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THE TOXIC HOUSE

DRESSER - FORMALDEHYDE

Overview:
Pressed wood products often contain formaldehyde, a suspected carcinogen. Try to buy wood products that emit little formaldehyde.

Problems:
Formaldehyde is a colourless liquid or gas with a pungent odour. It adds permanent-press qualities to clothing and draperies; it is a preservative in some paints and coating products; and a component of glues and adhesives. Exposure to formaldehyde in the home is most likely to occur through pressed wood products that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins. Medium density fiberboard contains a higher resin-to-wood ratio than any other UF pressed wood product, and thus may emit more formaldehyde than similar products. Symptoms associated with exposure to formaldehyde include eye, nose and throat irritation, skin rashes, itching, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

Solutions:
Try to avoid products that contain formaldehyde, especially pressed wood products. A new product known as "wheatboard" is a good replacement for pressboard. It contains no formaldehyde and is currently available in Western Canada and should be available in Eastern Canada by the end of 2002. Opt for solid wood or pressed wood products that are fully covered with a water-repellent finish. Coating unfinished products with water-based coating products can also reduce formaldehyde emissions. Finishes should be applied in multiple layers and should cover all surfaces of the product. Apply the finish in a well-ventilated area and allow the product plenty of time to air out. Generally, increasing ventilation after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home will help reduce exposure.

INCENSE

Overview:
Burning incense can expose you to fine particulate matter. Freshen the air by using natural sources like flowers or herbs.

Problems:
Burning incense, like any combustion process, emits fine particulate matter in large quantities, which can settle in the respiratory tract. It has also been shown to elevate airborne concentrations of carbon monoxide and benzene.

Solutions:
Ventilate the air if you burn incense.

CLOSET - DRYCLEANING

Overview:
Traces of a number of potent toxic chemicals cling to dry cleaned clothing. Take dry cleaned clothes out of the plastic bags to air them out.

Problems:
Most dry cleaners rely on a chemical solvent called perchloroethylene, or "perc". The fumes of this chemical are carcinogenic and acutely toxic. Perc has been shown to have harmful effects on the nervous system and all major organs. Residue from freshly cleaned clothes can cause throat, eye and nose irritation. Lower levels, like those found in a closet containing dry-cleaned clothes, can produce disorientation, nausea, dizziness and sleepiness. Other chemicals used in the dry cleaning process include trichloroethane, benzene and toluene, which also pose a range of short term and long term health risks.

Solutions:
Take clothing out of the plastic bags, and allow them to sufficiently air out in a well-ventilated area. Hang them outside. Many fabrics that say "dry clean only" don't require it. Manufacturers often put it on the label to prevent liability - they must accept the return if a garment shrinks or loses its shape. Dry cleaning is the only guaranteed method of cleaning that prevents this. In many cases, you can safely hand wash "dry clean only" items (silk and rayon tend to wash well, wool does not) using rules that apply to most delicate clothing. Another option is to seek out "wet cleaners". The professional process uses steam and mild soaps instead of toxic solvents.

CLOSET - MOTHBALLS

Overview:
Mothballs are classified as a pesticide, and are poisonous when eaten. Mothballs contain either 100% of either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both of these ingredients can produce harmful effects when inhaled. Irritation to nose, throat, and lungs, headache, confusion, and liver and kidney damage can result from extended exposure to mothball vapours.

Solutions:
Store all woollens, fur and feather items in airtight boxes or chest. Cleaning clothes before storage will destroy the moth larvae that feed on clothes. Airing clothes out in the sunshine may also help. Although they are a popular alternative, cedar chips or sachets do very little to repel moths.

CRIB - PHTHALATES

Overview:
Phthalates can affect the reproductive tract of male foetuses. Phthalate-free alternatives are available.

Problems:
Phthalates are chemical compounds that help give plastic products their flexibility and soft texture. These "plasticizers" are used extensively in the manufacture of products that range from children's toys to plastic wrap to medical devices in hospitals. Phthalates can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled as fumes, ingested when they contaminate food or when children bite or suck on toys. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring can sometimes emit small amounts of phthalates into the surrounding air, along with other toxic additives.

Solutions:
Try and prevent your child from chewing on plastic toys; better yet, buy natural fibre toys. Toys manufactured in Canada, the US and Europe are usually phthalate-free. Store food in glass or ceramic containers, especially fatty foods like meat, cheese, and butter. If you must use plastic wrap, leave a gap between the food and the wrap. Avoid re-using margarine or yoghurt tubs. If you use plastic cookware or containers, look for polyethylene plastic, which does not contain plasticizers. There are competitively priced alternatives to vinyl flooring available. Ceramic, marble or stone tiles, or wood can be used if a harder surface is desired. Cork flooring is softer, but avoid cork that is sealed with artificial resins. Linoleum, which is often confused for vinyl flooring, is made of renewable materials and has good durability.

COMPUTER

Overview:
New computers emit vapours which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Ventilate the room where your computer is kept.

Problems:
New computers provide ample opportunity for toxics to enter our systems. Some vapours come from the solvents used to clean electronic parts, others from adhesives used to glue components together. Still others come from the plastic casing. Although they don't need any help, the fan that keeps the processor cool pushes the toxic compounds into the air.

Solutions:
A brand new computer is the most toxic, but the amount of chemicals it releases decreases fairly quickly after it is out of the box. The best solution is to leave it in a well-ventilated room or area, out of the reach of children, for several days.

ASHTRAY - ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE

Overview:
Second-hand smoke includes a long list of harmful chemicals. No smoking inside the house.

Problems:
Second-hand smoke, technically known as environmental tobacco smoke, is a mixture of the smoke given off by the burning end of a cigarette, pipe or cigar and the smoke exhaled from the lungs of smokers. Health effects include eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches; lung cancer; and may contribute to heart disease. Second-hand smoke is particularly harmful to children - it can increase the frequency and severity of asthma episodes, and cause a range of respiratory-related problems.

Solutions:
Do not smoke in your home or permit others to do so. Do not smoke if children are present, particularly infants and toddlers. If smoking indoors is a must, increase ventilation. Do not smoke in the car. The high concentration of smoke in a small area substantially increases the exposure for other passengers.

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