| Your Home – Healthy Haven, or Toxic Nightmare? |
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| Eco News |
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Common hazards in your home that add to toxic load include: VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): VOCs are a major contributing factor to ozone, an air pollutant. According to the EPA, VOCs tend to be even higher (two to five times) in indoor air than outdoor air, likely because they are present in so many household products. Risks: Cancer, eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment. Major Sources: Drinking water, carpet, paints, deodorants, cleaning fluids, varnishes, cosmetics, dry cleaned clothing, moth repellants, air fresheners. Asbestos: This insulating material was widely used from the 1950s to 1970s. Problems arise when the material becomes old and crumbly, releasing fibers into the air. Risks: Cancer, scarring of the lung tissue, mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer) Next, there are all those products used in daily life. From your personal care products, to household cleaning agents, to plastic food containers and baby bottles. Many of them contain ingredients that are known to be toxic or cancer-causing. Something you may not have seen or heard before, however, is this list of the Top Cancer-Causing Products in the average home, as compiled by the National Cancer Prevention Coalition which includes: Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder with talc Putting something on your skin can be even more dangerous to your health than ingesting it directly How do I live in this toxic world? Focus on the things that you can control right now. That would include switching to non-toxic and natural alternatives for things that you use on your body, in your home and around your yard, to start. Eat and grow your own organic fruit and vegetables. Read labels before you purchase. Source: Via |