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by Kathy Browning
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Using detergents that contain chlorine in the dishwasher or clothes washer can pollute the air in your home. This occurs because the water in the machines contains chlorine from the detergents. As the water goes through the various cycles of the machines, the detergent goes through a process called "volatilization." We then breathe the contaminated air and absorb the chemicals through our bodies. If you reside in a city which treats the water with chlorine, you're getting a double dose of these harmful fumes.
Chlorine is also used to bleach paper products - napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, coffee filters, etc. The EPA says that using bleached coffee filters alone can result in a lifetime exposure to dioxin that "exceeds acceptable levels".
The health danger associated with the use of toxic products is not just the initial exposure, but also the cumulative effects of continuous exposures, which weakens our immune systems. Indoor air pollution is a huge health issue. According to the EPA, this year some 11,420 people will die from indoor air pollution. Millions more will be sickened by their exposure to a host of toxic chemicals within their homes and offices.
So, what are we to do about all of this toxic exposure? Fortunately, we have a variety of options. You can choose to make your own household cleansers using items such as baking soda or white vinegar. Cheap and effective! You can purchase non-toxic products available at health food stores or many of the larger grocery stores. If you can't find them there, you can order them online. Use unbleached paper products whenever possible. Begin to educate yourself about the dangers of household products either by searching online (www.google.com is my favorite search engine & will provide hundreds of resources using the keywords "toxic chemicals+household products), or visit your local library and pick up some books. |
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