We live in a world impacted by toxins — from the food we eat and the water we drink to the air we breathe and the products we use every day. But what does the science really say about environmental toxins, and how much control do individuals actually have?

In Episode 7 of Be Well Age Well, hosts Dr Susannah Ward and Dr John Ward explore the evidence, risks, and practical realities of toxin exposure and healthy ageing with renowned science communicator and author Julian Cribb AM.

Julian Cribb is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering and the Australian National University Emeritus Faculty. His career spans decades as science editor for The Australian, director of national awareness for CSIRO, and adviser to scientific, government, and industry organisations worldwide. He has published more than 9,000 articles, authored 12 books, and received 32 journalism awards. His work, including Poisoned Planetand How to Fix a Broken Planet, has helped shape global conversations on chemical pollution, human health, and environmental sustainability.

Together, they explore:

• The scale and evidence of global chemical contamination
• How environmental toxins may influence human health across the lifespan
• What the evidence says about links to conditions such as cancer, infertility, neurodevelopmental and metabolic disease
• Practical ways individuals and families can reduce exposure
• How food choices, beverages, cooking methods, and food preparation can make a difference
• The role of consumer decisions and everyday habits in lowering toxic load
• Where personal responsibility ends and systemic change is required

A key strength of this episode is its balance: acknowledging the seriousness of the issue without overwhelming listeners, and focusing on realistic, evidence-informed actions rather than fear or perfectionism.

Key Takeaways & Suggested Actions:

• Total avoidance of toxins is impossible — but reduction is achievable
• Small, informed changes in daily habits can lower cumulative exposure
• Food sourcing, storage, and preparation matter
• Individual action is valuable, but broader policy and societal change are essential
• Awareness should lead to empowerment, not anxiety

This episode reframes toxins not as a reason for helplessness, but as an invitation to informed choice, advocacy, and collective responsibility — all of which support healthier ageing in a complex modern world.

Thought-provoking, grounded, and practical, this conversation equips listeners with the knowledge to make smarter choices today while contributing to a healthier future for generations to come.

Overwhelmed?  Start by eliminating plastic food containers and chopping boards.  Slowly make changes towards a lower daily toxic load- that is all any of us can do.

Reach out to Dr Susannah Ward here www.ataraxiacollective.com.au