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Most consumers use products everyday that are filled with toxic chemicals. Chemicals
in the home can put anyone at risk. Allergies, psychological abnormalities, cancer, birth defects genetic changes,
heart disease-almost any symptom imaginable, both physical and
psychological, has been associated with chemicals in household products.
In one study conducted over a fifteen
year period, women who worked at home had a 54% higher death rate from cancer than women who worked outside the home. It was
concluded that the increased death rate was due to daily exposure to the hazardous chemicals found in ordinary household products.
A report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission on chemicals commonly found in homes identified 150 that have been
linked to allergies, birth defects cancer and psychological abnormalities.
The personal care products we put on our skin and hair create possible toxic exposures through skin absorption. In
1989 a House subcommittee asked the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to analyze 2,983 chemicals used in
personal care products, and 884 were found to be toxic. Of these, 778 can cause acute toxicity, 146 can cause tumors, 218
can cause reproductive complications, 314 can cause biological mutation, and 376 can cause skin and eye irritation.
Most poisonings happen slowly, over a long period of time by gradual skin absorption or by daily exposure. Cleaning products,
personal care products and other household goods release toxic vapors into the air when they are being used-some even when
they are being stored.
What can you do? The first step is to educate yourself. The next step is to begin eliminating
toxics from your daily life. There are some good sources for safer cleaning and personal care products. To find out more about
these products, call Natalie at 573-345-3731 or email nathrr@aol.com.
Sources:
1. American Association of Poison Control
Centers, http://www.1-800-222-1222.info/stats/home.asp
2. American Association of Poison Control Centers, ibid
3.
Judith Berns, "The Cosmetic Cover-up," Human Ecologist 43 (Fall 1989).
4. BodyBurden study,
http://www.ewg.org/reports/bodyburdens/es.php (Jan., 2003).
5. Nancy Sokol Green, Poisoning Our Children (The Noble Press, 1991).
6. Exposure of
Homemakers To Toxic Contaminants, Toronto Indoor Air Commision, 1990.
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