Toxic Chemicals in Your Home

Most of us, as conscious parents, do all that we can to protect our children:

· We always buckle them in carseats or seatbelts in the back seat of the car.
· We are aware of the dangers of lead paint.
· We avoid sugary foods and drinks.
· We regularly visit the pediatrician and dentist.
· We insist they wear bicycle helmets and protective gear.
· Our houses are adequately child proofed.

And, the list goes on. What most of us don't know is that some of the biggest threats to our children are all the toxic chemicals that we have in our homes.

Here are some startling statistics:

· EPA surveys find that indoor air can be 3 - 70 times more chemically polluted than outdoor air.
· After analyzing 2,983 chemicals used in personal care products, 884 were found to be toxic. (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.)
· More children under the age of four die of accidental poisonings at home than are accidentally killed with guns at home. (National Safety Council)
· Of chemicals commonly found in homes, 150 have been linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer, and psychological abnormalities. (Consumer Product Safety Commission)
· Women who work at home have a 54% greater risk of developing cancer than women who work outside the home?

Children are uniquely vulnerable to household toxins because of their higher metabolic rate. They require more oxygen, and they breathe in two to three times as much air (and therefore toxins) relative to body size than adults. Additionally, children are more physically active, also increasing their breathing rate. Finally, children play on and close to the floor where many
heavier pollutants settle.

These toxins are suspected to be a factor in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
(SIDS). Also linked to toxins are allergies, asthma, learning difficulties,
and immune system disorders.

Where are these toxins? They are in a wide variety of household and personal care products, including:

· Laundry products
· Dishwashing products
· Toothpaste and mouthwash
· Deodorants
· Shampoos
· Candles
· Etc.

What can you do? There are alternative products available in some health food stores and through some catalog-based companies. Some of these out-perform the grocery-store brands, and cost less on a per use basis. That means it is not even necessary to increase your spending or give up effectiveness to protect your family. E-mail me at bizmom@hotmail.com for a list of sources and links to other websites and articles that give more information on this subject.

By Kim Northup, of Moms WIN. Copyright © 2002 Kim Northup. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission. You can contact Kim at bizmom@hotmail.com