FIND THE HIDDEN TOXICS

 

There are more chemcals in the average American home today than there  were in the average chemical factory 100 years ago.

 

BACKGROUND

 

Just because you bought something at a store doesn't mean it's safe. There are a surprising amount of toxics in your home, hidden in everything from oven and drain cleaners to personal care products.

 

They are a hazard‑not only to you and your family when they're used, but to the environment when they're first manufactured .. and when they're finally disposed of.

 

What makes these products particularly insidious is the fact that billions of dollars are spent every year to convince us they're necessary and will enhance our lives‑‑when in fact they're dangerous.

 

Happily, there are many inexpensive, easy-to‑use, natural alternatives that you can substitute for common commercial chemical products. It just takes a little detective work to figure out which products you need to replace.

 

ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR CONSUMER

 

Don't assume a product is toxic‑free just because there are no toxics listed on the label. The government doesn't require manufacturers to list every ingredient if it doesnÕt violate "federal safety standards." Baby powder, for example, often contains asbestos. And traces of pesticides have been found in shampoos. By Labelling a product "nontoxic" can be misleading. "Manufacturers may place the word non-toxic on their label simply by meeting the federal regulatory definition," explains Making the Such. "This can mean, for example, that if less than 50% of lab animals die within two weeks when being exposed to the product through ingestion or inhalation, the product can be called 'nontoxic."'

 

SIMPLE THINGS TO DO

 

Find the Hidden Toxics: 

The easiest way is to refer to books like The Nontoxic Honte or Making the Such. Be prepared for a shock; you'll find it hard to believe there are so many toxic chemicals in your home.

 

Buy or make alternative products. 

If you use alternatives to toxics, you reduce the risk to your family and the environment. Here are a few examples, just to whet your appetite. For more details, check the sources below.

 

Toxic: Permanent‑press clothes and no‑iron bed linens. According to The Nontoxic Home, these are treated with formaldehyde resin, "applied in such a way that it becomes a permanent part of the fiber." The result: toxic fumes.

Alternative: Natural fibers whenever possible.

 

Toxic: Oven Cleaners. Contain lye.

Alternative: Sprinkle water, followed by layers of baking soda. Rub gently with very fine steel wool pads for tough spots.

 

Toxic: Air Fresheners. They donÕt actually "freshen" air. Rather, they deaden your nasal passages or coat them with oil. May contain chemicals like xylene, ethanol, naphthalene, etc.

Alternative: Herbal mixtures or vinegar and lemon juice.

 

Toxic: Mothballs. "Made from 100% paradichlorobenzene," which is harmful to your liver and kidneys.

Alternative; Herbal products that act as repellents, cedar chips or cedar oil.

 

Toxic: Permanent‑ink pens and markers. Contain harmful solvents like toluene, xylene, ethanol.

Alternative: Water‑based markers and‑ pens.

 

SOURCES "Making the Switch: Alternatives to Using Toxic Chemicals in the Home." Send $6 to: Publication Dept., Local Government Commission, 909 12th St., Suite 205, Sacramento, CA 95814

 

Nontoxic, Natural and EarthWise, and The Nontoxic Horne, By Debra Lynn Dadd. Cost: $14.95 and $11.95, respectively. Available in bookstores, or directly from the author at P.O. Box 1506, Mill Valley, CA 94942. She also puts out a product‑oriented newsletter calkd "The Earthwise Consumer. " Write for details.

 

The Household Hazardous Waste Project, Box 87, 901 South National Ave., Springfield, MO 65804. (417) 836‑5777. Send $8 for their excellent book, The Guide to Hazardous Products Around the Hmne. The "recipes" for most alternative products in their book have been tested by Southwest Missouri State University.