Most people live with the feeling that their home is a haven from all the dangers that threaten them outside. Very few are aware that many common household products contain deadly chemicals known to promote cancer, reproductive disorders, birth defects and other health risks. Here are six of the most popular products to avoid for the safety of you and your family:
Air fresheners
They are present in many American households, but air fresheners are a hotbed of toxic substances that could cause infertility, brain damage or chronic disease. Tests conducted by the "Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)"have shown that most air fresheners contain phthalates that, among other things, interfere with male hormone production.
Most deodorants are also loaded with other carcinogenic volatile organic compounds that interfere with reproduction, respiration and cell regeneration. In 2008, after a study, Anne Steinemann of the University of Washington found that all fragrances examined emitted chemicals qualified as carcinogens.
Instead of toxic commercial home fragrances, choose natural essential oils to apply directly to the skin or to diffuse.
The candles
Similar to commercial home fragrances, many scented candles are also toxic. A study conducted by the "U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that almost half of the scented candles on the market contain lead wiring in their wicks that is released into the air during combustion. This method makes the strands more stable, but also leads to hormonal disruption, behavioral problems and various other health issues.
Many candles are also made of kerosene, which when burned produces two highly toxic compounds, benzene and toluene, both of which are carcinogenic. Artificial fragrances and dyes are also present in many scented candles and, once burned, these end up in your lungs.
Art supplies
Cultural enrichment and creativity are two positive aspirations in life, but not when they involve a lot of supplies. Most epoxy materials, glues, acrylic paints, solvents, drawing tools and other supplies used in art making contain chemicals that cause allergies, organ damage and even cancer.
"The federal Labeling Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA)" requires all producers of art supplies sold in the United States to warn if there is any risk of hazards. But manufacturers are not required to list ingredients. That's why it's recommended that users of these types of tools only purchase products certified by "the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI)."
Products certified by the ACMI undergo rigorous evaluations by independent toxicologists assuring that they are safe for everyone, including children.
Shampoos and conditioners
Toxins in cosmetics are a huge problem today, as many conventional products, including some labeled "natural" or "organic," contain ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate that, when used, generate carcinogenic byproducts. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cocamide DEA are two other common carcinogenic additives used in hair products.
"Safe Cosmetics" has compiled a list of the safest and most environmentally friendly shampoos on the market, free of most if not all of the chemicals listed in its "Skin Deep" database, which you can view at SafeCosmetics.org.
Anti-perspirant deodorants
Millions of people use deodorants daily to conceal odor and reduce axillary sweating. But they are prohibited if you want to avoid chemicals like aluminum chlorohydrate that is absorbed directly through the skin and promotes breast cancer. Aluminum in antiperspirants is also suspected of contributing to encephalopathies such as Alzheimer's disease.
The deodorants include other toxic additives such as parabens, artificial preservatives that mimic estrogen and promote the growth of cancer cells. Parabens are also linked to gastrointestinal disorders, nausea and central nervous system depression.
Shower curtains
It helps prevent splashing on the floor, but your classic shower curtain acts mostly as a diffuser for toxic chemicals. Most shower curtains contain volatile organic compounds - or VOCs - known to damage the respiratory tract, central nervous system, liver and kidneys.
If your shower curtain has that "new" smell, it's probably releasing VOCs that are damaging you and your family's health. For this reason, it is important to invest in a non-toxic, PVC-free shower curtain that will be free of all these volatile organic compounds.
The best options are definitely shower curtains made from hemp, linen, birch, organic cotton or PEVA.
Sources:
http://www.nrdc.org [PDF]