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.