Below is information shared with me by a team member. It is worth sharing. We have to be informed and not assume that all companies have our family's health as a priority. We have to be our own advocates.
Our team works with a company that has prided itself on being "green" for decades. We can easily avoid these chemicals by shopping from our own store and helping others rid their houses of these chemicals by doing the same thing. So easy and so important. Please feel free to pass along the link to this article to others.
Please feel free to contact me for more information: http://www.findingfreedomteam.com/reneewilson
Benzene: (also benzol, benzole, annulene, benzeen, phenyl hydride, coal naphtha). Made from petroleum and coal, benzene is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a carcinogen, is listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as a hazardous air pollutant, and is on the EPA’s Community Right-to-Know list.Found in: Oven cleaners, detergents, furniture polish, spot removers.
Benzene is mostly commonly used as an additive to other chemicals. It is used to make styrene, which is used to make plastics and polymers, and in the manufacturing process of nylon. Small amounts of benzene are used in the manufacturing processes of drugs, detergents, pesticides and explosives.
Exposure to benzene can have very serious health effects. High levels of exposure can cause breathing disorders, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches and nausea. If one were to eat food or drink liquid containing benzene, a rapid heart rate, vomiting and stomach irritation may result. Very high levels of exposure to benzene can ultimately lead to death.
There are tests that can be performed to show whether a person has been exposed to the chemical. Benzene can be measured by a breath or blood test. Both these tests must be performed shortly after exposure, as the chemical disappears very quickly from the body. In the United States, the maximum amount of benzene permissible in water is 0.005 milligrams per liter.
Benzalkonium chloride: A synthetic disinfectant and bacteriacide, this chemical is biologically active (meaning it can negatively affect living organisms). The widespread indiscriminate use of bacteriacides is also now causing the emergence of new strains of bacteria that are resistant to them. Benzalkonium chloride, and other synthetic disinfectants, should be avoided for these reasons. Found in: Spray disinfectants, disinfecting cleaners, disinfecting hand soaps and lotions.
Ammonia: Ammonia is an irritant that affects the skin, eyes and respiratory passages. The symptoms of ammonia exposure are: a burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat; pain in the lungs; headache; nausea; coughing; and increased breathing rate. Ammonia adds nitrogen to the environment. In areas that cannot handle the added nitrogen, disruptions to the ecosystem will result. These include toxic effects to plants, fish and animals. Ammonia is included as a toxic chemical on the EPA’s Community Right-to-Know list and the EPA has set limits on permissible levels in bodies of water. The FDA also regulates the amount of ammonium compounds in food. OSHA regulates the maximum allowable levels in the air to protect workers. Found in: window cleaners.
Amyl acetate: A synthetic grease cutter, amyl acetate is a neurotoxin implicated in central nervous system depression.Found in : Furniture polishes.
Alkyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanols: (also nonyl phenoxy ethoxylate or nonyl phenol). This is a general name for a group of synthetic surfactants (see Surfactants below for more information). They are slow to biodegrade in the environment and have been implicated in chronic health problems. Researchers in England have found that in trace amounts they activate estrogen receptors in cells, which in turn alters the activity of certain genes. For example, in experiments they have been found to stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells and feminize male fish. One member of this family of chemicals is used as a common spermicide, indicating the general level of high biological toxicity associated with these compounds. Found in: Laundry detergents, all-purpose cleaners, hard surface cleaners.
Butyl cellosolve (also butoxyethanol, butyl oxitol, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether). A toxic synthetic solvent and grease cutter that can irritate mucous membranes and cause liver and kidney damage. Butyl cellosolve is also a neurotoxin that can depress the nervous system and cause a variety of associated problems. Found in: Spray cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, abrasive cleaners.
Chlorine: (also known as hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, hydrogen chloride, hydrochloric acid) Chlorine was first manufactured on an industrial scale in the early 1900s. It was used as a powerful poison in World War I. Chlorine is the household chemical most frequently involved in household poisonings in the U.S. Chlorine also ranks first in causing industrial injuries and deaths resulting from large industrial accidents. Chlorine is an acutely toxic chemical created through the energy intensive electrolysis of sea water. This manufacturing process also creates extremely toxic byproducts. Sodium hypochlorite (known as household bleach, a 5% solution of sodium hypochlorite) is a chemical precursor of chlorine and should be treated as such because any use will create pure chlorine in the environment.
In addition to its direct toxic effects on living organisms, chlorine also reacts with organic materials in the environment to create other hazardous and carcinogenic toxins, including trihalomethanes and chloroform (THMs), and organochlorines, an extremely dangerous class of compounds that cause reproductive, endocrine and immune system disorders. The most well known organochlorine is dioxin. Products containing chlorine (or any of its derivatives or precursors, including sodium hypochlorite) should be considered highly unacceptable. Similarly, any chemical with "-chlor-" as part of its name, or any ingredient listed as "bleach," should be considered unacceptable as this nomenclature indicates the presence of a highly toxic and environmentally damaging chlorinated compound. Chlorine and chlorinated compounds are also a prime cause of atmospheric ozone loss. Chlorine use in the laundry also degrades both natural and synthetic fibers.
Chlorine is listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as a hazardous air pollutant and is on the EPA’s Community Right-to-Know list. In 1993, the American Public Health Association issued a resolution calling for the gradual phase-out of most organochlorine compounds.
Found in: Scouring powders, laundry bleach, dishwasher detergent, and basin, tub and tile cleaners.
In addition to its direct toxic effects on living organisms, chlorine also reacts with organic materials in the environment to create other hazardous and carcinogenic toxins, including trihalomethanes and chloroform (THMs), and organochlorines, an extremely dangerous class of compounds that cause reproductive, endocrine and immune system disorders. The most well known organochlorine is dioxin. Products containing chlorine (or any of its derivatives or precursors, including sodium hypochlorite) should be considered highly unacceptable. Similarly, any chemical with "-chlor-" as part of its name, or any ingredient listed as "bleach," should be considered unacceptable as this nomenclature indicates the presence of a highly toxic and environmentally damaging chlorinated compound. Chlorine and chlorinated compounds are also a prime cause of atmospheric ozone loss. Chlorine use in the laundry also degrades both natural and synthetic fibers.
Chlorine is listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as a hazardous air pollutant and is on the EPA’s Community Right-to-Know list. In 1993, the American Public Health Association issued a resolution calling for the gradual phase-out of most organochlorine compounds.
Found in: Scouring powders, laundry bleach, dishwasher detergent, and basin, tub and tile cleaners.
EDTA: (ethylene-diamino-tetra-acetate). A class of synthetic, phosphate-alternative compounds used to reduce calcium and magnesium hardness in water. EDTA is also used to prevent bleaching agents from becoming active before they’re immersed in water and as a foaming stabilizer. EDTA does not readily biodegrade and once introduced into the general environment can re-dissolve toxic heavy metals trapped in underwater sediments, allowing them to re-enter and re-circulate in the food chain. Found in: Laundry detergents.
Ethyl cellosolve: This synthetic solvent is both a nasal irritant and a neurotoxin (see Solvents). Found in: All-purpose cleaners, automotive antifreeze.
Ethylene glycol: (also ethylene dihydrate, ethylene alcohol).This synthetic solvent is highly toxic and is both a nasal irritant and a neurotoxin (see Solvents). Its vapors contribute to the formation of urban ozone pollution. Ethylene glycol is listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as a hazardous air pollutant and is on the EPA’s Community Right-to-Know list. Found in: All-purpose cleaners, automotive antifreeze.
Fluoride: The accepted concentration of fluoride in drinking water is 1 ppm. Concentrations over 2 ppm begin to be a health risk. Not much of an increase. Think about this: fluoride is more toxic than lead, and only slightly less toxic than arsenic. It is poorly excreted in the urine and is poisonous to the kidneys. Children under 6, who have not yet mastered the art of not swallowing dental products, should probably not use them, as there is enough fluoride in them to be fatal. Read the warnings on your toothpaste.
Dr. John Yiamouyiannis, author of "Fluoride: The Agine Factor", estimates that 30,000 - 50,000 people die from flouride poisoning each year. Fluoride weakens immune systems. The speed of white blood cells to migrate to areas needing repair, decreases. In some studies, research animals drinking fluoridated water exhibit genetic and chromosomal damage. "Before any disease is even noticeable, Dr. Yiamouyiannis warns, "the acceleration of the aging process by fluoride is already occurring at the biochemical level, by means of enzyme inhibition, collagen breakdown, genetic damage and/or disruption of the immune system."
Prevention: Buy toothpaste without fluoride for young children, or use a baking soda and water paste to clean teeth. Also, a well-made reverse osmosis filter system will be able to remove over 90% of dissolved fluoride in tap drinking water.
Formaldehyde: Although not common as a primary ingredient, formaldehyde is present as a contaminant in consumer household products. It is an extremely potent carcinogen and respiratory irritant and may appear as a preservative. Products containing this chemical should be considered unacceptable. Found in: Deodorizers, disinfectants, germicides, adhesives, permanent press fabrics, and particleboard.
Dr. John Yiamouyiannis, author of "Fluoride: The Agine Factor", estimates that 30,000 - 50,000 people die from flouride poisoning each year. Fluoride weakens immune systems. The speed of white blood cells to migrate to areas needing repair, decreases. In some studies, research animals drinking fluoridated water exhibit genetic and chromosomal damage. "Before any disease is even noticeable, Dr. Yiamouyiannis warns, "the acceleration of the aging process by fluoride is already occurring at the biochemical level, by means of enzyme inhibition, collagen breakdown, genetic damage and/or disruption of the immune system."
Prevention: Buy toothpaste without fluoride for young children, or use a baking soda and water paste to clean teeth. Also, a well-made reverse osmosis filter system will be able to remove over 90% of dissolved fluoride in tap drinking water.
Formaldehyde: Although not common as a primary ingredient, formaldehyde is present as a contaminant in consumer household products. It is an extremely potent carcinogen and respiratory irritant and may appear as a preservative. Products containing this chemical should be considered unacceptable. Found in: Deodorizers, disinfectants, germicides, adhesives, permanent press fabrics, and particleboard.
Exemptions for Specific Products: A number of products are exempt from
CPSC regulations, including: specific polishing/ cleaning products (see
regulations); cleaning/ spot removing kits; and products containing Sodium
Chloride or Ferrous Oxide.
Required Language on the Label: Each regulated product must contain
the following information on its label:
6_ Name and place of the business of the manufacturer
6_ Common or usual name of the hazardous component.
6_ Signal word $DANGER# on extremely flammable, corrosive
or highly toxic substances, or the word $WARNING.#
6_ An affirmative statement of the principal hazard.
6_ Precautionary measures describing the action to be avoided.
6_ Instruction for first aid treatment, where appropriate.
6_ Instructions for handling and storage.
6_ The statement $keep out of the reach of children# if
necessary.
4. Location of the Label: All labels must be prominently located, preferable
on the principal display panel.
5. Highly Toxic Products: $Highly toxic# products must contain the word
$poison# and the skull and crossbones, when appropriate.
6. Poison Prevention Packaging: Under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act
of 1970 (16 CFR 1700 et seq.), substances that present a significant hazard
to children must be packaged in accordance with CPSC package
effectiveness specifications.
7. Reporting: CPSC requires manufacturers and distributors to notify CPSC
immediately in two situations: (1) when it can reasonably be concluded that
a product has a defect that presents a substantial risk, and (2) when a
product has been involved in two or more lawsuits in a two year period.
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