Carcinogens in the Home

Despite the many scientific breakthroughs over the last 50 years, there has been a steady increase in killer diseases such as cancers, heart disease and diabetes. Many researchers believe this increase is related to the constant chemical cocktail that has become a routine part of modern life. That is the bad news. The GOOD NEWS is that we can make some easy changes to avoid many of these chemicals.

5 Quick but Important Details (bad news - GOOD NEWS follows!)

#1) Exposure to indoor pollution can result in lung cancer, or damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system. Young children are especially vulnerable to impaired lung function and respiratory infection. Symptoms such as l runny nosel itchy eyesl a scratchy throatl headachesl fatigue, dizzinessl skin rash, and respiratory infections are all common reactions to indoor air pollution.

#2) According to the EPA, indoor air pollution is one of the nation's most pressing personal health concerns. Peak concentrations of 20 toxic compounds - some linked with cancer and birth defects - were 200 to 500 times higher inside some homes than outdoors, according to a 5-year EPA study that surveyed 600 homes in six cities.

#3) More toddlers under age four are admitted to hospital emergency rooms as a result of household cleaner-related injuries than for any other reason. ALSO, household cleaners and personal care products can exacerbate breathing problems and asthma. Due to out gassing this can happen even when packaging is sealed.

#4) Residues of more than 400 toxic chemicals - some found in household products -have been identified in human blood and fat tissue.

#5) Not a single cosmetic company warns consumers of the presence of carcinogens in its products - despite the fact that a number of common cosmetic ingredients are carcinogenic or carcinogenic precursors.

THE GOOD NEWS:

#1) You can request a personal or group overview (via phone or webcast) of simple, straightforward ways to get rid of and avoid future use of these chemicals in your home. You have more control than you know!

sources:

~~> Cancer Prevention Coalition c/o School of Public Health University of Illinois Medical Center 2121 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612,Tel: (312) 996-2297, Fax: (312) 996-1374 http://www.healthy-communications.com/factsoncarcinogensathome.html

~~> From the Cancer Prevention Coalition and the "Safe Shoppers Bible" by Dr. Samuel S. Epstein and Dr. David Steinman, 1995