Dr Yvonne Burkart — A PhD toxicologist who studies how chemicals harm human cells, specializing in reproductive toxicity. She runs Dr Burkart's brand, a 'Low Tox' newsletter and YouTube channel, and shares her personal recovery from environmental toxin exposure.
The gist
Host Steven Bartlett interviews toxicologist Dr Yvonne Burkart about hidden toxic chemicals in everyday consumer products. She explains endocrine disruptors, phthalates, PFAS 'forever chemicals', and microplastics, and how they are linked to cancer, infertility, obesity and childhood developmental problems. Burkart shares her own story of unexplained infertility at 32 that she reversed by removing fragranced products, non-stick cookware and mercury fillings. The conversation walks through specific product categories (deodorants, cookware, plastic containers, candles, tampons, water) and gives low-cost, practical swaps. It closes on raising glutathione through diet and exercise and a message of empowerment over fear.
Big reveals
- Burkart was told at 32 that IVF was her only option and had no period for nine months.
- She conceived her own children naturally after removing toxins, getting pregnant within nine months of starting.
- Removing her mercury amalgam fillings produced a measurable drop in mercury levels and a 'huge leap' in her health.
- Calls aerosol deodorant 'one of the worst products you can use' due to benzene-contaminated propellants.
- Claims microplastics have been found in the human penis, prompting Bartlett's reaction.
- Cites a study finding the human brain is around 0.5% plastic by weight.
- States beauty/hair products marketed to Black women contain the most toxic ingredients, calling it environmental injustice.
- Lists five reasons never to burn conventional paraffin candles, and says incense produces more ultrafine particles than cigarette smoke.
Things worth remembering
- Sperm counts have declined by roughly 50% over the last 50 years.
- Endocrine disruptors can be more harmful at low doses than high doses (non-monotonic dose response).
- A child's detoxification capacity isn't fully developed until age 10.
- A surface scratch on non-stick cookware can release 9,000 particles; a crack up to 2.3 billion.
- PFAS 'forever chemicals' are so persistent they've been found in polar bear fat.
- Paper takeaway coffee cups release about 25,000 microplastic particles within 15 minutes of contact with hot liquid.
- Indoor air quality can be up to five times worse than outdoor air (EPA).
- Household air pollution causes about 3.2 million global deaths per year (WHO).
- Aluminium in antiperspirants is linked to increased breast cancer risk and acts like estrogen in the body.
- Glutathione, the body's key detox antioxidant, can be boosted by exercise, sleep, sulfur-rich foods and matcha.
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