Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Avoid Dangerous Household Toxins For Good Health

By Angella Spinney

There is a very real need to avoid dangerous household toxins today. There is an abundance of toxic household chemicals in most households. Although many of the products that we buy contain chemical toxins, unfortunately most are masked under products that a consumer will assume is perfectly harmless.

In reality, they are actually very dangerous. Often, when a homeowner can not directly see, smell, taste, or feel a toxin, complacency replaces precaution. This lack of vigiliance can make it hard to avoid dangerous household toxins.

Common products like bleach, air freshener, laundry detergent, etc all contain chemicals that can pose a serious health risk to the home and family. However, you will not find many of these ingredients listed on the product label. The FDA does not require manufacturers to list potentially hazardous ingredients used in the composition of household products nor does the FDA require any product to list fragrance ingredients either.

Because of the fact that product labels aren't completely forthcomming with regards the true chemical composition of their products, it becomes difficult for the average consumer to avoid dangerous household toxins. There are an astounding number of listed and unlisted toxic chemicals that are used in our everyday consumer products.

If there ever was a golden example as to why consumers need to avoid dangerous household toxins, just take a look at air fresheners. Although they are marketed as a refreshing and needed addition to the home, the consumers who buy them are unaware of their toxic properties.

Aerosol and plug in air fresheners are especially dangerous. The chemicals are broken into tiny particles when released; allowing for deep inhalation into the lungs. Most air fresheners will contain: naphthalene, formaldehyde, xylene, crestol, ethanol, phenol, fragrances, etc.

Formaldehyde and naphthalene are both suspected cancer causing agents. Xylene, is a neurotoxin and reproductive toxin and are also present in a wide array of products.

Laundry products (soap, fabric softener, dryer sheets) also allow volatile organic compounds to evaporate into the air. Soaps may contain Ethoxylated nonyl phenol, which can disrupt hormone balances. Fabric softeners may contain quarternary ammonium compounds and imidazolidinyl, which release formaldehyde as they are heated.

Bleach is a strong corrosive. Fumes or direct contact can burn the skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract. It can be lethal, or do permanent liver damage if ingested. Like all powerful chemicals, bleach is potentially very dangerous. Chlorine bleach, in particular, is very reactive. Chlorine gas is also a respiratory irritant - it reacts with the moisture on the mucous membranes in the nose and throat and forms acids which burn the membranes. It can also burn the skin.

Of course, the best way to avoid dangerous household toxins, is not just to avoid buying products containing dangerous chemicals, but to remove all hazardous chemical products out of the home as soon as possible! Make no mistake about it: There are long term health risks that are scientifically documented to occur by exposure to dangerous household chemicals. Are you willing to take a chance with your health? Do you really believe that the chemical companies have your best interest at heart? If you are serious about your health and the health of your family, you have to educate yourself and on these insidious health hazards and once identified, immediately remove the toxins from the home! - 14130

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