Toxins are everywhere and while many of us are aware of the effects air pollution has on our health, we generally don’t think about the toxins that can be found in our homes, especially in our personal and household products, many of which, we are directly in contact with every day.
Here is a list of those products, together with suggested alternatives to help protect your family from toxic chemicals.
Personal products:
Antiperspirants and deodorants – Antiperspirants contain toxic chemicals such as aluminum and parabens to prevent sweat and smell. As alternatives, choose products based on bicarbonate of soda (i.e., baking soda) or a natural deodorant. Reduce stress, consider your optimum weight and eat a wholesome diet to reduce body odour and sweat.
Soap and shampoo – Quaternium-15 is a formaldehyde-releasing compound commonly used as an ingredient in shampoo. Triclosan, an antibacterial agent chemically similar to the dioxin class of compounds, can be found in many liquid soaps or body-wash products. A good alternative is is a natural or organic product where possible such as Tisserand Body Cream and Wash and EO Organic Shampoo and Conditioner.
Toothpaste and mouthwash – Almost all toothpaste products contain significant levels of lead. Most also contain triclosan and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) which are both toxic when ingested . Two commonly found mouthwash ingredients: chlorhexidine and benzydamine HCL have been found to be genotoxic (harmful to our DNA makeup). As alternatives, parsley is an excellent breath freshener or any products which are known to have natural ingredients.
Paper products -Toilet paper, facial tissues, napkins and paper towels are known to contain a certain amount of formaldehyde. It is worth avoiding facial tissues in particular in favour of 100% cotton handkerchiefs.
Nail polishes – Formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate to name a few, are toxins found in nail polishes. Breathing in the fumes or absorbing the plastic coating seeping through the nail bed can be very harmful. Always look for non-toxic nail polishes where possible
Hair dyes – Hair dyes contain many toxic chemicals. Look for natural dyes as a safer alternative.
Household products:
Air fresheners – Most commercial air fresheners contain variable amounts of toxic substances called phthalates. A better idea is to open windows and doors whenever possible to promote more effective ventilation in your home. To clear odours consider an air filter which is effective and non-toxic.
Carpet – Carpets are frequently treated with chemicals within the manufacturing process which are known to release toxins in your home. An alternative to carpet is terrazzo tiles, slate, Estapol (with enough coats to seal openings between boards effectively), or parquetry. When choosing cotton or wool rugs ensure that they are untreated
Curtains – Rubber-backed curtains can be a problem when heated by the sun or winter heating and have been know to increase the release of of chemicals into the atmosphere and furnishings. Cotton filling and covers on bamboo furniture is a good alternative. Bamboo can be washed with soap, hosed down, and dried in the sun.
New pillows and mattresses – Formaldehyde can be found in pillows and mattresses. When replacing old with new, ensure that they are thoroughly aired before use to avoid allergic reactions.
Synthetic fibres – Formaldehyde is used in the production of most synthetic fibres. Buy natural fibres: cotton, linen, wool, or silk where possible and . Otherwise allow plenty of time for airing synthetic clothing after purchase and before use. Soak out chemicals with white vinegar, using 1/2 cup of vinegar in a small basin of water.
Pesticides – Natural repellent sprays are very effective these day and are good alternatives to the more commercial pesticides.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
日常用品中隱藏的毒素
毒素在我們日常生活中無處不在。很多人關心空氣污染對我們健康的影響，但是在個人護理產品和家庭用品中都可以找到毒素。
以下是一些日常生活會接觸到含有毒化學品的產品，以及建議替代品。
個人護理產品
止汗劑和除臭劑 – 止汗劑含有鋁(alumium)和對羥基苯甲酸酯(parabens)等有毒化學物，以防止出汗和發臭。你可以選擇以碳酸氫鈉（即小蘇打）為基礎的止汗劑或天然除臭劑作為代替品。減少壓力，控制體重和健康的飲食都可以減少體味和汗水。
肥皂和洗髮水–季銨鹽-15(Quaternium-15)是一種釋放甲醛的化合物質，通常是洗髮水成分之一。三氯生(Triclosan)是一種與二噁英類化學性質相似的抗菌劑，可以在許多沐浴產品中找到。盡可能選擇使用天然和有機產品。
牙膏和漱口水 – 市面上大部份的牙膏產品都含有大量的鉛。大多數還含有三氯生( triclosan )和十二烷基硫酸鈉（SLS），這兩種物質經人體攝入後都是有毒的。兩種常見的漱口水成分：洗必泰(chlorhexidine) 和芐達明鹽酸鹽(benzydamine HCL)還對我們的DNA結構有害。歐芹菜是一種很好的口氣清新劑可以作為替代品。
紙製品-廁紙、面紙巾、餐紙和厨房紙巾都含有一定的甲醛。可行的話應盡量避免使用面紙，可以使用100%純棉手帕代替。
指甲油 – 甲醛、甲苯和鄰苯二甲酸二丁酯等等，都是指甲油中的毒素。吸入這些氣體或吸收滲入甲床的塗層都是非常有害的。盡可能使用無毒的指甲油。
染髮劑 – 含有許多有毒化學物質如阿摩尼亞。Tints of Nature染髮劑不含阿摩尼亞，染料天然，是更安全的染髮劑。
家居用品
空氣清新劑 – 一般空氣清新劑都含有有毒物質-鄰苯二甲酸鹽。在家中，盡可能打開門窗，以保持家中空氣流通。如要清除異味，可以考慮使用有效且無毒的空氣靜化機。
地毯 – 在製造過程中經常使用化學品處理，放在家中會釋放毒素。地板可使用水磨石磚、石板、或鑲木代替。若要使用地毯，請選擇棉質或羊毛地毯，並確保它們未經處理。
新枕頭和床墊 – 甲醛有機會存在於枕頭和床墊中。在更換新的枕頭和床墊時，請確保在使用前被徹底通風，以免有過敏反應。
合成纖維 – 大多數合成纖維在生產過程中都使用了甲醛。盡可能購買天然纖維製造的衣物如棉、亞麻、羊毛或絲綢等。若購買了合成纖維的衣物，可以在購買後用1/2杯白醋放在小盆水中浸泡，及要用足夠的時間來曬晾以清除化學品。
殺蟲劑– 現今的天然驅蚊劑非常有效，可以代替一般殺蟲劑。
