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Toxic Chemicals In Household Products

DetoxifyWe are continuing our work with Kent State University, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and other non-governmental, non-profit organizations like Greenpeace in providing information to protect you and your family from toxic chemicals in your environment.

In this article, I’ll be focusing on toxic and safe household products as we continue with our series on the Healthy Habits Detox Plan exposing toxins in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

Clothing, Candles, and Air-fresheners

As convenient as they are wrinkle-free clothing contain a cancer causing chemical called formaldehyde which manufacturers add to the clothing material.

A better alternative to removing wrinkles in clothing is to add a quarter-cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle of your washer.  Immediately after drying, hang your clothing up to help in removing wrinkles.

Did you know that air-fresheners, gels, plug-ins, and sprays contain a mixture of toxicants that pollute the air you breathe?

The chemicals these products emit are linked to causing allergies, asthma, hormone disruption, and cancer.

In addition, candles are also known for contributing to the same ailments and maladies air-fresheners are responsible for.

To remove odors, a better alternative is placing a bowl of white vinegar in the area that contains the unpleasant odor.

Additionally, using organic scented candles made of soy and beeswax, and containing pure essential oils is also a better option to consider.

Bottled Water, Household Cleaners, and Microwave Popcorn

It may come to your surprise that plastic bottled water is another product to avoid due to the fact that plastics leak estrogenic chemicals that disrupt hormones.

A better option is to invest in a quality water-filter—one that removes chlorine.

To keep away from exposure to toxic chemicals in plastic another healthy habits choice is to purchase glass or stainless steel bottles if you must have one.  Using these types of bottles will also save you money in the long run.

Be cautious of household cleaners.  Manufactures of these products are not required to provide the public with the ingredients their products contain.

Some products used for household cleaning contain cancer causing agents and hormone disruptors.  In addition, many contribute to asthma and allergies, as well.

Consider this alternative for cleaning.

Save yourself some money and make your own cleaning product by mixing nine parts of water (in a spray bottle) to one pint of white vinegar.  Not only will you save money and clean very effectively; you will also protect you, your family, or pet from dangerous chemicals.

The following short video explains more on Healthy Habits alternatives for cleaning:

Make Some Good Popcorn!

Many people don’t realize that microwavable popcorn packages are coated with non-stick chemicals that researchers link to male infertility, high cholesterol, and thyroid disease. 

A safer alternative is to pop your own popcorn with a little bit of olive oil or melted butter and organic kernels.

The price of making your own comes to about 18 cents per serving, compared to about $1.00 or more per serving of microwavable popcorn.  Plus, making your own is much healthier and nutritious.

Finally, one side note.  Last week I discussed how the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is used in water bottles, cash receipts from ATMs, baby bottles, and canned food linings.

On March 7, 2012, food giant Campbell’s Soup made an announcement that they are removing BPA from their popular canned soups.

As I mentioned in my previous article bisphenol A is linked to causing  breast and prostate cancers, heart attacks, behavioral problems, obesity, type 2 diabetes, infertility, and early puberty in girls.

Even minimal doses of bisphenol A can contribute to these illnesses and diseases.  Fortunately, Campbell’s is taking steps and moving in the right direction in helping to eliminate this health danger.

In the following weeks we’ll be providing more vital information pertaining to toxic chemicals in your home, workplace, and community.

Join in and please help us inspire action by sharing your thoughts and concerns!

About the author: George Zapo is certified in Public Health Promotion and Education (Kent State University). George provides informative articles promoting healthy behavior and lifestyles.

4 comments… add one
  • Tina Bosela

    George,

    Excellent Article! The video is a must watch! We all can save money using what we already have in our cupboards.

    Thank you so much for looking out for our health and also making us aware of what we choose to buy can really harm us.

    I’m looking forward to your next article!

    Keep up the great work!

    Tina

    • Thank you very much, Tina!

      I’m glad and fortunate that I can help!

      I look forward to sharing more valuable information with you!

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