Wage War On Those Dangerous Household Products

We are surrounded by human-made chemicals, more than 80,000 are in use in the United States today. Of those, only a few hundred have been tested for safety. Some experts suspect that this cocktail of chemicals in our food, water, air and homes may be part of the cause of the rising rate of cancers, autism, diabetes and obesity.

Young children, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are most at risk. While it may be a little overwhelming to take on all these chemicals, let’s take a look at a few of the most popular chemicals that can be found in your home today.

Chlorine
Used as a disinfectant in municipal water systems, chorine is toxic, even in low concentrations. Studies have shown that exposure to chorine can be linked to an increased risk of heart disease, allergic reactions as well as increased rates of bladder and colon cancers. Chorine also irritates eyes, nose and throat.

Try this…
Fikter your chorine with a whole-house filter or with a chorine filter showerhead and a granular activated charcoal drinking water filter. Avoid swimming in chlorinated water.

PFCs
PFCs (perflouorochemicals) are persistent organic pollutants used on stain-resistant clothing and upholstery, cooking pans, fast food wrappers, and inside pet food and microwave popcorn bags. Teflon, Scothgard, Stainmaster and Gore-Tex are all PFCs.

Try this…
Forgo stain treatments on furniture or carpet; don’t wear clothing labeled stain- or water resistant; avoid nonstick pans; pop popcorn on the stove; and choose personal care product items without “PTFE” and “perfluoro” in the ingredients. Phthalates

Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a flammable, pungent compound found in building materials, pressed-wood products, melamine (hard plastic) dishes and cigarette smoke. It can irritate the eyes, throat and mucus membranes, and cause headaches and nausea.

Try this…
Use “exterior-grade” pressed-wood products to limit formaldehyde exposure in the home.

Parabens
Parabens are used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Parabens are controversial because they weakly mimic estrogen, and researchers have found measurable concentration in breast tumors.

Try this…
Minimize cosmetics that list parabens or words ending in “paraben” among the ingredients.

Phthalates
Phthslates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals used to make #3 plastics (PVS or vinyl) flexible. PVC leaches phthaltes when its heated or worn down. Phthaltes are found in person-care products and detergents often labeled as “fragrance.” Phthalate exposure has been linked to early puberty in girls and risk factor in breast cancer.

Try this…
Never microwave plastic containers. Store food in glass or metal containers. Avoid OVC pipes, and products with “fragrance.”

BPA
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupter found in reusebale polycarbonate (#7 plastic) food and beverage containers (including baby bottles); the lining of food and beverage cans; in PVC (#3 plastic); and on receipts and money.

Try this…
Never microwave or heat plastic containers, and store food in glass or metal containers.
Avoid canned foods— choose bulk, frozen or fresh instead. Some companies such as Eden Organic offer “BPA-free” reusable water bottles. Wash you hands after handling receipts and money.