Celadon Road — Consumer Product Safety Commission
#CleanGreen: Understanding the Toxins in Your Home 0
Recently we talked about air quality and how to 'grow' fresh air. So by now, you’re probably wondering what brings these toxins into your home? Here are several toxins found in homes and the culprits that bring them in:- Household cleaners: contribute to indoor air pollution and, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, harbor more than 150 carcinogenic chemicals that can lead to birth defects, cancer and psychological disorders. Consider replacing them with natural, organic, non-toxic products. The EPA reports that household cleaners increase the risk of cancer by 3 times.
- Formaldehyde: carpets, caulking, ceiling tiles, draperies, fabrics, facial tissues, grocery bags, floor coverings, gas stoves, grocery bags, paints, paper towels, permanent press clothing, upholstery.
- Xylene/toluene: adhesives, computer VDU screens, printers, photocopies, floor coverings, particleboard, stains and varnishes, wall coverings.
- Benzene: adhesives, ceiling tiles, printers, floor coverings, paints, particleboard, tobacco smoke, stains and varnishes, wall coverings.
- Chloroform: chlorinated tap water.
- Ammonia: cleaning products, printers, photocopiers.
- Alcohols: carpeting, cosmetics, floor coverings, paints, particleboard, stains and varnishes
- Acetone: cosmetics, nail polish remover, office correction fluid, pre-printed paper forms.
- Pesticides: are harmful to pets, humans and the environment. Use organic pest control measures for home and garden instead.
- Dust and dirt from outside: using a door mat cuts down the toxic lead dust levels in a home virtually in half and taking off your shoes before entering your home cuts the toxic dust down by 60%.