Issues > Prototype Issue -- 2001 > Evicting Unwanted Chemical Guests

Evicting Unwanted Chemical Guests

By using least-toxic alternatives to many conventional household products, we can keep our homes free of unhealthy chemicals.

Antibacterials

Where Found:

Disinfectants cleansers, antibacterial soaps, cutting boards and sponges.

Health Threats:

Antibiotic resistance in disease-causing bacteria.

Solutions:

Wash hands with plain soap and warm water; disinfect with Earth Power Herbal, 877-809-3404, or Seventh Generation sanitizers, 888-59-EARTH.

Arsenic

Where Found:

Outdoor wood (decks, playgrounds, tables), pressure-treated with chromated copper arsenate

Health Threats:

Nervous system harm; increased cancer risk

Solutions:

Recycled plastic and wood in Trex, 800-BUY-TREX; or coat wood with low-VOC paints, sealants; wash children's hands after playground visits.

Formaldehyde

Where Found:

Plywood particleboard; glues, fabric finishes, paints and sealants; nail polish

Health Threats:

Cancer risk; respiratory problems; headaches, fatigue

Solutions:

Ventilate! Choose solid wood, or coat pressed woods with low-VOC paints, sealants (AFM, 800-239-0321); choose fabrics without stain, moth, or wrinkle repellents.

Fragrances

Where Found:

Cleansers, laundry detergents; air fresheners; cosmetics

Health Threats:

Asthma; allergy symptoms; headaches

Solutions:

Products labeled fragrances-free; plain olive-oil soap

Lead

Where Found:

Pre-1978 paint; some old water pipes; brass faucets on water filters; some imported ceramics/crystal; wire candlewicks

Health Threats:

Learning and behavior problems; brain and nervous system damage

Solutions:

Test paint & water; get professional cleanup (800-LEAD-FYI); run water 30 sec. to flush lead from pipes; replace brass with stainless steel

Mercury

Where Found:

Some fish; thermometers; fluorescent light tubes; amalgam dental fillings

Health Threats:

Brain and nervous system damage

Solutions:

Low-mercury fish; digital thermometers; call Sanitation Dept. to safely dispose of fluorescent; porcelain or composite fillings

Pesticides

Where Found:

Insecticides for house and garden; herbicides; fungicides (often added to paint)

Health Threats:

Poisoning; nervous and hormonal system harm; respiratory problems; possible cancer risk

Solutions:

Avoid pesticides! Contact NCAP, 541-344-5044, www.pesticide.org, for less-toxic pest control how-to's

Phthalates

Where Found:

Vinyl (PVC) toys, teethers; plastic wrap; flooring, wallpaper, other home surfaces

Health Threats:

Asthma, potential hormonal problems, kidney damage

Solutions:

Non-PVC products! Call E.C.O. 800-238-5002

Or Environmental Home Center, 800-281-9785

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs, or chemicals that vaporize)

Where Found:

Paints, glues; pesticides; cleaning products; synthetic carpets; dry cleaning solutions

Health Threats:

Cancer risk; breathing and nerve problems; headaches; nausea

Solutions:

Low-VOC paints, glues; Ecover or Seventh Generation cleansers, Bon Ami or baking soda to scrub; natural area rugs and flooring (Real Goods, 800-762-7325); wet clean/hand washing clothes