(NaturalHealth365)  It’s a sad fact that toxic chemicals surround us in our daily lives.  From cleaning products to bug spray, it’s hard to avoid exposure.

Yet, the consequences of routine chemical exposure may be far-reaching and dire.  A new study suggests that one pesticide, in particular, may be linked to a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Common household chemical may increase rheumatoid arthritis risk

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack the joints, leading to joint deformities, erosion of bones, and pain.  Past research has suggested associations between the use of chemical pesticides and RA.  Now, researchers in China have evaluated a specific type of pesticide to determine its correlation with RA risk.

These pesticides, known as pyrethroids, are a common ingredient in insect control products such as bug sprays, pet shampoos, and pet sprays.

The study looked at urine samples of more than 4,000 participants from a prior United States study, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, to assess disease risk with pyrethroids.  Researchers discovered that those with RA had significantly higher pyrethroid indicators present in their urine.  This was after adjusting for factors like sex, ethnicity, education, body mass index, educational level, marital status, smoking status, alcohol use, exercise level, and hypertension.

These results are alarming.  Furthermore, this isn’t the first time chemicals like pesticides have been implicated in adverse health risks.

Pesticide exposure linked to MULTIPLE other diseases, including cancer

Besides a connection with developing rheumatoid arthritis, pesticide exposure has been linked to a whole slew of health risks.  Years of research suggest pesticides may contribute to reproductive problems, neurodevelopmental issues, and cancer, to name a few.

There has not been much research evaluating disease risk caused by a specific pesticide class such as pyrethroids.  However, given the new study, more research is warranted.

Pyrethroids can be found in public outdoor spaces as well as in the home.  In fact, they’re present in as many as 30% of pesticide products around the world.  This is disturbing because while these pesticides kill mosquitoes, they may also be toxic to mammals – such as the people exposed to them.

Unfortunately, it’s easy for pesticides to enter the body through skin contact or by breathing or ingesting them from the environment.  On top of that, a recent report by the FDA concluded that about 59% of foods in the U.S. are contaminated with pesticides.

So what can you do to reduce your overall pesticide exposure?

How can you reduce exposure to pesticides?

The most obvious way to minimize pesticide exposure is by choosing organic whole foods whenever possible.  Buying local produce also helps.  Additionally, you should avoid eating or drinking while handling pesticides.

Ideally, you could avoid personal pesticide use altogether and opt for all-natural bug repellants such as citronella, tea tree oil, neem oil, or others.  You may not be able to completely avoid chemicals everywhere you go, but you can find ways to minimize them at home as much as possible.

Sources for this article include:

Thenewledge.org
Childrenshealthdefense.org
Healthline.com