Eliminate Five to Improve your Life: The Top Five Toxins Found in Every Home

By: Gail Griswold-Elwyn, President, Rethink Renovations

Reports about environmental contaminants air almost daily. Collectively, as a society, we are more aware and educated than we were five years ago about what we inhale and consume—and how it affects our bodies. Yet, our fast-paced existence rarely allows time for true comprehension; as a result, the majority of the U.S. lives with dangerous substances in their homes. In fact, the EPA has ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental dangers, stating that allergies, asthma, lung cancer, and heart problems have all been linked to poor air quality. Below are the top 5 toxins most commonly found in your home—and how you can rid yourselves and your family from them.

Formaldehyde, the same chemical used to embalm the deceased, can be found in trace elements in almost every room of your home. From your cleaning products to cosmetics, to hair styling products to the inexpensive particle board you just had installed—all of these are emitting amounts of formaldehyde into the air. At the most benign level, formaldehyde can cause eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation; at its most malignant it can cause severe allergic asthma, infertility, leukemia, and lymphoma. It has been officially labeled as a carcinogen and should be avoided. Look for all-natural beauty products and cosmetics as appropriate substitutions. In addition, make sure compressed wood fibers are not using a formaldehyde-based chemical as a binding agent. Better yet, choose all-natural, reclaimed wood for your interior.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is extremely dangerous—and is also omnipresent in most homes. In fact, it is the most dangerous of all the plastics because it requires more chemical additives to enhance its flexibility. Water bottles, nylon backpacks, pipes, insulation, vinyl tiles, and almost anything “water proof” (including baby changing mats and mattress covers) contain PVC. There are two reasons PVC is dangerous: first, it usually contains phthalates which are released over time and will be discussed below and, secondly, PVC can chemically combine with organic materials to produce toxic byproducts called dioxins. The byproducts and off-gasses of PVC are known endocrine disruptors which mean they have the ability to mimic or block hormones in the body. In addition, they have been linked to serious respiratory problems, immune suppression, and cancer. Look for PVC-free plastics and, when shopping for water-proof items, choose those with coatings made from polyurethane or polyester, as opposed to PVC. When possible, purchase products that are labeled all-natural.

Chlorine is in almost all cleaning products, but is found in large concentrations in bleach. Inhalation of chlorine can irritate the respiratory system; prolonged exposure can lead to lung disease and asthma. Purchase chlorine-free cleaning products, especially chlorine-free bleach to reduce your family’s exposure to this toxin. You can even make really effective all-natural cleaning products. White, distilled vinegar mixed with a little lemon for scent is a wonderful multi-purpose and multi-surface cleaner. For a scrubbing powder (think Comet), try baking soda. Not only will your indoor air pollution numbers go down, but your cleaning product bills will too.

Phthalates are the chemicals you inhale each time you spray or plug in that air freshener. That’s right, those sweet smelling products are really harmful. In a report released in 2007 by The Natural Resources Defense Council, 12 out of the 14 brands of common household air fresheners were found to contain phthalates—the chemicals used to prolong the length of time that scented products maintain their fragrance. Consistent exposure to phthalates can increase your risk of experiencing endocrine, reproductive, and developmental problems. Compounding the problem? The vast majority of synthetic air fresheners emit significant amounts of terpene, a volatile organic compound that can react with naturally occurring ozone to create formaldehyde. As a healthier alternative, put boxes of baking soda in cabinets to absorb odors and use all-natural scented oils and all-natural potpourri around your home.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases by a wide array of products including paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, carpets,  furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions and are very harmful. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. Look for VOC-free products (especially paint and finishes), or consider using organic clay paint which has the added benefit of acting as an absorbent for off-gases.

The average person spends about 90% of his/her time indoors. Unfortunately, the quality of indoor air can be two to five times (and even up to 100 times) more polluted than the air we breathe outside. Yes, this information is scary, but it is also empowering. Now that you know what to look for, you are better prepared to purchase healthier alternatives. In addition, simple solutions like opening windows for a portion of each day or night (even in cold weather) can help remediate the pervasive indoor air quality problem. We will never completely eliminate indoor air pollutants—it is impossible. A realistic goal, however, is to minimize their cumulative effects by eliminating as many exposure opportunities as possible.

About Rethink Renovations

Gail Griswold-Elwyn founded Rethink Renovations in 2007 because she wanted to unite “old” construction with “new”.  Old meaning constructing a space for aesthetics, durability, and longevity, new meaning the use of modern technology to minimize waste and pollutants. As a St. Louis-based, family-owned and operated design/build firm, Rethink Renovations blends progressive ideology with traditional roots to offer green construction, design/build, and full lines of cabinetry and furniture that minimize environmental impact. The company works with homeowners, design firms, and architects to create eco-friendly remodeling solutions that include sustainably-harvested wood, and locally-produced, non-toxic materials. Rethink Renovations is committed to enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of spaces, but, more importantly, to preserving the health and well-being of the clients who will create memories in the spaces. For more, please visit www.rethinkrenovations.com or call 314-323-8845.

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