How to Avoid Chemicals in Everday Household Products

Recent news headlines are drawing attention to the fact that many common household items contain dangerous chemicals. A national study on chemical exposure called Is It In Us? recently revealed that phthalates, BPA and PBDEs were found in samples taken from all of the people who took part in the study.

While some governing authorities advise that these chemicals are safe in low doses, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests otherwise. The three chemicals in question have been linked to birth defects, cancer and asthma. Many state lawmakers, like those in Washington, are taking action to ban these chemicals with state legislation.

You don't have to wait for government authorities to protect your health and that of your family. If you who are concerned about phthalates, BPA or PBDEs in your environment there are ways to help reduce exposure to these chemicals.

Phthalates are used to soften plastics, like PVC, and have been linked to reproductive disorders and shown to cause liver, kidney and lung damage in laboratory animal studies. Variations of phthalates are present in vinyl flooring, vinyl shower curtains, children's toys, perfumes, nail polish, lotions, adhesives, paints and automobile interiors. A list of common phthalates and where they are found is here. You can reduce your exposure to phthalates with the tips below (from Pollution in People).

• Opt for wood windows and doors instead of vinyl.
• Avoid products packaged with the #3 recycling symbol.
• Choose cotton shower curtains with polyester or nylon liners.
• Opt for PVC-free toys. Toymakers that have pledged to stop using PVC include: Early Start, Little Tikes, Lego, Prime Time Playthings, Sassy, and Tiny Love.
• Buy plastic wrap and bags made from polyethylene. For food storage, use glass containers or plastic containers marked with recycling symbols other than 3.

BPA, also Bisphenol A, is found in hard plastics including baby and sports bottles (like Nalgene), plastic food containers, toys, CDs and in the resin that lines tin cans. BPA is a suspected endocrine disruptor, a chemical that can interfere with the normal function of hormones and certain aspects of growth, metabolism and body function. The body metabolize BPA fairly quickly but regular exposure keeps levels high in humans. To reduce your exposure to BPAs follow the tips below (adapted from Environmental Working Group):

• Use ceramic or glass dishes to heat food in the microwave, not plastic

• Avoid plastic cling wrap
• Or use wax paper between food and plastic cling wrap
• Or switch brands, SC Johnson, makers of plastic products, Ziploc® brand bags and containers, and Saran™ brand wraps, does not use BPA in its plastic products

• Opt for natural materials for children's toys, BPA is banned from children's toys and products in the European Union but not in the United States

• Opt for reusable drink containers made from stainless steel without a plastic liner.

• Try Swiss bottle maker SIGG, aluminum personal water bottles that have held up in laboratory testing not to leach BPA into water. Also available for babies and for big kids
• Avoid plastics labeled #7 for recycling

PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers, are used as a flame retardant. The most commonly used form, deca-BDE, has been shown to cause developmental and neurological disorders in lab animals. Another concern is that when PBDEs burn they can release dioxin, a carcinogen. Lawmakers in Washington state passed a ban on PBDE earlier this year with support from both the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters and the Washington Fire Chiefs. PBDEs are widespread and found almost anywhere but there are ways to reduce your exposure with the tips below (adapted from Nat'l Geo's Green Guide)

• Eat a heart-healthy diet to reduce exposure to bioaccumulating chemicals such as PBDEs, PCBs and dioxins.
• Eat farmed fish less frequently (some researchers recommend no more than once per month), especially European and U.S. salmon, which have been shown to have high PBDE, PCB and dioxin levels. Choose wild salmon "fresh, frozen or canned" instead.

• Clean floors with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner that traps fine particles of dust, soot and pollen, and wet mop regularly. Keep your home well-ventilated. This will also help reduce concentrations of other forms of indoor air pollution.
• Cover and seal rips in upholstery that expose polyurethane foam, especially if the foam is loose and crumbling, a condition that may encourage the release of PBDEs into house dust and air. When buying new furniture, explore your PBDE-free options.
• Contact your mattress manufacturer to see whether your mattress is made with polyurethane foam that contains PBDEs
• Consider purchasing a tightly woven allergen-barrier mattress casing to block dust that may be laden with PBDEs. Replace the mattress as soon as it shows wear with a non-PBDE options.
• If you buy a new air conditioner, choose one with a HEPA filter, clean it regularly to remove dust.

*Note: The information in this article is general advice and not meant as a substitute for personal guidance from a financial advisor, real estate professional or legal counsel. Although the author is a licensed realtor, the advice given in this article does not constitute any client contract or agreement between the author and the user. The author is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your decisions.