As more earth friendly practices have sprung up, more homeowners have decided to go green with their cleaning efforts! They are using more green cleaning products to keep their homes and family healthier. Businesses have also decided to go green on their janitorial supplies. As the costs have gone down on these products usage has gone up!
Thinking about going green? Interesting statistics to help you decide
Begin by thinking of your home as a toxic waste dump. The average home today contains 62 toxic chemicals. More than 72,000 synthetic chemicals have been produced since WW II. Less than 2% of synthetic chemicals in widespread use have ever been tested for toxicity, birth defects or their mutagenic or carcinogenic effects. The majority of chemicals have NEVER been tested for long-term effects.
A groundbreaking study by the consumer group, Environmental Working Group, (EWG) found babies are born pre-polluted with over 200 chemicals from their mothers womb. Once born, we continue to take chemicals into our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. An EPA survey concluded that indoor air was 3 to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air. Another EPA study stated that the toxic chemicals in household cleaners are 3 times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air. CMHC reports that houses today are so energy efficient that “out gassing” of chemicals has nowhere to go, so it builds up inside the home. We spend 90% of our time indoor, and 65% of our time at home. Moms, infants and the elderly spend 90% of their time in the home.
National Cancer Association released results of a 15 year study concluding that women who work in the home are at a 54% higher risk of developing cancer than women who work outside the home. Cancer rates have almost doubled since 1960. Cancer is the number two cause of death for children ages 5-14. There has been a 26% increase in breast cancer since 1982. Breast cancer is the number one killer of women between the ages of 35 and 54. Primary suspects are laundry detergents and bleach, household cleaners and pesticides.
Since 1980, asthma has increased by 600%. The Canadian Lung Association and the Asthma Society of Canada identify common household cleaners and cosmetics as triggers. ADD/ADHD is an epidemic in schools today. Behavioral problems have long been linked to exposure to toxic chemicals and molds. Chemical and environmental sensitivities are known to cause all types of headaches. Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, circulatory disorders, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and hormonal problems are diseases commonly related to chemical exposure.
Labeling laws do not protect the consumer – they protect big business. Formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, toluene and xylene are all found in common household cleaners, cosmetics, beverages, fabrics and cigarette smoke. These chemicals are known to be cancer causing and toxic to the immune and nervous systems.
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