Is Your Home Toxic?

Here is an interesting article on the health and safety of our homes.

KNOW YOUR A.B.C's.
by 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 century. More than 72,000 synthetic chemicals have been produced since WWII. Less than 2% of synthetic chemicals have been tested for toxicity,mutagenic and carcinogenic effects, or birth defects. The majority of
chemicals have never been tested for long-term effects.

An EPA survey concluded that indoor air was 3 to 70 times more polluted thanoutdoor air.

Another EPA study stated that the toxic chemicals in household cleaners are
3 times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air.

CMHC 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.

National Cancer Association 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.

Cancer rates have almost doubled since 1960.

Cancer is the Number ONE cause of death for children.

There has been a 26% increase in breast cancer since 1982. Breast cancer is
the Number ONE killer of women between the ages of 35 and 54. Primary
suspects are laundry detergents, household cleaners and pesticides.

There has been a call from the U.S./Canadian Commission to ban bleach in
North America. Bleach is being linked to the rising rates of breast cancer
in women, reproductive problems in men and learning and behavioral problems in children.

Chemicals get into our body through inhalation, ingestion and absorption. We breathe 10 to 20 thousand liters of air per day.

There are more than 3 million poisonings every year. Household cleaners are
the Number ONE cause of poisoning of children.

Since 1980, asthma has increased by 600%. The Canadian Lung Association and the Asthma Society of Canada identify common household cleaners and
cosmetics as triggers.

ADD/ADHD are epidemic in schools today. Behavioral problems have long been linked to exposure to toxic chemicals and molds.

Chemical and environmental sensitivities are known to cause all types of
headaches.

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, bath and body products, baby shampoo, 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.

Pesticides only have to include active ingredients on the labels, even
though the inert (inactive) ingredients may account for 99%, many of which
are toxic and poisons.

The New York Poison Control Center reports that 85% of product warning
labels are either inadequate or incorrect for identifying a poison and for
first aid instructions.

Formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, toluene and xylene are all found in common household cleaners, cosmetics, beverages, fabrics and cigarette smoke. These chemicals are known to be cancer causing and toxic to the immune and nervous systems.

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 2,500 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 problem are diseases
commonly related to chemical exposure.

Pesticides only have to include active ingredient on the labels, even though
the inert (inactive) ingredients may account for 99%, many of which are
toxic and poisons.

There ARE solutions, alternatives and ways that we can make a difference.
To learn about a safer way of shopping, go to www.Safer4MyFamily.com and request for infomation. 


To your health!

Jen McLennan