Guest guest Posted August 22, 2002 Report Share Posted August 22, 2002 some of this may be a repeat All of us are concerned with keeping our homes clean and free of germs and other potential contaminants therefore keeping our families healthy. But did you know that the cleaners that you are most likely using contain Carcinogens and other toxins that can very well be making your family sick? Yes, they are relatively inexpensive up front and they SEEM to work, but when the medical bills come in, then how do their costs compare? And most importantly, how much is your family worth? Cancer most often then not, kills. Do you really want to take that risk with the people you love most in the world? Be informed, make better choices. I'm here to help you. Top 12 Cancer Causing Products Summary of Information from Kay Hizer, Director of " Healthy Choices " , a non-profit organization comprised of doctors, nurses, environmental scientists and educators committed to teaching the public about the hazards of chemicals in our homes and how we can avoid or minimize the risks. 50% of all illness is due to poor indoor air quality (Source: 1989 State of Massachusetts Study) The top 12 cancer causing products (called " The Dirty Dozen " ) in the average home include the following: · and Baby powder with Talc · Crest Tartar Control Toothpaste · V05 Hair Conditioner · Clairol Nice N Easy Hair Color · AJAX Cleanser · Lysol Disinfectant (Source: The National Cancer Prevention Coalition) Liquid Dish Soap is the leading cause of poisonings in the home for children under the age of 6 (over 2.1 million accidental poisonings per year) (contains formaldehyde and ammonia in most brands) Of the chemicals found in personal care products: · 884 are toxic · 146 cause tumors · 218 cause reproductive complications · 314 cause biological mutation · 376 cause skin and eye irritations (Source: United States House of Representatives report, 1989) Over the last 20-30 years, as more toxic chemicals have been introduced in greater amounts, the level of toxins stored in adipose tissues (fat cells) of our bodies has risen. Bio-accumulation studies have shown that some toxins store in our bodies for life. Greater and greater amounts are being stored at younger ages. Diseases that used to occur later in life are now appearing at younger ages. Disease that used to be rare are more frequent. For Example: There has been a 28% increase in childhood cancer since the addition of pesticides into household products. (Source: National Cancer Institute) In one decade, there has been a 42% increase in asthma (29% for men; 82% for women-the higher rate for women is believed to be due to women's longer exposure times to household chemicals) (Source: Center for Disease Control) Due to the increase in toxic buildup in our bodies, including the toxic buildup of formaldehyde, dead bodies are not decomposing as fast as they used to. (Source: National Institutes of Health) There is an increased risk for leukemia in children where parents have used pesticides in the home or garden before the child's birth (Source: Journal of the national Cancer Institute) Over 150 chemicals found in the average home have been linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological abnormalities (Source) : Consumer Product Safety Commission Here is a cute little drawing that was once given to me. At the time it was funny, but now that I know the truth about many of the cleaning products on the market, this drawing has become quite believable and even advisable. A recent 17 year study conducted by the EPA Shows that because of using " Ordinary Household Cleaning Products " women who work at home (Or are simply Stay at home Moms) have a 55% greater risk of developing cancer then women who work outside the home! Source:Indoor Air Conference, Toronto 1990 Hazardous chemical concentrations are 2-5 times higher inside our homes then outdoors. Source: Environmental Protection Agency In 1901, cancer affected only 1 in 8000 people. By the year 2000 it was projected that 1 in 2 people would have some form of cancer. Source: American Cancer Society Out gassing, accidental exposure to and consumption of household cleaning products will claim the lives of more than 40,000 children in America this year. Source: U.S. Poison Control Center Over 90% of household products are mislabeled. The leading cause of poisoning in children is Liquid Dish Soap. No information on toxic effects is available for 79% of the more than 48,000 chemicals listed by the EPA. Fewer than one-fifth have been tested for chronic, reproductive or mutagenic effects. Source: US. Poison Control Center Did You know? We are exposed to 500 chemicals every day. Manufacturers aren't required to list the ingredients used in their cleaning products. Indoor air pollution is a suspected culprit in SIDS which will claim about 5,000 US lives this year. This year about 4 million kids will contract lead poisoning-linked to lower IQ's leaning disabilities and hearing loss. Some of the most toxic products on the market are spray disinfectants and air fresheners. They interfere with our ability to smell offensive odors by releasing nerve deadening agents or by coating our nasal passages with an oil film. Source: USA Weekend Report Jan. 1-3 1993 Lysol...Even More Dangerous than we thought! From the Environmental Health Newsletter, spring 1991: We've known for a long time that Lysol contains a substance called Phenol, the ingestion of which even in small amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma, respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. (Why would anyone with children keep such a product in their home?) We have learned recently Lysol also contains Dioxin. that's the deadly ingredient used in Agent Orange that can cause genetic mutation, birth defects and cancer. In a recent court case, Monsanto, (Lysol's parent corporation) admitted to a 30 year cover-up, lying about the presence of Dioxin in the Chlorophenol used in Lysol. They admitted knowing how devastating Dioxin is to the environment and in the human body...yet they still put it in and they still lied and said it wasn't there. A recent article in Greenpeace Magazine recently discussed Dioxin at length. The article explained Dioxin causes cancer, birth defects and reproductive problems, as well as developmental and nervous and immune system abnormalities and damage to the kidneys, liver and skin. Even worse, it not only causes cancer, it promotes the growth of cancers begun by other carcinogens! Not surprisingly, the article also pointed out that Monsanto (one of the nation's largest manufacturers of Dioxin) manipulated studies designed to test Dioxin's effect on the environment and made the studies scientifically invalid. In other words... They changed the data and lied again. The preceding article is from Dr. Rexroad's " Natural Living Association's Newsletter " Dr. Arloa Rexroad, N.O.,Ph.D. 419 W. 5th Ave. North Esthervile, IA 51334-1222 But don't just take my word for it, check out the links below: The Dioxin Homepage 's Agent Orange (Dioxin) Information Page Dioxin Research at the National Institute of Environmental Health More on Monsanto, Lysol, chlorophenol, and dioxin Common Indoor Air Pollutants - Formaldehyde Dangerous Household Toxins Indoor Air Pollution Fact Sheet Household Products The Hazards of Household Cleaning Products There are Hundreds of site out there just like these, but you get the jist... Know what you are buying, bringing into your homes, and exposing your family too. Be an informed consumer. Also See " Who uses these products and why " In the Members only pages, for more information on other dangerous household cleaning products, and why S****** make a difference. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What is a Carcinogen??? A Carcinogen is a substance or agent producing or inciting cancer. Today, cancer is the leading cause of death for women aged 35-74. In 1901 cancer was considered a rare disease. Statistics show that 1 out of 8000 persons had cancer. TODAY, according to the American Cancer Society, 1 out of 3 people have cancer. By the year 2010, 1 out of 2 persons will be touched by cancer. The fear of cancer is on everyone's mind these days. We hear about it all the time. So many forms of cancer, and, they all had to start somewhere. We have no choice but to breath the air, and eat the food, and drink the water, but, we DO have a CHOICE of what we put on our skin and what products we have in our homes. Be sure that the products you are using are free of the following potentially cancer causing and toxic ingredients. BE REST ASSURED THAT OUR COMPANY'S PRODUCTS DO NOT CONTAIN ANY HARSH CHEMICALS OR TOXINS. There are many products in your home, that too many people are currently using that may be extremely hazardous and unhealthy. Most people are unaware that there is a problem. Below is a list of chemicals that are commonly found in typical grocery store brands products along with their associated health hazards. ************************************************* FORMALDEHYDE Formaldehyde is an chemical used widely by industry to manufacture building materials and numerous household products. Formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million). High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde. It has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans. This substance can be found in 's & 's baby shampoo. AMMONIA Ammonia, a colorless gas or liquid with a sharp irritating odor, can be found in household cleaners, wax removers, glass and window cleaners, and oven cleaners. Fumes irritate eyes and lungs; can cause burns or rashes on skin; can produce deadly chloramine gas if mixed with chlorine containing products. DETERGENTS The word " detergent " refers to household cleaning products which are based on non-soap, synthetic surfactants and which are primarily used for laundering and dishwashing. Detergents are responsible for many household poisonings. Part of the problem is that detergent boxes are brightly colored and attractive and commonly stored in low, accessible places. Toxic and poisonous to ingest, causing nausea and in extreme cases - coma. CRESOL Cresol, a highly caustic, colorless solid or liquid with a sweet tarry odor, is used mainly as a disinfectant. Cresol is very corrosive to all tissues. When it comes in contact with the skin it may not produce any burning sensation immediately. Prickling and intense burning will occur followed by loss of feeling. If cresol contacts the eyes it may cause extensive damage. Cresol vapors and liquids are absorbed through inhalation and eye and skin contact. Repeated or prolonged exposure to low concentrations of cresol can produce chronic systemic poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, fainting, dizziness, mental disturbance and skin rash. Cresol attacks the central nervous system, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, skin and eyes. LYE Lye, also known as caustic soda, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and caustic potash, is commonly used in drain cleaner, oven cleaner, and in some nonphosphate detergents. Lye is extremely caustic. Its chemical action eats away materials (including skin tissue). Contact with skin or mucous membranes causes burns and frequently deep ulcerations with scarring. Mists, vapors, and dust can cause small burns. Eye contact causes severe damage, including blindness. PHENOL Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, is flammable, corrosive, and very toxic. Phenolic compounds have a distinct odor and are used in disinfectants, deodorizers, paints, and as anesthetic for skin. Ingestion of even small amounts may cause vomiting, circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, and coma. Light sensitivity and sinus congestion are common with exposure to fluids or vapors. Fatal poising can occur through skin absorption. Phenol and related compounds rapidly denature all proteins they come in contact with, including skin. Severe burns may occur upon contact. Although there have been many poisonings from phenolic solutions, phenol continues to be used in consumer products. FURNITURE POLISH Most polishes are flammable. Furniture polish may contain one or more of the following substances: ammonia, naphtha, nitrobenzene, petroleum distillates and phenol. The health dangers most often associated with furniture polish are inhalation of fumes or vapors (especially from aerosols) and poisoning from ingestion. Polishes that look drinkable, like strawberry soda or milk, are especially tempting to children. NAPHTHALENE Naphthalene, also known as tar camphor, is a white crystalline solid with a distinctive mothball odor. Naphthalene is available to the public as a pest repellent and is frequently contained in mothballs, mothflakes, carpet cleaners and toilet bowl deodorizers. Napthalene can enter your system through inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, and eye and skin contact. Napthalene may produce possible damage to eyes, liver, kidneys, skin, red blood cells, and the central nervous system. Hemolytic anemia, caused by the breakdown of the red blood cells, has been reported following immediate and long-term exposure. Infants exposed to clothes, blankets, and diapers stored in naphthalene mothballs are at risk for hemolytic anemia. Mild degrees of anemia often cause only slight symptoms like a lack of energy and fatigue. In more severe cases, hemolytic anemia can cause acute kidney failure. PERCHLOROETHYLENE Perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene, ethylene tetrachloride, or PERC, is a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent commonly used in dry-cleaning fluid, spot removers, carpet cleaners and degreasers. Vapors are irritating to skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract. Inhalation exposure produces giddiness, headache, inebriation, nausea, vomiting and sinus inflammation. Skin exposure will cause redness and chapping. If ingested, perchloroethylene can result in central nervous system depression and liver damage. Chronic exposure may also result in liver damage. Perchloroethylene is a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent that slowly breaks down in the environment. It is fat soluble which allows it to collect in the tissues of living organisms and accumulate in the environment. Perchloroethylene is a known animal carcinogen that has caused liver cancer in mice. BLEACH Liquid household chlorine bleaches contain approximately 5% sodium hypochlorite solution. When properly used, chlorine bleach can be a simple and effective disinfectant. Chlorine bleach liquid and vapors are irritating to the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Dermatitis may result from direct skincontact. Ingestion can cause esophageal injury, stomach irritation, and prolonged nausea and vomiting. Bleach, when mixed with acidic substances such as ammonia, toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaner, or vinegar, forms toxic gases which can cause coughing, loss of voice, a feeling of burning and suffocation, and even death. Do not mix bleach with other cleaners! **************************** Here's a great website dealing with household cleaners: http://wellness.ucdavis.edu/safety_info/poison_prevention/poison_book/household_\ cleaners.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 30 minute tape called " Can your home make you sick?? " " It cost $3.50 each or for 10 or more $3.00each write to 7703 E. 31st Circle North Wichita, Kansas 67226 or email hhadvisory@... 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