Sick Dust Report
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By examining the vacuum cleaner dust in 70 homes in 7 states, a new report paints a disturbing picture of just how toxic the air is in the average home. This study found a prevalence of six toxic chemicals in these homes; chemicals that can cause cancer, developmental disorders and hormone changes in young children.
Sick of Dust report:
- Alkylphenols: found in laundry detergents, textiles, hair-coloring, and all-purpose cleaners, and paints. (Please click here to learn about non-toxic paints.)
- Organotin Compounds: Found in PVC, polyvinyl chlorid, water pipes, PVC food packing materials, glass coatings, polyurethane foams, and many other consumer products.
- Perfluorinated Organics: Used to make Teflon, Goretex and other oil-, water- and stain-resistant materials for nonstick frying pans, utensils, stove hoods, stain-proof carpets, furniture and clothes.
- Pesticides: Applied in and around homes for controlling infestations of various insects and used in carpets. Pesticides include a wide range of chemicals. (For non-toxic ways to control pests in the house or garden, please visit this webpage.)
- Phthalates: Used primarily in vinyl products such as shower curtains, raincoats, toys, furniture and flooding.
- Polybrominated Dephenyl Ethers: Applied to textiles or incorporated into plastics, foams and electrical goods to prevent or slow the spread of fire.
The groups that performed the study -- the Citizen's Environmental Coalition and the Learning Disabilities Association of New York -- are calling for bans on these substances, which are common in many household products.
Source: http://www.capitalnews9.com/content/your_news/capital_region/default.asp?ArID=123171
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