAC system.

Most portable air filters can filter both particles and gases, but sometimes you will need to use activated carbon filters for gases. I suggest finding a portable air filter that can accommodate the additional filter(s) for gases, and make sure it has a high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating. The CADR reflects how much air is cleaned (by an air filter) based on a room’s size.

Whether a CADR is effective will depend on room size — generally, filters with lower CADR ratings are effective for smaller spaces, while those with higher ratings are suited for larger spaces. The higher the CADR, the more particles the air filter will remove. When you are comparing the CADR between different products, take note of which particulates they test for.

Most portable air filters have a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter which can remove some 99.97 percent of airborne particles such as pollen, bacteria, dust and mold spores. HEPA filters can capture molecules as small as 0.3 microns (such as some dust mites and bacteria).

Note that air filters do not completely address mold. While an air filter may filter out some airborne mold spores and help with a moldy smell, the source of the mold has to be removed… or else you will still have a mold problem, and mold spores will still be found in your home (and your body!).

Do not purchase a portable air cleaner (or furnace filter) that produces ozone as a by-product, as that can be toxic when it is in your home. The manufacturer should provide that info.

There are many wonderful professional grade portable air filters out on the market, and I am including a few options that I have researched. (I generally try everything before making recommendations, but it wouldn’t be super economical for me to buy five different air filters, as they are a big investment, plus I live in a small condo in California these days, so I don’t have the space. :-)) As I mentioned earlier, one that I own myself and can confidently recommend is the AirDoctor.

It can remove virtually 100 percent of airborne particles (even the dangerous ultrafine particles as small as .003 microns in size) and can filter out toxic VOCs including formaldehyde, ozone and other everyday chemicals found in the home. It has an UltraHEPA™ filter, which is 100 times more effective than an ordinary HEPA filter. I’m excited to share that, for a limited time, AirDoctor is offering a discount of up to $300 off to my community. If you order one, I’m sure you will love it too.

There are, of course, various other models of high-quality air filters on the market. The table below lists a few high-quality HEPA and PECO air filters which filter out VOCs, smoke, odors, and more, including the AirDoctor 3000, Austin Air HealthMate Plus, IQAir HealthPro Plus, and Molekule Air Pro.

Invest in Duct Cleaning

Having your air and/or furnace ducts cleaned may be helpful for reducing particulates, and should be done if you know there is a specific problem such as water damage or pests.

I personally have had my air ducts cleaned and felt it was a worthwhile endeavor to reduce my indoor air pollution. I also like that part of the inspection process is to check for mold in out-of-the-way places that home-owners would not typically see.

Here is some info to help reduce dust and other particulates that may be in your air ducts:

• Hire a reputable professional HVAC company for inspection and cleaning to make sure there are no other problems that could lead to toxic air (e.g. mold or pests).
• Make sure your HVAC system is fitted properly with a high efficiency filter, and maintained regularly.
• Vacuum your air registers and your home with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter, to reduce contaminants.
• Find/fix the source of mold and other contaminants.

Most organizations concerned with duct cleaning, such as the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA), do not currently recommend the use of sealants to encapsulate contaminants in any type of air ducts. Make sure the professional you hire reviews any use of these products with you before using them. Please note that some inexperienced cleaners may actually damage the ducts! Find more information on this at the EPA and NADCA websites.

Mold Reduction Treatments

There are a variety of non-toxic treatment sprays which help to reduce mold growth. There are also special laundry soaps meant to reduce mold in the washing machine, and shampoos and soaps to help prevent mold from colonizing on your skin.

Companies that manufacture these products include Citrisafe, Homebiotic, BioBalance, and Micro Balance Health.

One such product is the air purification candle from EC3. The heat from the candle’s burning wick aerosolizes the natural botanical embedded in the soy wax, helping to purify the air. Independent testing done by RealTime Laboratories has verified that the EC3 candles can reduce mycotoxins by 100 percent in three hours (when the mycotoxin level was 250 ppb or less), and 90 percent in three hours (when the mycotoxin level was 500-1,000 ppb).

While this candle can reduce air pollutants such as mycotoxins, it is soy-based, and thus, in theory it could be problematic for those who are sensitive to soy. As such, I recommend using it with caution if you are sensitive to soy. I would generally not recommend a soy-based candle as many people with Hashimoto’s are sensitive, but in the case of mycotoxins, soy is certainly the lesser of two evils.

For HVAC systems, you can use a non-toxic, bio-balancing spray in the intakes. As the unit pulls air, the spray will circulate and keep mold growth to a minimum.

Some of my team members have found Homebiotic products to be helpful. They have a probiotic spray for the home (essentially working the same way as a probiotic for your gut health, by introducing more healthy microbes into the environment). This gets rid of musty smells and is a great alternative to chemically-laden air fresheners and cleaners. (Enter code BELLA10 for 10% off your first order!)

For more suggestions for safe home cleaning supplies, please refer to that section of my resources page.

What About Houseplants?

I have always recommended having plants at home to help clean the air, for they are beautiful and are a part of making a house a home — but recent research suggests that they may not be that helpful for air purifying after all. 🙁

While a 1989 report from NASA revealed that houseplants can be extremely beneficial for clearing out VOCs, and that soil microorganisms can help to clean the air as well, a 2019 research review published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology analyzed previous studies on the topic and concluded that, while some types of plants can remove VOCs more effectively than others, generally you’d need a lot of plants (let’s say, about 10 plants per square foot, much more than most people have in their homes) to effectively remove VOCs and other toxins.

One of the problems with the earlier research is that studies took place in hermetic (sealed) chambers, and so were not representative of the typical air flow and VOC absorption rates in home environments. Still, the recent research does claim that some plants do clean VOCs better than others, and that structures like biowalls (vertical gardens, where greenery covers the entire surface of a wall) could still offer some useful air-cleaning benefits.

I still think that having greenery in your home offers wellness benefits! If you have a lot of plants, I suggest using a dehumidifier and/or having plants with drier soils to reduce mold growth, as mold inspectors caution that soils can promote mold growth. (62,63)

Other Options for Home Air Cleaning (That I Have Not Personally Tried)

Below are a few more interesting options for detoxifying the air — some are lacking evidence as to exactly how effective they are, and I have not personally tried them, but I compiled the research here for you to decide if they might be worthwhile options for you.

UV Light Cleaners

Ultraviolet (UV) light is invisible to the human eye and is divided on the light spectrum into three wavelength specific bands: UVA, UVB and UVC. Ultraviolet light in the UVC band is found within the wavelength range of 100-280 nm and can destroy biological pollutants such as viruses, allergens, bacteria, and even molds. Studies have shown that ultraviolet light is effective as a germicidal at about 254 nm, but may be hazardous to humans. (64)

UV lights called Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) lights have been in the news over the past few years, and seem to be promising when it comes to eradicating pathogenic viruses. They are being used in hospitals and other public places to kill viruses, but only when there are no people in the room.

Scientists are looking at using shorter wavelengths such as in the 207-222 nm range (referred to as the “far UVC” given where this falls on the spectrum). Some research has shown that the far UVC light exposure kills 90 percent of airborne viruses in about eight minutes (and 99.9 percent in about 25 minutes) without health risks to people. (65)

So while the far UVC approach seems safe, disinfection with far-UVC lamps remains experimental and is today still limited to sites without people involved. There are products on the market today (many are called UV wands, sanitizers, germicidals or disinfectors) online for home and travel use, which fall into the “far UVC” category, and are touted as safe if used correctly. (A few of our staff members have used UVC machines with closed lids and found some success! :-))

Ozone Air Scrubbers

Ozone air scrubbers are portable devices that intentionally generate ozone to reduce odors and clean the air.

Ground-level ozone is a toxic gas and can cause throat irritation, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and damage to the lungs (depending on amounts and length of exposure; some people are also more sensitive).

It can worsen asthma and other lung issues in people with chronic respiratory diseases, which are common in those with autoimmune conditions.

Although ozone scrubbers can remove indoor contaminants at higher concentrations, ozone concentrations would have to be 5 to 10 times greater than the safe public health recommendation, to result in decontamination of the air.

Having a machine that generates ozone in a confined space such as an individual’s home, can cause more harm than good, and may not even improve air quality.

My opinion given the data thus far is that ozone scrubbers are likely not effective if used at safe levels, and there are risks of creating secondary pollutants given the chance of ozone reacting with another chemical in your environment. (66,67)

Final Thoughts on Toxic Air

Toxic air inside and outside of your home can worsen your thyroid condition and impact your respiratory and immune health.

The good news is that simple interventions can help make the air you breathe much healthier!

Here’s a recap of some simple things you can do to improve the air quality in your home:

• Help your body’s ability to detoxify itself by adding some cruciferous vegetables and/or broccoli sprouts to your next green smoothie!
• Reduce your exposure to toxins by monitoring your outdoor air quality.
• Order a radon test and ensure you have a CO2 monitoring device in your home.
• Use an HVAC air filter with a MERV rating of at least 13, and replace it frequently.
• Consider a portable air filter, at least for the room(s) you spend a lot of time in — I have a special discount of up to $300 on the AirDoctor system for my readers.

Even though there are many ways to improve air quality, do what you can and you will reap the benefits. Your lungs and thyroid will thank you!

Have you used any of these methods to improve air quality? Do you have a high quality air filter you recommend or other root cause approaches to decreasing toxic load?

I’d love to hear more about your experience!

As always, I wish you all the best!

P.S. Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter to get a free book chapter from my first book, recipes, my Thyroid Diet Starter Guide, and notifications about upcoming events and my latest research. For future updates, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram too!

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