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EDUCATION
Potential Hazard

Here are “healthful” lifestyle tips to utilize in helping to reduce your risk of exposure to toxic chemicals.

Pesticides for ants and other crawling insects.

1. Pesticides for indoor plants
2. Pesticides for flying insects
3. Household cleaners – many may contain toxic ingredients
4. Antibacterials – some may contain the chemical triclosan which may contain traces of dioxin, antibacterials may contribute to the rise of drug resistant bacteria.
5. Plastic food containers (some contain “nonylphenol” a plastic softener that was found to mimic estrogen in a scientific study).
6. Plastic toys with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Lead, found in pre-1978 paint, some vinyl mini blinds, candle wicks, some imported dishes and glaze on mugs.
7. Dry cleaned clothes (perchloroethylene or “perc”)
8. Volatile organic chemicals (VOC’s or chemicals that vaporize) found in paints, glues, synthetic carpets.
9. Electromagnetic fields (EMF’s)
10. Tobacco smoke.

Solution

• Prune bushes and tree branches away from home; remove food or water source; clean up clutter.  Check for cracks or crevices and seal with caulking gun.  Apply boric acid or diatomaceous earth (not swimming grade kind), where there is an infestation.  Do not apply where babies or pets crawl.
• Prune out infestation, spray vegetable oil to smother bugs or spray insecticidal soaps.
• Use a flyer swatter.
• General cleaner: vinegar or lemon juice diluted with water; Scouring powder: baking soda (don’t use on aluminum), salt or borax.  Check for alternative, non-toxic cleaners at health food stores.
• Wash hands with regular soap and hot water.  For cleaning dilute “tea tree oil” found in health food stores or contact Earth Power Herbal Disinfectant (201) 445-7068.
• Avoid microwaving in plastic containers or plastic wrap since estrogen chemicals may leak into food especially fatty foods.  Use wax/paper bags for sandwiches.
• Toys and teethers, labels without PVC.  Use candles with wicks of braided cloth, see website www.edf.org for a list of lead free dishes.  Heat empty mugs in microwave for one minute.  If mug is hot it may contain lead.
• Remove the plastic bags from dry cleaned clothes outside of your home to air out the clothes.  Avoid leaving groceries in car with dry cleaned clothes since “perc” may migrate into fatty food.  Look for dry cleaners that have a “wet washing’ process.
• Look for low VOC paints and glues, wool and cotton area rugs.
• Avoid sleeping near clocks radios, maintain a distance of 3’ from operating appliances like the microwave.
• Make your home a smoke-free zone.