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According to the
Consumer Products Safety Commission, of all chemicals found in
the home, 150 have been linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer
and psychological abnormalities. In 1985 the EPA reported
that the toxic chemicals in household cleaners are three times
more likely to cause cancer than air pollution. After day
to day exposure to these toxic chemicals, children may developed
cancer, learning difficulties, allergies, lung problems or damage
to the immune system. Why would any parent jeopardize their
health and the health of their child by using national brand
household cleaners that are loaded with toxic chemicals.
Children have respiratory
rates that are higher than adults, so they actually inhale three
times the rate of contaminants. Furthermore, their detox
systems are not fully developed. Therefore, they are unable
to filter toxins as well as adults do. Simply by playing
on the floor, children are exposed to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen
used in household cleaners.
In her book, "The
Healthy Home", Linda Mason Hunter states " Pick up
any household disinfectant and chances are that the label will
list either phenol or cresol, two powerful and closely related
compounds. Phenol can temporarily deactivate the sensory
nerve endings, which is why contact with it often causes little
or no pain. Cresol attacks the liver, kidneys, spleen,
pancreas and central nervous system.
In addition, 4 million
children in the US under the age of 18, suffer from asthma.
This accounts for over 10.1 million days of school missed per
year. There is a 40% increase in the death
rate from asthma.
Aside from household
cleaners, chemicals in personal products post a problem.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health reported
that "after analyzing 2,983 chemicals used in personal care
products. 884 were found to be toxic. Personal care products
are used on your skin, your hair, or in your mouth. Nearly
all store brands of shampoo use formaldehyde, although there
are several names they may hide it under", states Kate Possick
in her booklet. , why are you poisoning your family?.
So what is a concerned
parent suppose to do? Start by becoming an informed consumer.
There are safe, affordable products available. one of the
easier places to begin with is replacing home cleaning and personal
care products, as they are some of the most toxic products in
our homes, and the easiest to replace.
For information on
safe, affordable and effective products, please call Russene
and Rom Horansky at 724-838-1041
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