Mar 22, 2021
History of Chemicals and Pollutants:
Toxic Chemicals, Their Aliases and Their Definitions
Toxicity: There are different types of toxicity. Acute toxicity results from one time use of a large amount of a chemical. Chronic toxicity refers to illnesses that result from repeated exposures to a small amount of a chemical over an extended period of time. This is the type of toxicity that usually affects human beings and other living organisms as a result of household cleaners and chemicals.
Biodegradation and Bioaccumulation:
If chemicals are not biodegradable they will accumulate in the tissues of plants and animals. Their concentration will increase as they move from one organism to another up the food chain.
Environmental Illnesses and Environmental Degradation
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities: This disease is characterized by multisystem response to low level chemical exposures commonly encountered in the ambient environment. Many symptoms may be experienced and may be misdiagnosed as allergies or other diseases. Some chemicals act to depress the immune or nervous systems or mimic hormones causing major body imbalances.
References:
Books
Pamphlets:
The Seventh Generation Guide to a Toxic-Free Home
Websites:
www.seventhgeneration.com
www.ota.com
Toxic Areas in the Home:
Laundry
Chlorine bleach:
Safe Solutions:
Detergents vs. soap
Spray starch:
Safe Solution:
Furnace, Humidifier, Filters and Ducts
Silver and Brass -these are composed of ammonia and petroleum distillates
Safe Solutions:
Windows
Most window cleaners are ammonia and blue dye
Safe Solution:
Tiles
Usually contain ammonia, detergents, aerosol pollutants and fragrances
Safe solutions:
Floors and Furniture polishes
Formulations including phenol and nitrobenzene – both of these are extremely toxic and are absorbed through skin. These products continue to give off residual fumes after they have been applied.
Safe Solution:
Dry cleaning
Involves solvents and detergents including benzene, formaldehyde, naphthalene and chlorine. Try to find a drycleaner that does not use these harsh chemicals
Paint
More than 150 carcinogenic chemicals may be found in paints
Safe Solution:
Dishwashers and Handsoap
Detergent with dye and sometimes ammonia
Safe Solution:
Steamcleaning and Carpet cleaners
Commonly made with perchloroethylene, ammonia, detergents, and ethanol – these leave residue behind.
Safe Solution:
Household Insects
Safe Solutions:
Packaging and Containers
Using vinegar or baking soda allows you to purchase bulk amounts of cleaning products and reuse smaller spray bottles. Other aerosol or toxic cans etc. should be deposited at a fire station rather than into your garbage bins.
Recipes
Handsoap: Place a ½ - deep layer of Borax in a 2 litre container and fill with water. Shake and let settle. Pour off the clear part and use it as a soap concentrate.
Flypaper: Boil equal parts sugar, corn syrup and water. Paint onto a piece of brown paper.
Insect repellent:
Window Cleaner: Place equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply.
Silver Polish: In a sink full of hot water, combine a handful of salt and a sheet of aluminum foil. Let the silver soak in this mixture for 2-3 minutes and then wipe dry. For silverware, use salt, aluminum and baking soda. Bring the mixture to a boil, add the silverware, boil for 2-3 minutes, rinse and then dry. When using this method for jewelry, combine the aluminum and 1 tbsp of salt in 4 cups cold water and submerge the jewelry for a few minutes, rinse and dry.
Brass Polish: Make a paste of lemon juice and salt or lemon juice and baking soda. Rub on, rinse and dry. You can also substitute other household ingredients for the lemon such as vinegar or tomato juice.
Bleach Replacement: Sodium Hexametaphosphate or food grade hydrogen peroxide.
Laundry Soap: 1 cup of Borax, baking soda or white vinegar per load of clothing.
Grease Cleanser:
½ tsp washing soda
2 tbsp white vinegar
¼ liquid soap
2 cups water
Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and apply.
Drain Cleaner: Combine baking soda and boiling water and pour down drains once per week.
Hardwood Floor Cleaner:
¼ cup soap
½ cup- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
2 gallons warm water
Combine ingredients and apply.
Dusting and Polishing Formula: 1 tsp oil to 1 cup white vinegar. Combine and apply with a rag.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner:
¼ cup vinegar
1 cup Borax
several drops of pine oil or oregano oil
Combine and let sit in toilet overnight before flushing or cleaning.
Disinfectant:
1 tsp Borax
2 tbsp white vinegar
¼ cup liquid soap
2 cups hot water
Disinfecting Essential Oils: Oil of Oregano added to any cleaning solution, handsoap, toothbrushes, toilet bowls or dishrags and sponges.
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