On behalf of those who requested this information, this post is dedicated to my friends and family who are making the efforts in living "green". WARNING, this is long! I think I wrote a book...lol. Please share with others. I hope this research helps you all. I am sorry this has taken me so long to get up. You know how busy I am with school :) In trying to live a "green" lifestyle, we compost, garden, turn up our air conditioner in the summer, etc. This post is a collaboration of research from trying to help others and to use natural products to help the environment.
"Mountain Fresh", "Spring Clean", and "Rose Scented" are all labels that denote fresh clean smelling air. However, that image is far from the truth. Recently, a condition called "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity" has become more mainstream "Epidemiological studies show that MCS is a stunningly common disease, even more common than diabetes," said Pall (professor emeritus of biochemistry and basic medical sciences at Washington State University). Chemicals not only affect those with MCS and allergies, but they are also dangerous for those with asthma, respiratory distress, chronic bronchitis, chronic sinus issues, etc. These can be extremely damaging for up to 40% of the population with a genetic variant on the MTHFR gene that causes metabolic disorders. This evidently is a common problem. The EPA reports that “one-third of people working in sealed buildings claim to be sensitive to one or more chemicals.” Such chemicals can be found in cleaners, shampoos, lotions, air fresheners, laundry detergents, etc. These seemingly harmless items can cause much damage. ● What are the effects of being exposed to such toxins? The CDC has stated these ill effects from chemicals on their page, “Severe symptoms include kidney and liver damage, and damage to the central nervous system.” Thankfully, the new trend is “living green” and “earth friendly” with a return to the basics. Recently, a new bill was signed into law by the California legislature. This law helps to educate pregnant mothers about the genetic mutations that occur from being exposed to chemicals, even those used in household cleaners, in personal products, and in the buildings they visit. That law can be read HERE and HERE This has not gone unnoticed. Large corporations that will be impacted by consumers looking elsewhere for “green” products are trying to force their suppliers to lower the amounts of such dangerous substances in their products. Yet, many agencies have recognized that any amount of exposure to such chemicals is dangerous. Why are such products causing such a big "stink"? After all, haven't such products been found as "safe" and isn't that why they can be sold in stores? The truth is that these products have only been around for a few decades. Over that time, no long term studies had been done. Now, however, governmental and scientific agencies are warning of the high dangers of such substances. A dangerous situation that impacts such a large amount of the population deserves our consideration. Impacts can be minimized by individuals trying their best to protect themselves and the community. Just as peanut dust can cause a person nearby to have an allergy attack, breathing such chemicals and fragrances nearby can still cause damage and health repercussions. To help make such a decision, consider the following facts just for personal care products with "fragrance" as an ingredient: "Ninety-five percent of the chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. Acetone, camphor, benzaldehyde, ethanol, g-terpinene, and many other chemical ingredients are used. The health risks associated with these substances have been published—in the United States, for example, by the Environmental Protection Agency. The same is true of chemicals used in air fresheners. When environmental scientists study air fresheners, says the University of California at Berkeley Wellness Letter, they “study them as polluters, not improvers, of indoor air.” Yes, “it is a personal choice to use fragrances; however, fragrance chemicals are by their very nature shared. The chemicals vapourize into the air and are easily inhaled by those around us. Today's scented products are made up of a complex mixture of chemicals which can contribute to indoor air quality problems and cause health problems.” -Univ. of Toronto http://www.ehs.utoronto.ca/resources/HSGuide/Scent.htm This shared nature is why many cities have banned cigarette smoking in most public buildings, parks, and other shared places. The state of California has also instituted a law banning smoking in vehicles with children under the age of 18 to help protect them from the chemicals found in cigarettes and the heath effects from inhalation. Many people are unaware of how to overcome the mainstream belief that chemicals are “necessary” for cleanliness. They believe it a formidable task to integrate a "fragrance free" lifestyle. They are overwhelmed by the marketing of expensive and overpriced "green" products. Actually, the change is actually cheaper, safer, and very simple. Many people have asked us what we use in our personal home. We use: ● baking soda for laundry, carpets, scouring, room air freshening, etc ● a vinegar solution for glass surfaces, mirrors, fabric softener, carpets, wood surfaces, etc ● a hydrogen peroxide solution with lemon for bathroom surfaces, countertops, grout, whitening laundry, and various other surfaces ● a steam mop that doesn’t use any chemicals for hard floors ● sunflower, grapeseed, olive oil (the cheapest food grade oil on hand for oiling wood) ● all natural / organic unscented personal care products - For example, most of my personal care items come from the food section of the grocery store, such as: coconut oil, cocoa butter, grapeseed oil, etc for lotion baking soda and cocoa powder for a face powder sugar water or lemon juice for a hairspray ● if needed, we use 100% pure, organically grown essential oils for various tasks (if you decide to buy these products, please use my Member Number: 1648363 so I am designated as referring you.) ● to found out more tips, follow my “Non-Toxic Home & Body Care” Board on Pinterest All our household cleaners (baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and vinegar) we purchase in bulk for average of $10. They last for quite some time and will clean the entire home, including clothes. We do not have the expense or worry of store bought cleaners. This has helped to simplify our lives. We have even done research to find out what people used for various tasks in history. For example, people had used sodium carbonate for laundry for thousands of years. That is the chemical makeup of "Washing Soda". "Baking Soda" is sodium bicarbonate. However, I expect that your decisions would not be based on my opinions. So, I have included the information below for helping others to transfer to a "Chemical and Fragrance Free Green Lifestyle". For example, the Vermont Dept. of Health sets for such recommendations to lower exposures to dangerous VOC chemicals that must be used, HERE. 1. “Increase ventilation.” 2. “Reduce your use of household chemicals. Consider using cleaning products that do not contain VOCs such as baking soda, vinegar, or borax.” 3. “Buy only the amount you need.” 4. “Read and follow the directions for use on the label.” 5. “Store chemical products properly in an area not normally occupied by people, such as a garage or shed, and safely out of reach of children.” 6. “Don’t store containers in a closet or basement… Over a short period of time, these vapors are not likely to cause significant health problems for most people; however, vapors may cause reactions in some sensitive people. Exposure to vapors over a long period of time (months or years) may cause health problems for many people.” Many governmental and health agencies follow a fragrance free policy, including the CDC and NIOSH. The NIOSH recommends, “the site management had instituted a policy to minimize the use of fragrances and other products that might produce odors or contribute to the chemical load in the building. This policy included removing the air fresheners from the restrooms and instructing employees not to apply or use personal care or other fragrance-containing products while in the building.” - http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2004-0195-2951.pdf The Australian Government has some WONDERFUL posters and printables! In a place of business or in the home, such directions and guidance can be placed in all of the bathrooms, cleaning closets, and rooms in a frame for employee or family member use. - Find those HERE and HERE The Michigan State University also has some wonderful suggestions. Yet, many wonder if vinegar really kills such dangerous germs such as MRSA: HERE is the Austrialian's answer. As a matter of fact, (Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide 5% is the recommended disinfectant for MRSA: HERE and HERE. The GREEN SCHOOLS INTITIATIVE has a list of Asthma Safe Cleaners and tons more! The above links give proper dilutions to safely and effectively clean our homes and public spaces with non toxic cleaners. These ingredients are widely available and much more inexpensive than traditional store bought cleaners. There are many helpful resources for practically implementing such a non toxic and environmentally "green" cleaning program and environment in your home or business. If expensive store bought cleaners must be used, then the EPA’s recommendations are HERE: Below is a list of helpful links for further research in your quest to live “green” and chemically free: ● Connecticut Dept. of Public Health on Indoor Air ● Nature.com Article "Chemical Soup Clouds Connection Between Toxins and Poor Health" ● News Article on the CA Chemical Legislation ● Scholarly Article by Adrienne Buffaloe, MD on "Chemical Sensitivity - It's a serious problem more often than you think" ● Univ of Toronto "Guidelines on the Use of Perfumes an Scented Products" ● Invisible Disabilities.org "Why Go Fragrance Free" ● The CDC's Guide for Improving Indoor Quality ● Invisible Disabilities.org "How to Create a Fragrance Free Zone" ● Cleaner Indoor Air "CDC Fragrance Free Policy" ● Breast Cancer Fund.org on Breast Cancer and Chemicals ● MO's Indoor Air Quality Guide ● http://planethomeschool.org/expectations/fragrance-scent-safe-policy ● http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/myths.html ● http://thetruthaboutmcs.blogspot.com/2010/07/predictions-of-multiple-chemical.html ● http://mcs-america.org/index_files/CleaningandLaundry.htm ● http://arizonaadvancedmedicine.com/multiple-chemical-sensitivity-mcs/
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