Additional carcinogenic chemicals identified

Formaldehyde, Aristolochic Acids, styrene,Captafol, cobalt tungsten carbide, inhalable gas wool fibers, O-Nitrotoluene, and Riddelliine was added to the National Toxicology Program’s carcinogenic list in 2011. It takes them a while to identify and add items to the list.

Formaldehyde is found in many composite wood products such as desks, bookcases, kitchen cabinets. Be sure to check our article on volatile organic compounds or VOCs.

Some herbal remedies contain Aristolochic Acids, so check your homeopathic medicines.

Some herbal teas contain Riddelliine.

Why are so few chemicals tested For Safety?

A recent article titled: Why Are So Few Chemicals Tested? reminded us about how scary the chemical world is.

Many everyday products contain chemicals that have never been tested for safety. The clothing detergent that you used and the dishwasher soap that you cleaned with probably hasn’t been tested at all.  The Toxic  Substances Control Act (TSCA) passed in 1976. The number of chemicals used in commercial products rose from 60,000 to 80,000 during this period. The EPA has tested only 200 of these chemicals and banned only five.

Under this act, chemicals are given the benefit of doubt. They are presumed safe unless proven unsafe. New laws are being proposed that would allow the EPA to regulate of new and existing chemicals and to take faster action. You sure do express your support for these measures with your local representatives.

A recent CNN program – Toxic America by Dr. Sanjay Gupta reiterates elements of a safe and clean home.

We need to look to Europe for leading edge guidance.  The European Chemicals Agency is considering restrictions or bans on these substances of very high concern. These are chemicals that are carcinogenic mutagenic, toxic for reproduction; persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic; very persistent and very bioaccumulative. Scientific evidence showing probable human health effects from these chemicals should raise our concern level. Industry needs be more proactive in insuring all chemicals have fully tested for safety on humans.

Chemical – And Their Uses

Benzl butyl phthalate (BBzP) -Plasticizer, Vinyl tiles, food conveyor belts, artificial leather, traffic cones, plastic foam

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEPH) – Plasticizer, Toys, medical devices, furniture, pool liners, lightsticks

Cobalt dichloride – Humidity indicator, Metal-plated objects

Dibutyl phthalate -Food Containers, nail polish

Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) – Paints, printing inks, adhesives

Hexabromocyclododecane – Flame Retardants

Lead chromate – Paints

Potassium chromate – Leather, textiles, enamels, pigments

Be sure to read those ingredient lists and MSDS documents.

Indoor Air Quality refers to how clean the air indoors is. We spend 90-95% of our time indoors. Often times the air outside is cleaner. This leads to health problems like allergies, asthma, etc.

Consumer Product Safety Commission and EPA has a good guide on how to improve indoor air quality. EPA has an extensive list of items that affect indoor air quality.

Major air quality problems include: Smoking, Fireplaces, Mold, Dust, Radon, Stoves.

Some lesser known problems include: Offgassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals from paint, carpets, cleaners, gasoline, paint thinner, dryclean clothes, office equipment, furniture, and building materials.

Using Plants to Scrub the Air

NASA has done research to show that plants Clean Air and Water for Indoor Environments. Plants have been found to reduce dust, formaldehyde, benzene, and other harmful chemicals. Air purification using plants is called phytoremediation. Recent research conducted at universities found that certain plants reduced total VOC levels by up to 75%. Plants clean the air by absorbing chemicals through small leaf pores called stomata . And from microorganisms living in the soil.

Additional plants that are recommended include English ivy, mother in-laws tongue, weeping fig, Peace Lily, Devils ivy, flamingo flower, Janet Craig, and Asparagus fern.

An NCPA article states:
“For every 100 square feet of office area, one or two Boston ferns can clean so much formaldehyde out of the air that it is no longer detectable.

Other toxin-eating plants include the azalea, poinsettia, dieffenbachia, gerbera daisy, corn plant, pot mum, Chinese evergreen and various species of philodendron, schefflera, chrysanthemum, tulip orchid and ligustrum.”

Penn State recommends plants like Spider plants, Grape Ivy, Chinese evergreen, Snake plants and more.

If you have carpet, consider removing it or using modular green carpets such as Interface floor. Install using no voc adhesives.

Filtering your air

Putting a better filter on your heater, such as a 3M Filtrete will also improve indoor air quality.

In room portable air purifiers with HEPA filters also help clear the air. Look for ones that are whisper quiet.

Also consider installing a high-quality whole house air filtration system such as one from Aprilaire.  These filters, filter the year before it reaches your heating system. Neutralize most germs, dust, mold spores and other air borne pollutants.

This is a lot cheaper and more green and eco than buying lots of air purifiers or replacing every piece of furniture you have.

Be sure to Fix Leaky Ducts – Reducing Air Leaks

photo credit: dno1967

The green wave has hit bedding.  Organic sheets and bedding made from 100% organic cotton is available.  Make sure the cotton is grown without pesticides.

Some sheets contain formaldehyde to make them stain, crease, or fire resistant, so make sure you avoid those products.  You may have to call the company to verify this.  No-iron finish fabric and polyster/cotton fabric are usual tip offs.

Remember to always wash new bedding before using it.

Amazon has a section with low cost organic cotton bedding.