The fastest way to get a poison into the body is by inhalation and through our skin. And while you think you have your symptoms of migraines, allergies, asthma, myocardial infarction, high blood pressure or brain fog under control with medications – that just might be adding fuel to the already smoldering fire. Where can these carcinogens be hiding?
First let’s dive right into your laundry room. Do you still use dryer sheets? Dryer sheets are found to be toxic to our immune system, brain, lungs and skin. Yes, it’s true, your skin absorbs and inhales.(1)
In the book “The Brain Wash” by Michelle Schoffro Cook, there are seven most common chemicals found in dryer sheets and they have an effect on the central nervous system. These include:
Alpha-Terpineol
Benzyl Alcohol
Camphor
Chloroform on the EPA’s
Ethyl Acetate
Linalool
Pentane
Additional toxic chemical scents can also be found in laundry detergents, trash bags and air fresheners. According to Anne Steinemann, a professor of civil and environmental engineering and public affairs at the University of Washington, “volatile organic compounds (VOCs) occurs mainly indoors from the use of common products.” (2) “A single fragrance in a product can contain a mixture of hundreds of chemicals.”(3) The reaction from these toxic scents leaves children, adults and pets open to a wide range of chemical sensitivities. It’s wise to remove these immediately, especially if you have a ASD child (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) in the home.
VOCs stay on your clothes.
These VOCs are a mixture of harmful scents that can leave a film on your cloths, and seep into your skin. You carry that nasty toxic scent with you wherever you go. Interestingly enough, you’re sharing these toxic scents with your neighborhood, every time you do your laundry.
What you can use instead of dryer sheets.
Make your own organic wool dryer balls (instead of using dryer sheets) or purchase alpaca dryer balls at your local farmers market. They’re odorless, superb at reducing static, and drying time. Cost is about $20. for 3 balls. The plus side is, they are human and animal friendly!
What you can use instead of air fresheners.
Organic lemon essential oil and organic eucalyptus essential oil are excellent oils to neutralize odors. You can diffuse these in your home using a glass air-diffuser.
How about those stinky candles from the big box stores?
If you’re a women who finds relaxation includes lighting candles in all rooms around the house, you are not alone. You stop and think, what a wonderful ambiance and aroma. Somehow you didn’t get the memo on how much damage these seemingly innocent scents can cause.
Paraffin candles are made from petroleum byproducts. Breathing in toxic chemicals from Paraffin candles can cause metabolic, endocrine and neurological problems. Dr. Massoudi of S. Carolina State University stated: “these VOCs could contribute to the development of health risks like cancer, common allergies and even asthma.” “A paraffin candle releases a significant amount of dangerous fumes such as alkenes which are poisonous.”(4)
What you can use instead of toxic candles.
Make your own non-toxic candles from soy wax flakes, non-toxic lead wicks and essential oils.
Is your child’s bathroom products toxic?
Do toxic scents lurk in your personal care items, and shampoos you use on yourself and your children? Formaldehyde, is a colorless gas, a known human carcinogen and can be found in shampoo’s.(5) It’s a member of the VOCs family and can evaporate into the air at room temperature. If your child has rashes, and or sinus issues, you’ll find fragrances and perfumes in your baby’s products can exasperate sensitivities. These include:
Formaldehyde can be listed under the guise of: (6)
DMDM hydantoin
Imidazolidinyl urea
Diazolidinyl urea
Quaternium-15
Bronopol (2–bromo–2–nitropropane–1,3-diol )
5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane
Hydroxymethylglycinate
Teaching in the skin industry for 38 years, I believe there’s really no safe level of exposure from a toxin that has proven to be carcinogenic.(7)
What you can use instead of toxic shampoos and conditioners.
Buy organic products scent-free and Formaldehyde-free. Learn how to read labels.
Women’s toxic scents are far from sexy!
Without realizing, a women can apply over 200 chemicals on her skin daily. Colones, toilet water and perfumes are included in this category. “A fragrance can be concocted from any number of the fragrance industry’s 3,100 stock chemical ingredients. According to EWG analysis, the fragrance industry has published safety assessments for only 34% of the unlabeled ingredients.”(8) When sprayed on the skin we naturally inhale them. Fragrance ingredients may be produced by chemical synthesis or derived from petroleum and formaldehyde. I have seen the discoloring side-effects where perfume was sprayed the neck of a customer consistently for years.
What you can use instead of perfume.
I use organic frankincense essential oil mixed with organic eucalyptus and organic geranium essntial oils. A few drops last all day, smells great and are non-toxic.
There are multiple chemicals in your gym.
Toxic chemicals can keep you sick and fat. So what’s in that spray bottle, that you used to wipe down the incline machine, bench press, and treadmill, every time you use them? These toxins include but are not limited to:
Alcohol Ethoxylates
Dipropylene Glycol Butylether
Fragrance
What you can use instead of toxic spray cleaners.
I carry a small bottle of white vinegar with me. Works great.
What is your carpet made of?
“Carpeting can be a significant factor in the emission of VOCs and retention of pesticide residues.”(9) Your carpet can be neurotoxic while increasing your cancer risk for you and your family. The chemical list includes but is not limited to, Formaldehyde and DDT. The mixture of chemicals that are outgassing in your home are called Xenobiotics. Xenobiotics include synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and industrial pollutants that would not be found in nature.
What you can use instead of toxic carpet.
If you have an old carpet, now’s the time to rethink putting in new tile or bamboo floors instead. They are easier to clean with natural non-toxic products. To be certain, read labels.
Footnotes:
1-http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4261306/
2- http://www.drsteinemann.com/Articles/Steinemann%20et%20al.%202010.pdf
3-http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3018511/
4- http://lactobacto.com/tag/air-pollution/
5- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20236159
6- http://www.ewg.org/research/exposing-cosmetics-cover/formaldehyde-releasers
7- http://www.ewg.org/research/exposing-cosmetics-cover/formaldehyde-releasers
8- http://www.cctfa.ca/site/consumerinfo/FragranceReport_Final.pdf
9- http://www.anaturalhealingcenter.com/documents/Thorne/articles/EnvironmentalPart2Solvents.pdf
Connie believes health and wellness are established with proper nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness. Connie takes a natural and holistic, common sense approach to rebuilding well-being from the ground up. As she works with each client, together they open a door that empowers them to rewrite their life, one bite size step at a time!
