5 Ways to Reduce Chemical Exposure At Home.

How many of us really know what ingredients make up the products we use on a regular basis? By paying more attention to the ingredients in the things we buy and changing some of our habits, we can all reduce our chemical exposure at home.

Clean Green

Green cleaners typically mean fewer pollutants in the air. This is due to the use of natural bio-based ingredients as a safe cleaning alternative. Cleaners are non-toxic and non-flammable and do not contain carcinogens, irritants, sensitizers or chemicals known to damage the environment. This assures that the products are safe when used around pets and kids. Products often have less waste due to recyclable or biodegradable packaging.

But let’s be honest. Sometimes we need a little extra muscle on tough cleaning jobs. Many still rely on chemical cleaners when needed, but for most cleaning jobs, green cleaners work just fine. Additionally, there are plenty of DIY resources to make your own green cleaners, so you can save money and be environmentally responsible.

Say No to Synthetic Fragrances

The health costs of clothes that smell like springtime and skin that smells like coconuts or cucumbers are greater than we may realize. Deodorants, body washes, detergents, air fresheners, and other products often contain synthetic fragrances that are unhealthy.

A common ingredient in synthetic fragrance are phthalates, chemicals linked to causing reproductive problems, asthma, ADHD, and other health issues. Another common element is synthetic musk. Synthetic musk is not a toxic chemical, but it has been found to enhance the effects of compounds that are toxic. The impact of compounding already toxic chemicals can lead to a range of health problems.

Here are some things we can do to decrease our exposure:

Use natural air fresheners. There are many ways to reduce odors at home naturally that smell wonderful.
Look for labels that state “fragrance-free,” and be aware that “unscented” does not always mean fragrance-free.
Do some research and testing with natural fragrances like essential oils and other non-toxic products to find a natural alternative.

Personal Care Can Be Personal Sabotage

Most of us like to look and feel good, but the chemicals commonly found in personal care products can be dangerous. Consider that of the 84,000 chemicals listed with the EPA, only 1% have been studied for safety. Many of these chemicals are found in personal products, so the chemicals we don’t know about could be even more dangerous to our health and the environment than the ones we already know.

Here’s a sampling of the toxic chemicals found in the personal care products we use on a regular basis:

Formaldehyde. This embalming chemical is actually a common ingredient in cosmetics, nail polish, and shampoos. Formaldehyde affects the immune, nervous, and the respiratory systems.
Methylene chloride. Found in aerosols like hairspray and deodorant, methylene chloride can affect sight, hearing, and motor functions.
Parabens. Parabens affect the reproductive and nervous systems, hormones and glands, and more. They are found in moisturizers, anti-aging products, scrubs, deodorants, and even toothpaste.

Be “BPA-Free”

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a common ingredient in many items most of us use every day, like bottled water, canned goods, and storage containers. This chemical imitates the body’s hormones, creating an increased risk of cancer, infertility, obesity, and diabetes.

Plastic containing BPA breaks down over time, releasing BPA into the food and beverages we consume. BPA can also get onto our hands from handling plastics and thermal paper used for labels and receipts that contain the chemical and can be transferred when we touch our mouths. Some easy changes in our habits can help reduce our exposure:

Buy fresh or frozen foods instead of canned foods
Opt for products packaged in glass or lined cardboard
Use containers like glass or stainless steel instead of plastic
Store foods in glass or ceramic containers
Never microwave plastic containers, because the increased heat accelerates the release of BPA

Stop Using Chemical Pesticides

While most of us are cautious when using pesticides, our exposure is greater than we may realize. According to the EPA, 60 percent of herbicides, 90 percent of fungicides and 30 percent of insecticides are known to be carcinogenic. Additionally, pesticide residues have been detected in 50 to 95 percent of U.S. foods.

Changes in our habits can minimize our exposure to this toxic threat. Buying organic and locally grown fruit and vegetables tends to be a safer bet than traditional options. Always wash fruit and vegetables before eating. Use non-toxic methods such as diatomaceous earth for controlling insects and other pests in the home and garden.

Chemicals That Are “Built-In” To Our Homes

Paint is the most common source of lead in homes built before the 1978 ban and Radon results from the natural breakdown of soil and rock underneath homes. Lead poisoning causes brain damage in fetuses and children if untreated, and Radon is a cancer-causing gas. The best way to detect both elements is through testing.

Lead levels may be reduced through maintenance, or a professional contractor may be needed for higher levels. The EPA has an informative breakdown here. While lowering lead levels in a home may fall within the DIY zone, high Radon levels will require a certified professional. The EPA produces a consumer guide to radon that is an excellent resource.

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