The Domestic Detoux

Is your home making you sick?Ditch the chemicals,and go green.as many people in the world ,we typically spend about 90% of our time indoors-mostly in our homes,where the air can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside.hot temperatures and high humidity mean closed windows and a heavy reliance on air conditioning -the perfect environment for dust mites and mould to fester.but the way you keep your home clean could be making matters much worse for your health,of the common household chemicals,150 have been linked to allergies ,birth defects,psychological problems,and even cancer. these hidden dangers could be lurking in the most unexpected places.the plastic of your kids sippy cup could be leaching endocrine disruptor BPA (bis-phenol A)in to his milk,which can mimic the hormone o estrogen and interfere with the body's endocrine system -particularly in the very young -resulting in behavioral changers,altered growth and early secondary sexual maturation ,our personal care products are likely to contain the toxin phthalates -another endocrine disruptor,which has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes.and even while we sleep we could be breathing in carcinogenic fumes from synthetic sheets and fire -retardant mattresses ,terrifying ,isn't it?yet,a simple swaps to more natural alternatives could be the solution.

The Kitchen 

 

Cleaning Products.
Many cleaning products -oven cleaner,polishes,bleach and air freshers-contain toxic chemicals that could be harmful to your family's health."the best rule of thumb when it comes to cleaning is ,if something smells clean,chemicals are very likely at work,"says Dr.Chapman -Dunn.'when something is truly clean ,it is odorless.
Try this Instead :Some are worse than others.here are the worst culprits and what you can swap them with :

• Oven cleaners contain corrosive alkali's and are extremely toxic. use sea salt ,baking soda and old fashioned elbow grease instead.
• Ammonia is found in many cleaning products ,especially glass cleaners ,and the fumes are highly poisonous,posing and immediate risk to the eyes and lungs if you are exposed to high concentrations of it.use diluted white vinegar in a spray bottle instead.
• Floor cleaners leave a residue of harsh chemicals that can be health hazards.mop with white vinegar diluted in hot water instead.

Microwave Oven

Resent research suggests that microwaving in plastic both cooking containers and plastic film-can result in toxins leaking in to your food.
Try this instead:"start reading labels.containers marked microwave safe generally are just that.if in doubt,microwave using glass or ceramic cookware ,"says Dr.Chapman -Dunn "Don't use recycle plastic food containers -they aren't heat tested.when covering food to microwave used wax paper or UN-patterned paper towels -ink is not designed to be heated and may also be toxic.
Plastic Food Containers :Plastic used extensively in baby bottles and food-storage containers called bis phenol A or BPA is also under much security because it is a suspected endocrine disruptor.its chemicals bonds are thought to unravel and seep in to the container's contents when heated ,washed or damage .
Try This Instead:BPA is identified by the #7 code in the recycling triangle at the base of the container.Dr.Chapman Dunn's advice is to simply avoid it as there are BPA -free options available -www.dubaibabies.com has a range of of baby products. Or switch to non plastic reusable containers.such as aluminum or glass. eat fresh local foods in season to avoid eating products that have been stored in plastic and cut back on canned foods -most cans are lined with BPA plastic,so chemicals may seep in to the can's contents over time. 

The Bedroom

Mattress
According to Dr.Chapman Dunn,mattresses often contain flame-retardants made from PBDE s 9polybrominated diphnylethers,) a class of toxic chemical that is thought to cause neurobehavioural alternations and is being phased out of dozens of common household products.it is also used in a variety of upholstery and foam items.
Try This Instead :Until PBDEs are discontinued ,avoid contact with them,advises Dr.Chapman Dunn,Inspect any furniture containing foam ,including your mattress,and replace it if ripped or damaged when purchasing new products.find out what fire retardants are used be sure to avoid any products made from PBDE s where possible,choose natural materials ,such as wool,cotton and bamboo.
Personal care product.
Our largest organ with the greatest capacity for absorption is our skin.so it's worth considering what we put on it.controversy has arisen over parables, a preservative found in many cosmetic products that has been associated with the occurrence of breast cancer.
Try This Instead;
'Avoid products with ingredients ending in -aben',says Dr.Chapman Dunn ,Avoid cosmetics with the phrase "fluoro or perfluoro",these belong to the suspected carcinogenic perfluorinated family of chemicals

Cleaning Products

As with the kitchen,the bathroom has its own chemical culprits.browse Greenpeace internationals brief on consumer products to find out what may be lurking in your home .some bathroom offenders include :

• Disinfectants found in bleach and mouth wash often contain phenol or cresole-based chemicals that are carcinogenic.
• Many air fresheners contain powerful synthetically derived chemical fragrances that cover up odors by numbing our sense of smell.
• Antibacterial soaps contain trichinosis, a registered pesticide.

Try This Instead:
Greenpeace suggests ridding your home of all disinfectants and air fresheners.open the windows ,if you can ,for natural ventilation.
Use essential oils with antiseptic and fungicide qualities to disinfect your home .dilute one spoon of essential oils are that good for house hold use include lavender,clove,grapefruit-seed extract ,and tea tree oil .

The Laundry

Fabric Softener
While it may be nice to have clothes that feel soft and smell good.new reports say liquid fabric softeners contain harmful chemicals that seep toxins in to our skin and the air we breathe.and have been associated with central nervous system disorders and other health issues.
Try This Instead:
try using white vinegar as a natural fabric softener (ad 1/2 cup to your wash cycle)to dissipate static from to clothing in your dryer,either line dry (which is also much)or scrunch up a piece of aluminum foil to the size of a tennis ball and put it in the dryer with your clothes.
Dry Cleaning ;
About 85% of dry cleaning processes the primary cleaning solvent is perchloroethylene (PERC) A Known Carcinogen
Try This Instead
EPA suggests reconsidering your reliance on dry cleaning -it isn't always necessary .if you must ,lessen your chances your breathing toxic fumes by removing the garments from the plastic bags and ventilate before wearing them.new methods are being developed but are not ready yet.