DETOXIFYING YOUR HOME ENVIRONMENT

By Dr. Beeson

In the last 50 years we have gradually and unwittingly begun to use an abundance of toxic substances in everyday

chores and self care.  Though there is increasing awareness of a few serious environmental toxins, such as lead and

asbestos, the current assortment of new building materials, household projects cleaning agents, insecticides and

pesticides and personal hygiene products expose us to chemicals which may be responsible for or contribute to everyday

health concerns such as allergies, asthma and headaches. Sick building syndrome(SBS) and multiple chemical

sensitivities(MCS) are two debilitating illnesses that arise directly from these toxic exposures.  New research (indicates)

 a genetic liver enzyme deficiency may predispose individuals to SBS and MCS.

Here are some highlights of chemical exposure available in a typical American home:

Phenol and cresol in disinfectants-can cause diarrhea, fainting, dizziness, kidney and liver damage

Sodium hypochlorite in chlorine bleach mixed with ammonia releases toxic chloramine gas. Short-term exposure

may cause asthmatic symptoms or respiratory problems

Nitrobenzene in furniture and floor polishes can cause skin discoloration, shallow breathing, vomiting; it is associated

 with cancer and birth defects

Formaldehyde a preservative in many products and found in abundance in pressed wood is a suspected human

 carcinogen, a respiratory irritant, causes headaches, nausea and rashes and disorientation.

Ketones and toluene found in wood putty and “white out” may cause respiratory system

ailments and skin, kidney, liver, central nervous system and reproductive system damage

Ammonia in glass cleaner is an eye irritant and can cause headaches and lung irritation

Petroleum distillates (solvents) in paint and rubber cement, spray adhesives, silk-screen

inks

Cresol, glycols, nitrates/nitrosamines and sulfur compounds in shampoos affect the

central nervous system, visual disturbances, diarrhea and allergic reactions

Aluminum, lead, mercury and arsenic nasal spray, fungicides for lawns, skin lightening creams, antiperspirants,

fabric softeners, household detergents

There are numerous options for safe/safer substitutes for each and every source of these problematic substances.

You can find a selection of not-so-toxic to non-toxic products in your local natural food store.  Progressive supermarkets

 are responding to the growing demand as

well, with products by Green Forest, Tom’s, Nature’s Gate and Ecover.

There are a few products that are familiar to many and readily available.  These age old cleaners are inexpensive and

multipurpose- Vinegar, Bon Ami, TSP, Borax.

These can replace the more toxic products used for sinks and toilet bowls, furniture polish, windows, floors and even

oven cleaners.

There is an amazing array of information on the Internet. Just type in non-toxic. I found a

website by Tennessee Valley Authority Regional Waste Management Department Fact Sheet: Safe Substitutes at Home: 

 Non-toxic Household Products.  Another site

 www.cleanwithnature.org gave sim

 instructions for most household chores and with a how to make your own cleaning kit tab.

Debra Lynn Dadd’s book NONTOXIC, NATURAL AND EARTHWISE is an invaluable resource

for everything from air fresheners to pet care.  She includes office and art supplies, building materials and furnishings and

personal care products with a useful appendix called Harmful Effects of the Common Substances.  She lists numerous

books, publications and organization for further investigation.

Each of us can do our part to reduce the concentration of toxic chemicals dispersed into our waterways with dish and

laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and household cleaning products.  Meanwhile we also protect our respiratory tracts

 and livers by decreasing our personal exposure and that of our family members especially kids and the elderly.

Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic
720 N. 30th St.
Billings, MT 59101
PHONE 406·259·5096/FAX 406·248·5655

ync@180com.net

Dispensary
406·254·9682

dispensary@yncnaturally.com