Written by Jakob Barry
Let’s face it. Chemicals are everywhere and most of the time we aren’t even aware of our exposure to them.
For example, some household furnishings may be comprised of harmful odorless and colorless substances that produce fumes which eventually get released into the air and inhaled.
However, other cases exist where the circumstances are different and we can spot an immediate red flag such as that “brand new” smell most commonly associated with, well something brand new.
An odor we’ve conveniently come to rely on as fresh, clean, or pure but in reality often has levels of toxicity, some of the occasions it’s usually noticeable are after opening a package, when sitting in a new car, or moving into a newly remodeled home.
Depending on the levels of exposure that smell is known to causes allergies, breathing disorders, mental illness and other serious physical ailments.
And as for the types of chemicals involved (a product can contain more than one), a few examples of what we are dealing with include the following:
- Brominated flame retardants: Used in the manufacturing process of electrical equipment, furniture, fabrics, and more, this chemical is supposed to slow the spread of fire. However, it’s believed to be one of a number of compounds that contributes to liver, thyroid, and neurodevelopmental toxicity.
- Formaldehyde: It’s used in everything from construction supplies, glues, clothing, and more. Exposure can cause allergy-like symptoms and burning in the eyes, nose, and throat and in more severe cases is noted by the US Environmental Protection Agency as being a known carcinogen that can cause cancer.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): A carcinogenic substance, it usually contains phthalates, another hazardous material whose level of exposure could cause anything from dizziness to fertility problems, birth defects, and cancer. As an ingredient in numerous products from building supplies to toys it is environmentally unfriendly from the manufacturing process through disposal.
- Antimony: Used in children’s clothing, car interiors, and more, antimony in small doses causes symptoms like dizziness but can be fatal when exposed to high amounts or inhaled.
While these are just a few from a long list that is increasingly coming under scrutiny by various health organizations it’s impossible to avoid the big question: what should we do?
One option is to check with manufacturers before purchasing a product, even if you think it’s from an eco-friendly brand.
Sometimes this can be annoying, especially when the situation is pressing but whenever possible do your homework. Be especially careful with items such as mattresses that we sleep on or carpets where children play that end up in close proximity to our respiratory systems.
Alternatively know that very often a chemical’s potency will eventually wear off so the product may only need to be aired out for a while. Nevertheless, doing so will depend on the chemicals involved, which again means doing some important investigating in order to assure a healthier setting for you and your children.
Jakob Barry writes for Hometalk.com, a growing community of homeowners and contractors sharing and monitoring home improvement projects together. He covers various home improvement topics including Green house cleaning and commercial cleaning services.
