Here in the 21st century we live in a world where the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat can be carcinogenic (i.e. cancer-causing). It seems that if we are to lead normal lives and not head for the mountain tops, we will inevitably be exposed to some of these substances while going about our business.
And while we can work to make the air, water and food we consume cleaner and healthier, there are limits to what we can do to remove these carcinogens from our environment.
Something that is firmly under our control, however, is the presence of cancer-causing substances in our homes. I have taken steps to remove as many of these kinds of things from my home environment, and so should you – at least you will know that your home surroundings are free from common carcinogens.
Your utility shelves are dangerous.
The typical garage or laundry room has a large metal utility shelf unit where all the miscellaneous necessities of life tend to congregate. Knowing what we now know about carcinogens, it is quite likely that these storage units are chock full of cancer-causing substances.
Automotive fluids and cleaners are common culprits containing all the toxic chemicals that household cleaners contain and much more. Pet supplies such as shampoos, treatments for fleas and ticks, and anything else you use to keep Fido clean and smelling fresh are generally not good for him, or for you.
All those cans of paint, varnish, brush cleaners and brushes that have accumulated should be gotten rid of – toxins abound in those cans. If you have a garden or just a yard, chances are that you have insecticides, herbicides, and other supplies that are extremely unhealthy for humans and animals, causing cancer and other maladies.
There are green, safe, and effective substitutes for all of these dangerous products, so take some time and do your homework to make your home safer for all its inhabitants.
Of course there are other cancer causers to remove from your home, and you should seek them out wherever they may be lurking. Many common art and office supplies, for example, are full of toxic carcinogens. Again, look for products that do the job in an environmentally friendly way, and you’ll be able to say with confidence that your own home at least is free of the stuff. Now if we could just do the same with the world outside the house…
Air fresheners:
Often contain napthelene and formaldehyde. Try zeolite or natural fragrances from essential oils
Carpet and upholstery shampoos:
Use only wet-clean, natural ingredients. For DIY carpet cleaning
Basic household cleaners should be homeless.
Look under your kitchen sink or on your utility shelf, and you’ll probably see what I’m talking about here. All the media-promoted items lining the supermarket shelves, the stuff my mother and your mother used to clean the house and its contents, is full of toxic cancer-causing chemicals. Powders, sprays, liquids, pastes and creams, most of the common arsenal should be thrown out and never allowed back in the house.
If you regularly clean your own carpets, rugs and upholstery, commonly used products for these tasks are also likely to be dangerous. Clean out your stashes of these products, look for green cleaners that do just as good a job, and breathe easier.
Dry-cleaning:
Choose clothes that don’t need perchlorethylene to clean them. Ask for the wet-cleaning option at you local cleaners, or seek dry-cleaners that use liquid C02 or citrus juice cleaners.
Good smells can be hazardous to your health.
Air fresheners are a ubiquitous and heavily-promoted part of modern life. And products are sold not just to freshen the air in the bathroom or kitchen, but to make your furniture, closets, clothing and carpets smell better. Many of these contain carcinogens and should be avoided. Candles seem innocent enough, but are made with petroleum bases, and are proven cancer-causers. Look for products with natural oils, pure beeswax candles, and for organic, naturally made incense if you want to make your home environment smell better safely.
Candles:
Avoid artificially scented paraffin candles that produce combustion by-products, including soot. Beeswax only, with cotton wicks.
Automotive supplies:
Most are toxic. Keep them safely away from the house and dispose of at a hazardous waste disposal center.
Paints and varnishes:
Always chose low- or no-VOC finishes.
Microwaves:
Never microwave or heat food in a plastic container.
