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THE TOXIC HOUSE

GARAGE

IMPROPER STORAGE -VOCs

Overview:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can escape from bottle and cans. Store closed containers away from your living space in a shed or garage.

Problems:
Organic chemicals are widely used in common household products, as well as in paints and varnishes. These products can release organic compounds (VOCs) in small amounts, even when sealed and stored. Even the rags and brushes used to apply the products should be stored or disposed of safely. Their impact on our health depends on how VOCs interact with their environment: they can be exchanged to the outdoor air, which is a good thing. They can stick to or be absorbed by indoor materials such as carpeting or even the surface of fruit. These VOCs can then be re-emitted by the contaminated material, which means that toxic compounds can be in your immediate environment for months or years. Symptoms associated with VOCs are eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans

Solutions:
Solvents, paints and household products should be sealed and stored in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. If the product is flammable or an aerosol, it should also be stored away from heat, flames or sources of ignition. The best way to dispose of solvents is to use them up as intended. Otherwise, solvents and similar products should be secured and stored for professional hazardous waste collection, or taken to a hazardous waste site.

WEED-KILLER PUMP - PESTICIDES

Overview:
Pesticides pose risks for humans, pets, wildlife and entire ecosystems. Various gardening techniques can reduce the need for pesticides.

Problems:
Chemicals used on lawns and gardens easily enter groundwater, streams and rivers. Pesticide particles attach to dust and soil, which can drift or get tracked indoors on shoes. Those same particles become easily airborne and can be deposited great distances from where they were originally used. Lawn and garden chemicals can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and some have been linked with behavioural problems in children, damage to the nervous system and kidneys, developmental and reproductive defects, and also an increased risk of certain cancers. In addition to the active ingredient, pesticides are also made up of so-called "inert" ingredients, and there is growing evidence that many inerts are toxicologically and environmentally hazardous.

Solutions:
There are many organic alternatives to conventional pesticides on the market and there are organic gardening methods for home gardeners. Try to grow plant species and varieties which are well-adapted to your climate, soil conditions, and available light levels. Plant a variety of plant life so that no single pest can destroy your garden. To fight slugs, create a protective border around your plants with sand, lime, or ashes. Fennel, calendula, garlic, basil, green onions and marigolds can be interspersed around your garden as they ward off several types of pests. For indoor plant health, wash plants regularly with a mild soap solution.

CAR - VOCS

Overview:
A new car smells great, but it means toxic chemicals are in the air. Roll down your windows, and air out the car before driving.

Problems:
That new car smell, considered seductive and compelling by auto dealers, indicates the presence of toxic chemicals which can linger for months. Sitting in a new car can expose you to levels of toxic emissions many times beyond established standards. Studies have shown that trace amounts of the following chemicals may be emitted inside new cars: benzene, a known human carcinogen; acetone, a mucosal irritant; cyclohexanone, a possible human carcinogen; ethylbenzene and MIBK - systemic toxic agents; and xylene isomers, a fetal development toxic agent. More immediate impacts on your health are eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, drowsiness and fatigue, and disorientation.

Solutions:
To avoid some exposure to these toxic compounds, people who buy new cars should make sure there is plenty of outside air entering the vehicle while they drive, for at least six months after the vehicle has been purchased. Ventilation may not always be possible or advisable in heavy traffic due to air toxics from car exhausts. If you don't need to drive your new car, leave it in a shaded, well-ventilated area. The heat from the sun increases the rate at which these compounds off-gas into your breathing zone.

PAINT CAN - VOCS

Overview:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can escape from bottle and cans. Store closed containers away from your living space in a shed or garage.

Problems:
VOCs are released from products such as paints and solvents, aerosol sprays, disinfectants, automotive products, and also from burning fuel. Their impact on our health depends on how VOCs interact with their environment: they can be exchanged to the outdoor air, which is a good thing. They can stick to or be absorbed by indoor materials such as carpeting or even the surface of fruit. These VOCs can then be re-emitted by the contaminated material, which means that toxic compounds can be in your immediate environment for months or years. Health effects of VOCs range from minor eye, nose, and throat irritation to headaches to damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system at higher doses. Some organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals; some are suspected human carcinogens.

Solutions:
Basic steps that you can take to eliminate the build-up of VOCs include using household products according to manufacturer's directions. Making sure there is plenty of fresh air when using these products. Rather than storing partially used containers, buy the product in quantities that will be used up. If you do have old, half-full containers, they should be disposed of safely. Household products should be kept out of reach of children and pets. You should never mix household care products unless directed on the label. Always use water-based products whenever possible.

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