99% of all home care and skin care products contain toxic ingredients. Recently, a
U.S. congressional house subcommittee asked the National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to analyze 2,983 chemicals used in
personal, cosmetic and home care products. Here were their results:
(This is why OSHA requires all household product labels to advise users to wear
gloves and goggles in a well-ventilated room while using their products.)
- The National Cancer Institute 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. The major cause of this is
household cleaning products. Laundry detergents and household cleaners
are a big reason why cancer rates have almost doubled since 1960. Since
1980, asthma has increased by 600%. The Canadian Lung Association
identified common household cleaners and cosmetics as the culprits.
- Another EPA study found that toxic chemicals in household cleaners are 3
times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air.
- 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.
- 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 on Chemicals
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.
- 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, 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.
- In Alberta accidental poisoning statistics were as follows:
Between the ages of:
* 0 - 4 years - 11, 515 poisonings
* 5 - 10 years - 1,524
* 11 - 19 years 1,019
* 20 and over 7,799
The top three culprits according to Poison Control: Household cleaners,
bleach and medications.
TOP
- In the USA the #1 cause of accidental poisoning is Dawn Dishwashing
Detergent. WHY? Because it is the #1 seller. Tide contains Lye and is the
#1 polluter. It is also the #1 seller.
- Deep Woods and Off have an ingredient called DEET. DEET causes
seizures in children and adults. Inert (or inactive) ingredients in products are
protected by trade secrets and very dangerous.
- NTAs were banned in 1970. Lobbying by Proctor & Gamble in 1980 put
them back into home products although they are extremely cancer
causing. What are they for? ONLY to make more suds in detergents to
make you think your clothes are getting cleaner.
- BLEACH: a strong corrosive with fumes that can irritate or burn the skin,
eyes, and respiratory tract. If ingested, bleach can cause pulmonary edema
or vomiting. Extremely dangerous when mixed with ammonia, as the
resulting fumes can be deadly.
- ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER: Other all-purpose cleaners may contain Sodium
Hydroxide, also found in drain cleaners, stain removers, and bathroom
cleaners. A highly reactive chemical, Sodium Hydroxide can react violently
with water and other materials, sometimes generating enough heat to ignite
nearby combustible materials. Other health hazards can include blindness,
scarring, and even death when inhaled in large amounts. Aerosol sprays
containing this chemical can also lead to lung injury.
- CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY SHAMPOO: designed to overpower stains,
these products often use highly toxic materials to get the job done.
Ingredients include Perchlorethylene, a carcinogen that can damage the
liver, kidneys, and nervous system, and Ammonium Hydroxide, which is
extremely irritable to eyes, skin and respiratory passages.
- DISHWASHER DETERGENTS: often contain highly concentrated amounts
of chlorine – a leading cause of child poisonings.
- LAUNDRY ROOM PRODUCTS: many contain Sodium or Calcium
Hypocrite, highly corrosive materials that can irritate or burn skin, eyes or
respiratory tract. Other chemicals include Linear Alkylate Sulfonate, which
can be absorbed through the skin and may cause liver damage, and Sodium
Tripolyphosphate, a skin and mucous membrane irritant that can cause
vomiting. Liquid detergents may also contain Ethyl Alcohol, which can
cause coughing, drowsiness, fatigue, and headaches. Stain Removers:
Often contain Petroleum Naphtha, a petroleum distillate and an aspiration
hazard that can damage lungs and cause lung inflammation.
- Chemicals have two primary points of entry - your skin and your nose. There
are many patches which doctors prescribe for the controlled absorption of
chemicals through your skin. If good chemicals can get in, so can the bad
ones. This means that your skin literally absorbs everything with which it
comes into contact.
SOURCE
Create a Safe and Healthy Home
KNOW YOUR A.B.C's
by Dr. Joyce M. Woods
Dr. Joyce Woods worked as a medical/surgical nurse, public health nurse, nurse
educator, nursing school administrator, occupational health consultant. She holds
Bachelors of Nursing, Bachelors of Arts (Specialist), Masters of Education
degrees, and has completed her doctoral degree in the area of Indoor Air Pollution,
and ... it's effect on your health.
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