Last Updated on May 22, 2023 by Ellen Christian
Are you aware of the dangerous chemicals in your home? Businesses hide toxic chemicals in places you wouldn’t expect to find them. Find out more.
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Dangerous Chemicals in Your Home
Sure, we all know that there are probably chemicals in the garage, maybe in our garden shed, and possibly in our household cleaners. Did you know that you can also find them in toys and other children’s products, personal care items, furniture, electronics, food and beverage containers, building materials, fabrics, and car interiors?
These chemicals are probably in your home right now. You need to know what they are.
What are harmful chemicals found in a home?
There are more than 80,000 chemicals available in the United States that have never been fully tested for their toxic effects on our health and environment.
Scientists have linked exposure to toxic chemicals to many health risks including Cancer, Alzheimer’s, learning disabilities, asthma, birth defects, and reproductive problems.
What chemicals should be avoided at home?
The government past the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in 1976. But, unlike other major environmental laws, has never been updated. As it currently stands today, tens of thousands of potentially harmful chemicals continue to be used in the marketplace since the 1970’s without proper testing and without disclosure by the companies that produce them.
Here are 6 common household chemicals. You can find them in most homes.
- Drain cleaners
- Bleach
- Antifreeze
- Air Fresheners
- Ammonia
- Carpet cleaners
This is completely unacceptable. If a product in my home contains a toxic chemical, I want to know about it. I have the right to be aware so that I can choose to limit exposure.
Of the 80,000 synthetic chemicals introduced into the market since the Toxic Substances Control Act was passed in 1976, the EPA has required testing on less than 10%. There are thousands of these products on the market today.
Safer alternatives
So, I try to take little steps to reduce exposure to dangerous chemicals. You can use toxin free products to be more eco-friendly. When I buy cleaners, I make sure to choose all natural cleaners. I look for personal care products that use high quality natural ingredients.
Plus, I garden starting with organic plants using soil that hasn’t had dangerous chemicals added to it. And, I try to avoid bringing chemicals into the house in any form.
I want these dangerous chemicals to be fully tested before being used in products to determine the impact on people as well as our environment. So, I think that products should be identified prominently as having toxic chemicals once they have been approved. And, I don’t want to have to search the tiny print to find it.
How to help remove chemicals from homes
I’ve teamed up with Seventh Generation to help spread awareness about the importance of chemical reform in the United States. Seventh Generation has worked for 25 years toward creating a healthy home by delivering plant derived products using bio-based ingredients.
You can help Seventh Generation reach its goal of collecting 100,000 Signatures by April 24th by signing the petition for chemical reform and urging your friends and family to do the same!
How can I help?
This project is over. But, you can still contact your local government. Ask them to help bring awareness to this topic. Or, you can start your own campaign.
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Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
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