Create A Safe and Healthy Home

Based on Excerpts from Dr. Joyce M. Woods

Begin by thinking of your home as a toxic waste dump. The average home today contains 62 toxic chemicals - more than a chemistry lab at the turn of the 19th century. Since World War II, more than 72,000 synthetic chemicals have been produced, yet fewer than 2% of synthetic chemicals have been tested for toxicity, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects, or birth defects.

There are many sources of indoor air pollution in any home. These include combustion sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood, and tobacco products; building materials and furnishings as diverse as deteriorated, asbestos-containing insulation, wet or damp carpet and cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products; products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies; central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices; and outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides, and outdoor air pollution.

The CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) reports that houses today are so energy efficient that "out-gassing" of chemicals has no where to go, so it builds up inside the home. We spend 90% of our time indoors, and 65% of that time at home. Moms, infants and the elderly spend 90% of their time in the home. The National Cancer Institute released results of a 15-year study concluding that women who work in the home are at a 54% higher risk of developing cancer than women who work outside the home.

Labeling laws do not protect the consumer - they protect big business. The New York Poison Control Center reports that 85% of product warning labels were either inadequate or incorrect for identifying a poison and for first aid instructions. Formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, toluene, xylene are found in common household cleaners, cosmetics, beverages, fabrics and cigarette smoke. These chemicals are cancer-causing and toxic to the immune system. Chemicals are attracted to and stored in fatty tissue. The brain is a prime target for these destructive organics because of its high fat content and very rich blood supply. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has found more than 2500 chemicals in cosmetics that are toxic, cause tumors, reproductive complications, biological mutations and skin and eye irritations. Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, circulatory disorders, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and hormonal problems are diseases commonly related to chemical exposure.

In the USA the #1 cause of accidental poisoning is Dawn Dishwashing Detergent. WHY? Because it is the #1 seller. Tide contains Lye and is the #1 polluter. It is also the #1 seller. Deep Woods and Off have an ingredient called DEET. DEET causes seizures in children and adults. Inert (or inactive) ingredients in products are protected by trade secrets and very dangerous.

When we shower, the hot water aerates the chlorine and can cause headaches as can the use of aerosols. Steam from our dryer vents is extremely toxic from the chemicals in fabric softener sheets and residues from detergents and bleach. Chemicals used to dry clean clothing are very dangerous and can cause cancer. When you bring dry cleaning home you should hang it outside for at least 3 days. Dry cleaning chemicals are the same cancer-causing chemicals found in mothballs.

Formaldehyde is one of the largest indoor pollutants in our homes. Products containing Formaldehyde include: * Antiperspirants … Mouthwash … Toothpaste … Tupperware … Permanent Press clothing … Floor Waxes and Furniture Polishes … Baggies … Coffee … Wax Paper … and Paper Money. Symptoms caused by formaldehyde are: Allergies, cancer, immune system failings and asthma.

Phenols are another major indoor pollutant. Phenols are absorbed by lungs and skin. Symptoms include caustic burns, kidney and liver damage and hyperactivity. Products containing Phenols include: Acne medications … Baking Powder … Computers … TV Sets … Mouthwash … Sugar substitutes … and Wallpaper.

Do you think the major products are safe? Lysol (c) is even more dangerous than we thought. It contains phenols and dioxin (Agent Orange). Bleach must be safe because people have been using it for years, right? Not so. When using bleach, antiseptics or chlorine in industrial areas OSHA requires you to wear impervious protective clothing, hard hats, boots, gloves, apron or coveralls, chemical goggles or full face shield, and use only in well ventilated areas. When using Easy Off (c) make sure all your skin is covered, wear protective clothing, do not breath in and don't get it on your enamel, (if this product will hurt the enamel on your stove, can you imagine what it will do to us?). NTAs were banned in 1970. Lobbying by Proctor & Gamble in 1980 put them back into home products although they are extremely cancer causing. What are they for? To make more suds in detergents.

Our immune system is very powerful, like a janitorial system. Giving our bodies good nutrition means our body can repair itself and be able to handle what we face in the world. Household chemicals cause all kinds of symptoms - from cardiovascular problems, panic attacks, and anxiety attacks to bedwetting. Eliminating the cause of the environmental illness is more effective and much less expensive than treating the symptoms. Prevention is 80% - 90% effective. Treatment is 50% - 60% effective. Which seems to make the most sense?

Note: The National Institutes of Health provides health and safety information on specific household products at http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov.

Dr. Joyce Woods worked as a medical/surgical nurse, public health nurse, nurse educator, nursing school administrator, occupational health consultant. She holds completed her doctoral degree in the area of indoor air pollution and its effect on your health. For more information visit Chipstayinhome.com or email gpull59@earthlink.net