Environmental Information
Did you know…
- Asthma has increased 160% in children under 5 since 1975
- Homeowners use up to 10 times more toxic chemicals per acre than farmers.
- Between 1973 and 1995, children ages 15 – 19 had a 128% rise in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
People are exposed to more potentially damaging chemicals through their air, water, food, clothes, furniture, cleaning chemicals, body care products and daily environment then ever before in the history of the humans.
Important Information for Our Health & Environment.
Table of Harmful Ingredients in Traditional Cleaners*
| Surface Cleaners |
2-butoxyethanol |
Irritates eyes, respiratory tract |
| Glass Cleaners |
2-butoxyethanol, butyl cellosive, diethanolamine, ethyl cellosive, ethylene glycol, monoethanolanune |
Irritants |
| Mold/Mildew Cleaners |
Formaldehyde |
Irritant to eyes, nose, throat, skin |
| Toilet Bowl Cleaners |
Hydrochloric acid, hypochloric bleach, muriatic acid, oxalic acid |
Corrosive. Irritant to skin and eyes. Can damage kidneys, liver |
| Bleach |
Sodium hypochlorate |
Strong corrosive. Irritant to eyes, respiratory tract. Can be deadly if mixed with ammonia. |
| Floor Cleaners |
Pine oil, petroleum distillates |
Irritant to eyes, skin, mucous membranes. Petroleum distillates may cause fatal pulmonary edema. |
| All Purpose Cleaners |
Ethylene glycol monobutyl acetate |
Poisons animals attracted by sweet smell; can cause damage to internal organs through skin absorption; inhalation can cause dizziness. |
Sources: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Western Regional Pollution Prevention Network; Chemical Awareness in Schools; Toxic Chemical Exposure in Schools; Our Children at Risk/Vermont Public Interest Research Group. Please note this is not a complete list, just a sampling of hazardous ingredients in traditional cleaning products which may, or may not be listed on the label.
A few Easy Tips for more environmental responsibility…
- Use a canvas bag for groceries instead of paper or plastic.
- Buy organic fruits, vegetables and meats whenever possible.
- Reduce your use of plastic bags and containers by using glass and ceramic storage for food.
More Environmental Health Information
www.ewg.org
www.epa.gov
www.lungusa.org
