- Dietary pollution is another factor to consider. Avoid the
use of chemical products in foods, and avoid all fried and
charred fats that can generate excess free radicals. - Certain natural foods in large amounts can also increase
free-radical production. These include sassafras (used in
root beer) and black pepper. - Reduce — ideally eliminate — cosmetics and toiletries,
which contain fragrances (most are synthetic chemicals)
and other potential toxins. These include most soaps in
your house and office, deodorant, before-, during- and
after-shave lotions and foams, hair spray, mouthwash,
etc. Use only plain organic soaps without fragrance.
Wearing Your Free Radicals
Among the very toxic substances you may be exposed to is the
solvent used in dry cleaning. This chemical, tetrachloroethyl-
ene (also known as perchloroethylene, or “perc”) is classified as
a hazardous air pollutant by the Environmental Protection
Agency. It has been associated with cancer and kidney prob-
lems, and has a detrimental effect on the nervous system.
Wearing freshly dry-cleaned clothing can be a danger since the
residue of this chemical can remain in your clothing long after
the dry-cleaning process. As such, you continue to inhale perc,
and it can continue producing a free-radical problem.
To avoid exposure to perc, avoid dry-cleaning whenever possi-
ble. Many garments that say “dry clean only” can still be hand
washed. Buy clothes that don’t require dry cleaning. If you
must dry clean, hang your garment outside for as long as pos-
sible — at least a day or more — to allow the perc to escape or
until the “dry-cleaning smell” is gone. If you’re lucky enough to
have in your neighborhood a professional “wet cleaner,” which
uses only detergents and water, use this alternative — it’s the
future of the cleaning industry. Perc is also used for metal-
degreasing, and to make other chemicals and is used in some
consumer products.
AGING GRACEFULLY • 343