Terry's+Page

= = __//**Our Bodies, Our Toxins**//__

-news article-

Toxic chemicals found in household products
New research has found that many common household products contain harmful chemicals. The University of Washington study analyzed a range of six top-selling fabric softeners, detergents and air fresheners. Researchers discovered at least one chemical in the products that are describes as toxic or hazardous under US laws. Professor Anne Steinemann said: "I was surprised by both the number and the potential toxicity of the chemicals that were found." She added: "I didn't find a brand that didn't emit at least one toxic chemical." She explained that the chemicals included acetone, which is an active ingredient in paint thinner and nail-polish remover. She also outlined a number of other hazardous chemicals. Test results showed 58 different volatile chemicals above the recommended safety level. Researchers found an air freshener that contained more than 20 different harmful compounds, of which, seven are regulated as being toxic. Steinemann’s advice for consumers was: "Be careful if you buy products with fragrance, because you really don't know what's in them….I'd like to see better labeling. In the meantime, I'd recommend that instead of air fresheners people use ventilation, and with laundry products, choose fragrance-free versions." Her conclusions angered manufacturers, who said the research “really lacks a real-world risk perspective". A spokesman said the products were safe and did not cause ill health.

My comment : According to this article, a study discovered that not all household products contain dangerous chemicals. However, Professor Anne Steinmann was astonished at finding toxic chemicals. Researchers found 58 chemicals that is violating safety limits.

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__** Household products that contain toxic chemicals **__

(1) Phthalates : are used in plastic materials to make them soft and flexible. -disrupt hormone balance and proper endocrine system function. -also are linked to reproductive, kidney, liver, and blood problems.

-->safe alternatives to vinyl flooring : linoleum, cork, bamboo, and hardwood.

(2) Detergents, degreasers, stain removers, and pesticides -endanger the environment by contaminating our groundwater, lakes, and oceans. -can cause illness that may only appear years later.

(3) Toilet bowl cleaners -contain oxalic acid that is extremely poisonous.

(4) household cleaners -can cause severe burning if swallowed or put on the skin. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; text-align: -webkit-left;">-can cause redness around the mouth, drooling and difficulty in swallowing.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; text-align: -webkit-left;">*never make someone who swallowed these household cleaners vomit or give a "neutralizing agent" since the chemical reaction can cause further burning. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; text-align: -webkit-left;">*the best choice is to give water and to look for emergency advice from poison control.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; text-align: -webkit-left;">(5) Simple Green Naturals Multi-Surface Care. Tide's Liquid Laundry Detergent <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; text-align: -webkit-left;">-can negatively affect reproductive and neurological development in pregnant women. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; text-align: -webkit-left;">-1,4 dioxane, and a carcinogen can be detected.



<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; text-align: -webkit-left;">(6) Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner. Pine Sol Original Formula <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 130%; text-align: -webkit-left;">-contains toluene that negatively affects pregnancy complications, birth defects, and developmental delays in children.



(7) Glade's Tough Odor Solutions with Oust Air Sanitizer -contains galaxolide that contains hormone disruptor that can decrease a cell's defense mechanism against other toxic chemicals. -can directly enter your system when you inhale.



(8) Nail polish remover -contains acetone that can enter the bloodstream where it is carried to all other organs by inhalation. -shortens the menstrual cycle in women. -damage kidney, liver, and nerve -> increasing birth defects, metabolic changes and coma. -also contains Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) that has connection with cancer

(9) Mouthwash. Astringent. Toothpaste. Cleansers -contains alcohol that is implicated in oral cancer -toothpaste also contains Fluoride that accumulates in body and contributes to bone disease.

(10) anti-aging facial creams and lotions -contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid that destroys skin cells and leaves skin more susceptible to damage from the environmental and skin cancer.

(11) Shaving gel -contains aspartame. -people report dizziness, headaches, and seizures

(12) Body products -contains BHA - BHT. -also contains Bronopol that may break down into formaldehyde that may form carcinogenic nitrosamines. -contains butyparaben that causes breast cancer and endocrine disruptor.

__**Treaties for better usage of household products**__

(1) Before we use products like "anti-aging facial creams and lotions", we should look up what they contain carefully. Effects of "Alpha Hydroxy Acid" stimulates aging faster rather than makes aging slower.

(2) We should listen to people's report carefully. Even if there is no certain result for experiment about "shaving gel", people report dizziness, headaches, and seizures. By listening to people's report carefully, we can prevent further victims.

(3) Do not overlook household products, even "toothpaste" can contribute to bone disease.

(4) Do not believe ingredients that are said on the surface of the products. They are not that trustworthy.

(5) We should not swallow some products. Products like "cosmetics" cause irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract as it is swallowed.

(6) Should not use too much. In Korea, there is a saying "too much is as bad as too little".

(7) Find more about alternative products. To replace "phthalates", we can use hardwood.

__**Useful internet site to learn more about this**__

(1) __[]__

(2) __[|http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/0807/080729-household_products.html#Top]__

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__**Summary**__

We can find many chemicals in our homes that have been used to make our lives easier. However, our convenience generates the consequences that we do not realize. I believe, from now on, we should think before we pour waste down the sink. Only natural substances should be disposed in our sewer systems. In the above of this page has which household products contain what and what they negatively affect our lives and the environment.

__**How to prevent or reduce exposure to toxins**__

(2)Choose wild instead of farmed fish. (3)Reduce intake of animal fats || (2)Use alternatives in your home || (2)Avoid eating certain fish || (2)Choose cosmetic companies that don’t use them || (2) Avoid personal care products that are made with “Teflon” or have ingredients that include the words “fluoro” or “perfluoro” || (2)Replace old applicants ||
 * Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers || (1)Buy PBDE-free furniture, fabrics, and electronics.
 * Pesticides || (1)Buy organic product
 * Heavy Metals (Arsenic, Lead, and Mercury) || (1)Remove old paint and pressure-treated wood
 * Phthalates || (1)Avoid vinyl and PVC products
 * Bisphenols || Avoid hard plastic bottles ||
 * Perfluorinated Compounds || (1) Avoid packaged food, stain- restraint treatments, and nonstick cookware.
 * Polychlorinated Biphenyls || (1)Avoid old industrial sites, drinking water from a well
 * Dioxins || Avoid fatty meats and areas known to be contaminated. ||