Green Living - Top 7 Toxins In Our Homes
We all know deep down inside that we should reduce our exposure to toxic chemicals.
We think about it when we use strong smelling cleaners or paint stripper but then move on and keep doing what we've always done, not ready to change our habits, our routine.
Why? Because we are always in a hurry.
Unless something dramatic happens (asthma in a child, cancer in a close relative) most of us won't change a thing.
There are contaminants, toxins, pollutants and harsh chemicals almost everywhere.
That is unfortunate but it is the reality.
Things are starting to change a little; governments legislate more and more to stop the use of certain dangerous compounds in some commercial products, but it is important to be aware of the most toxic ones found in your own homes.
Some are carcinogens, developmental, neurologic or reproductive toxicants, or teratogens (cause birth defects).
Here is a list of the top 7 toxins in our homes.
Bisphenol A (BPA): found in plastic as well as canned foods and beverages.
In Canada and Europe, BPA has been banned from baby bottles while in the U.
S.
, the FDA has removed the use of BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups as well as infant formula packaging.
The reason for that safety measure is because BPA has been associated to birth defects and may be a hormone disruptor.
Lead: still found in paint and household dust (if your house was built before 1978), outdoor soils and some consumer products.
The health effects of lead exposure are mostly in the brains and nervous system.
It can decrease IQ and create aggression and hyperactivity disorders.
Lead poisoning has been documented from ancient Rome, Greece and China.
Mercury: while toxic to the brain and nervous system, exposure to mercury is almost exclusively due to consumption of contaminated fish and shellfish.
So to reduce the danger, eat fish that have a shorter life-span and are at the bottom of the food chain.
Perchloroethylene: found in dry-cleaner solutions, stain removers and carpet and upholstery cleaners.
Perchloroethylene is a neurotoxin and a possible carcinogen.
Phthalates: mainly used to stabilize synthetic fragrances in household cleaners and cosmetics.
Phthalates can also be found in some plastic and food packaging.
Phthalates are really to avoid since they've been identified as teratogens, reproductive toxicants, hormone disruptors and causing heart diseases and diabetes.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): used as flame retardants in electronics, upholstery, mattresses, drapes and textiles.
PBDEs may be linked to hyperactivity as they interfere with brain development, and are also reproductive toxicants.
Triclosan: powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent found in liquid soap, dishwasher detergent and cleaning products.
It is toxic to liver and the thyroid hormone system, and may cause cancer.
Unfortunately, we cannot eliminate all toxins from our home.
And this list is only the tip of the iceberg.
Click Here to learn more about what YOU can do to reduce your family's exposure to household toxins by downloading my Free Report 4 simple steps to make your home safer, while saving time and money.
We think about it when we use strong smelling cleaners or paint stripper but then move on and keep doing what we've always done, not ready to change our habits, our routine.
Why? Because we are always in a hurry.
Unless something dramatic happens (asthma in a child, cancer in a close relative) most of us won't change a thing.
There are contaminants, toxins, pollutants and harsh chemicals almost everywhere.
That is unfortunate but it is the reality.
Things are starting to change a little; governments legislate more and more to stop the use of certain dangerous compounds in some commercial products, but it is important to be aware of the most toxic ones found in your own homes.
Some are carcinogens, developmental, neurologic or reproductive toxicants, or teratogens (cause birth defects).
Here is a list of the top 7 toxins in our homes.
Bisphenol A (BPA): found in plastic as well as canned foods and beverages.
In Canada and Europe, BPA has been banned from baby bottles while in the U.
S.
, the FDA has removed the use of BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups as well as infant formula packaging.
The reason for that safety measure is because BPA has been associated to birth defects and may be a hormone disruptor.
Lead: still found in paint and household dust (if your house was built before 1978), outdoor soils and some consumer products.
The health effects of lead exposure are mostly in the brains and nervous system.
It can decrease IQ and create aggression and hyperactivity disorders.
Lead poisoning has been documented from ancient Rome, Greece and China.
Mercury: while toxic to the brain and nervous system, exposure to mercury is almost exclusively due to consumption of contaminated fish and shellfish.
So to reduce the danger, eat fish that have a shorter life-span and are at the bottom of the food chain.
Perchloroethylene: found in dry-cleaner solutions, stain removers and carpet and upholstery cleaners.
Perchloroethylene is a neurotoxin and a possible carcinogen.
Phthalates: mainly used to stabilize synthetic fragrances in household cleaners and cosmetics.
Phthalates can also be found in some plastic and food packaging.
Phthalates are really to avoid since they've been identified as teratogens, reproductive toxicants, hormone disruptors and causing heart diseases and diabetes.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): used as flame retardants in electronics, upholstery, mattresses, drapes and textiles.
PBDEs may be linked to hyperactivity as they interfere with brain development, and are also reproductive toxicants.
Triclosan: powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent found in liquid soap, dishwasher detergent and cleaning products.
It is toxic to liver and the thyroid hormone system, and may cause cancer.
Unfortunately, we cannot eliminate all toxins from our home.
And this list is only the tip of the iceberg.
Click Here to learn more about what YOU can do to reduce your family's exposure to household toxins by downloading my Free Report 4 simple steps to make your home safer, while saving time and money.
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