Posts
There are bad chemicals out there and we bring them into our houses every day. We don’t really know how bad some of these common chemicals are, however studies have shown five chemicals used in our houses, may cause serious health issues; think things like cancers, reduced male sexual function, endocrine system problems and hyperactivity in kids.
Yikes! We can’t get rid of all of it, however, here are five things an ordinary environmentalist can do to reduce exposure to five toxic chemicals. This information is based on a May 31 2010 CNN.com article by David S. Martin, Senior Medical Producer.*
#1 Use stainless steel and glass storage containers.
Bispenol,A (BPA) is a type of plastic called Polycarbonate. Avoid it by using stainless steel or glass containers for your leftovers (Pyrex is coming out with some nice glass ones). If you use plastic, avoid plastics with #7 when possible, and as a good practice, do not microwave, or put hot liquids in any plastic containers.
#2 Avoid personal care products that list “fragrance” as an ingredient.
Phthalates are chemicals that can be absorbed through your skin. When you use personal care products, processed foods and time-released drugs, you are risking exposure to these chemicals. There are no requirements to show Phthalates on personal care ingredient lists, instead it will often be hidden as the word “Fragrance” on an ingredient list. Look for products that specifically list their ingredients and avoid the “Fragrance” ingredient. What’s scary is that I have 10 personal care products in my shower right now, and only ONE doesn’t have “fragrance” on the list. I need to change some shopping habits.
#3 Use Cast Iron Or Stainless Steel Cookware
PFOA -- Perfluorooctanoic acid (also called C8) is used to make Teflon and thousands of other nonstick and stain- and water-repellent clothing and furniture. It’s pretty much a guarantee you have PFOA in your blood right now. Use stainless steel or cast iron cookware to help reduce exposure to PFOA. If you are like me and have an expensive nonstick cookware set you don’t want to throw out, make sure not to overheat your pan, which causes toxic gases to release.
#4 Open Your Windows
Formaldehyde is found in pressed wood products such as particleboard, plywood, paneling, and fiberboard, and in glues, adhesives, and durable press fabrics like drapes. “Off-gassing” of these products is toxic to us. Aside from tearing down your house and living in a cave, the best thing you can do to reduce exposure is to increase ventilation in your house to help dissipate the gasses, and to lower humidity, and keep your house cool to reduce off-gassing.
#5 Dust
Polybrominated diethyl ethers (PBDE) are found in televisions, computers and wire insulation, and furniture foam. Over time, these products shed PBDEs, which accumulate in dust. That's right, household dust. No more excuses – time to get out that dust rag!
This list of five ways to reduce toxic chemicals in your life is easy to implement, and if it helps lower your risk of health problems, it is worth the extra trouble – and a cleaner house.
*Article posted on May 31 2010. on CNN.com, written by David S. Martin, Senior Medical Producer for CNN: Article Link
Yikes! We can’t get rid of all of it, however, here are five things an ordinary environmentalist can do to reduce exposure to five toxic chemicals. This information is based on a May 31 2010 CNN.com article by David S. Martin, Senior Medical Producer.*
#1 Use stainless steel and glass storage containers.
Bispenol,A (BPA) is a type of plastic called Polycarbonate. Avoid it by using stainless steel or glass containers for your leftovers (Pyrex is coming out with some nice glass ones). If you use plastic, avoid plastics with #7 when possible, and as a good practice, do not microwave, or put hot liquids in any plastic containers.
#2 Avoid personal care products that list “fragrance” as an ingredient.
Phthalates are chemicals that can be absorbed through your skin. When you use personal care products, processed foods and time-released drugs, you are risking exposure to these chemicals. There are no requirements to show Phthalates on personal care ingredient lists, instead it will often be hidden as the word “Fragrance” on an ingredient list. Look for products that specifically list their ingredients and avoid the “Fragrance” ingredient. What’s scary is that I have 10 personal care products in my shower right now, and only ONE doesn’t have “fragrance” on the list. I need to change some shopping habits.
#3 Use Cast Iron Or Stainless Steel Cookware
PFOA -- Perfluorooctanoic acid (also called C8) is used to make Teflon and thousands of other nonstick and stain- and water-repellent clothing and furniture. It’s pretty much a guarantee you have PFOA in your blood right now. Use stainless steel or cast iron cookware to help reduce exposure to PFOA. If you are like me and have an expensive nonstick cookware set you don’t want to throw out, make sure not to overheat your pan, which causes toxic gases to release.
#4 Open Your Windows
Formaldehyde is found in pressed wood products such as particleboard, plywood, paneling, and fiberboard, and in glues, adhesives, and durable press fabrics like drapes. “Off-gassing” of these products is toxic to us. Aside from tearing down your house and living in a cave, the best thing you can do to reduce exposure is to increase ventilation in your house to help dissipate the gasses, and to lower humidity, and keep your house cool to reduce off-gassing.
#5 Dust
Polybrominated diethyl ethers (PBDE) are found in televisions, computers and wire insulation, and furniture foam. Over time, these products shed PBDEs, which accumulate in dust. That's right, household dust. No more excuses – time to get out that dust rag!
This list of five ways to reduce toxic chemicals in your life is easy to implement, and if it helps lower your risk of health problems, it is worth the extra trouble – and a cleaner house.
*Article posted on May 31 2010. on CNN.com, written by David S. Martin, Senior Medical Producer for CNN: Article Link
No comments:
Post a Comment