Since 1950, at least 70,000 new chemical compounds have been invented and dispersed into our environment.

Only a fraction of these have been tested for human toxicity.

We are, by default, conducting a massive clinical toxicology trial, and our children and their children are the experimental animals.

[Source: Herbert L. Needleman, M.D., Philip J. Landrigan, M.D., Raising Children Toxic Free]

 

150 chemicals found in the home are connected to

• allergies,
• birth defects,
• cancer
• psychological disorders

[Source: Consumer Protection Agency (CPA)]

 

3 groups of people are primarily affected by indoor chemical concentrations because they spend more time indoors and their immune systems are weaker.

The 3 groups are:

• Infants and toddlers,
• Chronically ill,
• Elderly

[Source: 1988 EPA, 5-year study]

 

Liquid dish soap is the leading cause of poisonings in the home for children under the age of six (over 2.1 million accidental poisonings per year).

Most brands of liquid dish soap contain Formaldehyde and ammonia.

Of the chemicals found in personal care products:

• 884 are toxic,
• 146 cause tumors,
• 218 cause reproductive complications,
• 778 cause acute toxicity,
• 314 cause biological mutations,
• 376 cause skin and eye irritations

[Source: United States House of Representatives Report, 1989]

 

Out of 2,435 pesticide poisonings in a one-year period, over 40% were due to exposure to disinfectants and similar cleaning products in the home.

[Source: State of California Study]

 

Household Chlorine bleaches which claim to disinfect are classified as pesticides under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.

Inadvertently mixing bleach with other cleaners that contain ammonia produces a toxic chloramines gas.

These toxic gases can cause coughing, loss of voice, a feeling of burning or suffocation, and even death.

[Source: Guide to Hazardous Products Around the Home, Household Hazardous Waste Project, 1989]

 

Women who work in the home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than women who work outside of the home.

[Source: 17- year EPA study]

 

As more toxic chemicals have been introduced to our everyday environment in greater amounts over the last 20 to 30 years, the level of toxins stored in adipose tissues (fat cells) of our bodies have risen.

• Bioaccumulation studies have shown that some toxins store in our bodies for life.
• Greater and greater amounts are being stored at younger ages.
• One study showed that in the fat of 100% of the people tested was 1,4-Dichlorobenzene, a chemical found in most household deodorizers and room fresheners.
• Some products release contaminants into the air right away, others do so gradually over a period of time.
• Some stay in the air up to a year.
• These contaminants, found in many household and personal care products can cause dizziness, nausea, allergic reactions, eye/skin/respiratory tract irritations and some cause cancer.

[American Lung Association]

 

Asthma was once a very rare disease.

Now the condition is extremely common, the asthma rate has tripled in the last 20 years with nearly 30 million Americans currently afflicted.

[Source: Consumer Federation of America, 1997]

 

In one decade, there has been a 42% increase in asthma (29% for men, 82% for women).

The higher rate for women is believed to be due to women's longer exposure times to household chemicals.

[Source: Center for Disease Control]

 

Childhood asthma has increased by more than 40% since 1980.

[Source: Environmental Health Perspectives, June 1997; 105 (6)]

 

Asthma death in children and young people increased by a dramatic 118% between 1980 and 1993.

[Source: Environmental Health Threats to Children, Environmental Protection Agency 175-F-96-001, September 1996]

 

The average child visits the doctor 23 times in the 1st 4 years of life, with the most common complaint being respiratory ailment.

[Source: National Center for Health Statistics, 1997]

 

Developing cells in children's bodies are more susceptible to damage than adult cells that have completed development, especially for the central nervous system.

During the development of a child, from conception through adolescence, there are particular windows of vulnerability to environmental hazards.

Most disturbing until a child is approximately 13 months of age, they are virtually no ability to fight the biological and neurological effects of toxic chemicals.

[Source: Herbert L. Needleman, M.D., Philip J. Landrigan, M.D., Raising Children Toxic Free]

 

Today, children have chemical exposures from birth that their parents didn't have until they were adults.

Because children are exposed to toxins at an earlier age than adults, they have more time to develop environmentally triggered diseases, with long latency periods, such as cancer.

[Source: Environmental Policy and Children's Health, Future of Children, Summer/Fall 1995; 5(2): 34-52]

 

Formaldehyde is a highly toxic substance.

• It is a known cancer-causing agent.
• It damages the neurological connectors in the body.
• It is an irritant to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs and may cause:
  • skin reactions
  • ear infections
  • headaches
  • depression
  • asthma
  • joint pain
  • dizziness
  • mental confusion
  • nausea
  • disorientation
  • phlebitis
  • fatigue
  • Vomiting
  • sleep disturbances
  • laryngitis
• One in five people are sensitive to formaldehyde.
• Formaldehyde is commonly found in:
  • drugs
  • mouthwash
  • hairspray
  • cosmetics
  • cleaning products
  • perfumes
  • waxes
  • hair setting lotions
  • shampoo
  • air fresheners
  • fungicides
  • fingernail polish
  • floor polishes
  • dry cleaning solvents
  • toothpaste
  • laundry spray starch
  • Antiperspirants
• Due to the increase in toxic buildup in our bodies, including the toxic buildup of formaldehyde, dead bodies are not decomposing as fast as they used to.
• Bodies now start to decompose within 7 to 10 days after death.
• During the Vietnam War, Vietnamese bodies started to decompose within 24 to 48 hours.
  • However, Americans didn't start to decompose for 4 to 5 days.
• Twice as much formaldehyde was needed to embalm a person 20 years ago compared to today.
• How many of these names would you have recognized as formaldehyde?
  • Formalin
  • Methanal
  • Methyl Aldehyde
  • Methylene Oxide
  • Oxymethylene
  • Bfv*
  • Fannoform*
  • Formol*
  • Fyde*
  • Karsan*
  • Methaldehyde
  • Formalith*
  • Methylene Glycol
  • Ivalon*
  • Oxomethane
  • Formalin 40, Formalin
  • Formic Aldehyde
  • Hoch
  • Paraform
  • Lysoform*
  • Morbocid
  • Trioxane
  • Polyoxmethylene, * denotes trade name
• Warning labels on containers refer only to toxic hazards from ingestion
  • however, only 10% of health problems from chemicals are caused by ingestion. 
  • 90% are caused by the inhalation of vapors and absorption of particles.

Do you still want to use products in your home that contain formaldehyde?

 

Phenol is an extremely caustic chemical that burns the skin.

• Absorption of phenol through the lungs or skin can cause:
  • central nervous system damage
  • pneumonia
  • respiratory tract infection
  • heart-rate irregularities
  • skin irritation
  • kidney and liver damage
  • numbness
  • vomiting
  • and can be fatal
• Phenol is a very common chemical and is regularly found in the following common products:
  • air fresheners
  • aftershave
  • bronchial mists
  • chloroseptic throat spray
  • deodorants
  • feminine powders & sprays
  • hair spray
  • decongestants
  • mouthwash
  • aspirin
  • solvents
  • acne medications
  • antiseptics
  • calamine lotions
  • cleaning products
  • detergents
  • furniture polish
  • hair setting lotions
  • lice shampoo, polishes
  • cold capsules
  • all-purpose cleaners
  • aerosol disinfectants
  • anti-itching lotions
  • carnex
  • cosmetics
  • disinfectant cleaners
  • hand lotions
  • lip balms
  • sunscreen and lotions
  • insecticides
  • cough syrups
  • just to name a few…

Do you still want to use products in your home that contain Phenol ?

 

  Enjoy Exploring Norwex

Desiree Velasco-Bain
Independent Sales Consultant
t

Order Today!

www.desireevelascobain.norwex.biz

[enlarge image]

Comet Disinfectant Powder Cleanser (Regular)Comet Disinfectant Powder Cleanser released 146 air contaminants, more than any other product tested.7 chemicals may cause cancer in people, including formaldehyde, chloroform, and benzene.See below for detailed results of EWG's air pollution test of this school cleaning supply. Made by: Procter & Gamble Green Certification: None

• Form & Use
• Product Directions
• Ingredients
• Manufacturer Claims
• Manufacturer Warnings

Product Type: bathroom cleaner & disinfectantProduct Form: powder

146	Air Contaminants Detected
6	Ingredients disclosed by manufacturer

Concerns of the chemicals detectedKey health concerns highlighted by major agencies (Study Methodology)

1	Chemicals cause asthma	FORMALDEHYDE
7	Chemicals on California's Prop 65 List for cancer and reproductive toxicity	FORMALDEHYDE, TOLUENE, ACETALDEHYDE, CHLOROFORM, BENZENE, 1-CHLORO-2,3-EPOXYPROPANE, N-ETHYL-N-NITROSO-ETHANAMINE
7	Chemicals linked to cancer	FORMALDEHYDE, QUARTZ, ACETALDEHYDE, CHLOROFORM, BENZENE, 1-CHLORO-2,3-EPOXYPROPANE, N-ETHYL-N-NITROSO-ETHANAMINE
2	Chemicals linked to reproductive toxicity	TOLUENE, BENZENE
2	Chemicals that disrupt hormones	BENZOPHENONE, 1-CHLORO-2,3-EPOXYPROPANE
5	Chemicals toxic to the brain and nervous system	METHYL ETHYL KETONE, TOLUENE, CHLOROFORM, BENZENE, BENZONITRILE
No	Corrosive concentrate or dangerous pH

The chemicals detectedLaboratory Data Qualifiers

#† Denotes quantified using multipoint authentic standard curve (post-calibration). Other VOCs quantified relative to toluene.

# Indicates AQS database match with a probability greater than 99%.

**** Indicates NIST/EPA/NIH best library match only based on retention time and mass spectral characteristics with a probability greater than 95%.

*** Indicates NIST/EPA/NIH best library match only based on retention time and mass spectral characteristics with a probability greater than 90%.

** Indicates NIST/EPA/NIH best library match only based on retention time and mass spectral characteristics with a probability greater than 85%.

* Indicates NIST/EPA/NIH best library match only based on retention time and mass spectral characteristics with a probability greater than 80%.

---

---

 

This weekend Desiree's sister Nani came over with her family. At the last minute they decided to cook here and wanted to use our oven.

Oh Oh!

Our oven hasn't been cleaned in a LONG Time!

In fact, when we have Pizza, I have to stand under the smoke detectors with a towel to keep them from going off. (I know, right?)

We have been waiting to have extra $$$ for the NORWEX Oven Cleaner.

So with them coming over, I had to try to clean it with just the Enviro Cloth, water and a Spirinetts.

Amazing! Desiree told me I would probably have to get something to scrape all the stuff out.

I will still finish up when we are able to get the NORWEX Oven Cleaner, but it is clean enough right now to get our deposit back if we moved.

Oh...and this only took me 20 minutes, and our home didn't smell like a toxic waste dump from using a traditional oven cleaner!

 

  Enjoy Exploring Norwex

Desiree Velasco-Bain
Independent Sales Consultant
t

Order Today!

www.desireevelascobain.norwex.biz

 

Fabric Softener Dangers

 

The Toxic Danger of
Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets

Many people will remember a famous TV ad where a woman races to her washing machine, fabric softener in hand, only to arrive just as the wash ends. This woman who "forgot to ad the fabric softener" was actually doing herself and her family a favor.

Although they may make your clothes feel soft and smell fresh, fabric softener and dryer sheets are some of the most toxic products around.

And chances are that the staggering 99.8 percent of Americans who use common commercial detergents, fabric softeners, bleaches, and stain removers would think twice if they knew they contained chemicals that could cause cancer and brain damage.

Here is a list of just some of the chemicals found in fabric softeners and dryer sheets:

• Benzyl acetate: Linked to pancreatic cancer
• Benzyl Alcohol: Upper respiratory tract irritant
• Ethanol: On the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Hazardous Waste list and can cause central nervous system disorders
• Limonene: Known carcinogen
• A-Terpineol: Can cause respiratory problems, including fatal edema, and central nervous system damage
• Ethyl Acetate: A narcotic on the EPA's Hazardous Waste list
• Camphor: Causes central nervous system disorders
• Chloroform: Neurotoxic, anesthetic and carcinogenic
• Linalool: A narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders
• Pentane: A chemical known to be harmful if inhaled

So how could products with pretty names like Soft Ocean Mist, Summer Orchard and April Fresh be so dangerous?

The chemicals in fabric softeners are pungent and strong smelling -- so strong that they require the use of these heavy fragrances (think 50 times as much fragrance) just to cover up the smells.

Furthermore, synthetic fabrics, which are the reason fabric softeners were created in the first place, do not smell good either when heated in a dryer or heated by our bodies ... hence the need for even more hefty fragrances.

In other words, remove all the added fragrance that endears people to fabric softeners and -- like the cliché wolf in sheep's clothing -- the real smells of the chemical-laced fabric softener and the synthetic fabrics they were designed around may prompt people to shoot their laundry machines and be done with it.

 

Are "Soft" Clothes Worth It?

Fabric softeners are made to stay in your clothing for long periods of time. As such, chemicals are slowly released either into the air for you to inhale or onto your skin for you to absorb. Dryer sheets are particularly noxious because they are heated in the dryer and the chemicals are released through dryer vents and out into the environment. Health effects from being exposed to the chemicals in fabric softeners include:

• Central nervous system disorders
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Blood pressure reduction

     

  Chemicals found in fabric softeners
  by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  by Julia Kendall
  1995

  

  Compiled by Julia Kendall*, Co-Chair, Citizens for a Toxic-Free Marin. Phone: (415) 485-6870. Reference: Lance Wallace, Environmental Protection Agency; Phone (703) 341-7509 Excerpts from "Health Hazard Information." References: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Provided with permission by Barbara Wilkie wilworks@lmi.net of the Environmental Health Network (of California).

  [*NOTE: Julia Kendall died July 12, 1997 from Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and Leukemia caused by pesticide poisoning.]

  Principal chemicals found in Fabric Softeners/Dryer Sheets are:

  Symptoms of exposure are taken from industry-generated Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

  ALPHA-TERPINEOL

  Causes CNS (central nervous system) disorders... "highly irritating to mucous membranes" ..."Aspiration into the lungs can produce pneumonitis or even fatal edema." Can also cause "excitement, ataxia (loss of muscular coordination), hypothermia, CNS and respiratory depression, and headache." "Prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact."

  BENZYL ACETATE

  Carconigenic (linked to pancreatic cancer). "From vapors: irritating to eyes and respiratory passages, exciting cough." "In mice: hyperanemia of the lungs." "Can be absorbed through the skin causing systemic effects." "Do not flush to sewer."

  BENZYL ALCOHOL

  Causes CNS disorders ..."irritating to the upper respiratory tract" ..."headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, CNS depression, and death in severe cases due to respiratory failure."

  CAMPHOR

  Causes CNS disorders. On EPA's Hazardous Waste list. Symptoms: "local irritant and CNS stimulant" ..."readily absorbed through body tissues" ..."irritation of eyes, nose, and throat" ..."dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions". "Avoid inhalation of vapors."

  CHLOROFORM

  Neurotoxic. Anesthetic. Carcinogenic. on EPA's Hazardous Waste list. "Avoid contact with eyes, skin, clothing. Do not breathe vapors ...Inhalation of vapors may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness." "Inhalation can be fatal." "Chronic effects of overexposure may include kidney and/or liver damage." "Medical conditions generally aggravated by exposure: kidney disorders, liver disorders, heart disorders, skin disorders." "Conditions to avoid: Heat..." Listed on California's Proposition 65.

  ETHYL ACETATE

  Narcotic. On EPA's Hazardous Waste list. "...Irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract" ..."may cause headache and narcosis (stupor)" ..."may cause anemia with leukocytosis and damage to liver and kidneys". "Wash thoroughly after handling."

  LIMONENE

  Carcinogenic. "Prevent its contact with skin or eyes because it is an irritant and sensitizer." "Always wash thoroughly after using this material and before eating, drinking ...applying cosmetics. Do not inhale limonene vapor."

  LINALOOL

  Narcotic. Causes CNS disorders. ..."respiratory disturbances" ..."Attracts bees." "In animal tests: ataxic gait, reduced spontaneous motor activity and depression ...depressed heart activity ...development of respiratory disturbances leading to death."

  PENTANE

  "Danger - Harmful if inhaled ...Avoid breathing vapor." "Inhalation of vapors may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness. Repeated inhalation of vapors may cause CNS depression. Contact can cause eye irritation. Prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis (skin rash)."

  Relevant Facts:

  • CNS = Central Nervous System, your brain and spine.
  • CNS disorders include: Alzheimer's Disease, Attention Deficit Disorder, Dementia, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Seizures, Strokes, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
  • CNS exposure symptoms include: aphasia, blurred vision, disorientation, dizziness, headaches, hunger, memory loss, numbness in face, pain in neck and spine.

[enlarge image]

Comet Disinfectant Powder Cleanser (Regular)

Comet Disinfectant Powder Cleanser released 146 air contaminants, more than any other product tested.

7 chemicals may cause cancer in people, including formaldehyde, chloroform, and benzene.

See below for detailed results of EWG's air pollution test of this school cleaning supply.

Made by: Procter & GambleGreen Certification: None

• Form & Use
• Product Directions
• Ingredients
• Manufacturer Claims
• Manufacturer Warnings

Product Type: bathroom cleaner & disinfectantProduct Form: powder

146	Air Contaminants Detected
6	Ingredients disclosed by manufacturer

Concerns of the chemicals detectedKey health concerns highlighted by major agencies (Study Methodology)

1	Chemicals cause asthma	FORMALDEHYDE
7	Chemicals on California's Prop 65 List for cancer and reproductive toxicity	FORMALDEHYDE, TOLUENE, ACETALDEHYDE, CHLOROFORM, BENZENE, 1-CHLORO-2,3-EPOXYPROPANE, N-ETHYL-N-NITROSO-ETHANAMINE
7	Chemicals linked to cancer	FORMALDEHYDE, QUARTZ, ACETALDEHYDE, CHLOROFORM, BENZENE, 1-CHLORO-2,3-EPOXYPROPANE, N-ETHYL-N-NITROSO-ETHANAMINE
2	Chemicals linked to reproductive toxicity	TOLUENE, BENZENE
2	Chemicals that disrupt hormones	BENZOPHENONE, 1-CHLORO-2,3-EPOXYPROPANE
5	Chemicals toxic to the brain and nervous system	METHYL ETHYL KETONE, TOLUENE, CHLOROFORM, BENZENE, BENZONITRILE
No	Corrosive concentrate or dangerous pH

The chemicals detectedLaboratory Data Qualifiers

#† Denotes quantified using multipoint authentic standard curve (post-calibration). Other VOCs quantified relative to toluene.

# Indicates AQS database match with a probability greater than 99%.

**** Indicates NIST/EPA/NIH best library match only based on retention time and mass spectral characteristics with a probability greater than 95%.

*** Indicates NIST/EPA/NIH best library match only based on retention time and mass spectral characteristics with a probability greater than 90%.

** Indicates NIST/EPA/NIH best library match only based on retention time and mass spectral characteristics with a probability greater than 85%.

* Indicates NIST/EPA/NIH best library match only based on retention time and mass spectral characteristics with a probability greater than 80%.

Toxins in Household Cleaning Products

In this age of super-consumption, marketers have trained us to seek out the brands that that deliver superlative benefits over the competitors…” the tightest ship in the shipping industry”, “the ultimate driving machine”, “the greatest show on earth”, “the best a man can get”. We purchase these items thinking we are getting the most for our money, which will better our lives in some way. Sometimes more is not more. Consider household cleaning products.

“Industrial strength” is one marketing-infused brand attribute that suggests cleaning products will make our homes cleaner and that the job will be done faster, or cheaper, or all of the above. “Industrial strength” tells us the cleaning product is so strong that it really doesn’t belong in our homes. As consumers we are driven to want such products simply because we’re technically not supposed to have them! At least according to the marketers.

The truth is many ingredients in the common household cleaning products we’ve grown to trust are harmful to our health. As consumers why would we want such products around us, our families or our pets? The problem is, most consumers aren’t aware of the hidden dangers these popular cleaning products present to our health. Nor are they aware how pervasive these health threats are.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Most products bear the warning “Keep Out of Reach of Children” in bold type on the label. As consumers, we believe that if our children don’t ingest these products they will not be harmed by them. Consider though that the most common methods of exposure are through the skin and respiratory tract. Children are frequently in contact with the chemical residues housecleaning products leave behind, by crawling, lying and sitting on the freshly cleaned floor. Children, especially infants and toddlers, frequently put their fingers in their mouths and noses, increasing risks for exposure. When infants eat solid food, how common is it that the food is placed directly on a high chair tray that has just been wiped down with a household cleaner or dish detergent? Another factor is that, pound for pound, childrens’ exposure levels are higher than adults’ because, although the amount of chemicals in an exposure remains equal, children’s bodies are smaller so the concentration is stronger, essentially. Also, their immune systems are still developing. Thus, children are probably the highest risk population for chemical exposures through cleaning products. For many of these same reasons, pets may also be at risk. Other populations with a pronounced risk are breast cancer victims, the elderly, asthma and allergy sufferers and those with compromised immune systems.

 

 

REPEATED EXPOSURE

You may be thinking that the diluted aspect of off-the-shelf cleaning products reduces or altogether eliminates the threat of getting sick from your floor polish, window cleaner or air freshener. However many of the toxins found in these products (and so many other cleaning products) are bioaccumulative, meaning the chemicals do not purge easily from the body and over time even mild exposures can add up to toxic levels. In fact, a medical study recently conducted in Iowa suggests a correlation between certain occupations and bladder cancer. One of those occupations was cleaning services. These products are used repeatedly and routinely in the home to maintain cleanliness, increasing the chances for bioaccumulation of chemicals in the body. This is terrible!

WHAT MAY BE LURKING UNDER THE KITCHEN SINK?

Research points to the toxic effects of not only active but also inactive ingredients – hazards that can affect the central nervous system, reproductive systems and other vital bodily systems. Consumers often don’t have the time or know where to go to find important information about the products they use. To make matters worse, the information is often presented in highly scientific language that may be difficult to interpret. But there are a growing number of consumer-friendly resources that can help us sort through all of this information and understand what we need to know to make the best possible choices for our families with regard to household cleaners, disinfectants and polishes.

For starters, the three essential categories into which most of the hazardous ingredients in household cleaning products fall are:

1.    Carcinogens – Carcinogens cause cancer and/or promote cancer’s growth.

2.  Endocrine disruptors – Endocrine disruptors mimic human hormones, confusing the body with false signals. Exposure to endocrine disruptors can lead to numerous health concerns including reproductive, developmental, growth and behavior problems. Endocrine disruptors have been linked to reduced fertility, premature puberty, miscarriage, menstrual problems, challenged immune systems, abnormal prostate size, ADHD, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and certain cancers.

3.  Neurotoxins – Neurotoxins alter neurons, affecting brain activity, causing a range of problems from headaches to loss of intellect.

TAKING CUES FROM PRODUCT LABELS

Consumers may find it cumbersome or time-consuming to research all of the ingredients in the cleaning products under the kitchen sink. Those that wish to will find useful links in the sidebar to this article. In general however, product warning labels can be a useful first line of defense. Cleaning products are required by law to include label warnings if harmful ingredients are included. From safest to most dangerous, the warning signals are:

1.    Caution - One ounce to one pint may be harmful or fatal to a 180-pound male

2.  Warning - One teaspoon to one ounce may be harmful or fatal to a 180-pound male

3.  Danger - One taste to one teaspoon is fatal to a 180-pound male

WHICH CHEMICAL GROUPS CAUSE CONCERN IN THE HEALTH COMMUNITY?

We are exposed to countless chemical ingredients in daily life that may be harmful to our health – too numerous to outline here and beyond the scope of this article. Consumers should know of some general categories of chemicals that should be avoided, however. The following list is not all-inclusive.

Pesticides. One of the most counter-intuitive health threats is that of products that disinfect. Common sense tells us that killing household germs protects our health. However disinfectants are pesticides, and the ingredients in pesticides often include carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. Pesticides are fat-soluble, making them difficult to eliminate from the body once ingested. Pesticides, including disinfectants, may also include alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs).

APEs. APEs act as surfactants, meaning they lower the surface tension of liquids and help cleaning solutions spread more easily over the surface to be cleaned and penetrate solids. APEs are found in detergents, disinfectants, all-purpose cleaners and laundry cleansers. They are also found in many self-care items including spermicides, sanitary towels and disposable diapers. APEs are endocrine disruptors.

Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is commonly known as a preservative. Many people do not know that it is also a germicide, bactericide and fungicide, among other functions. Formaldehyde is found in household cleaners and disinfectants. It is also present in nail polish and other personal care products. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen.

Organochlorines. Organochlorines result from the combination of hydrogen and carbon. Some types are highly deadly, such as DDT. OCs are bioaccumulative and also highly persistent in the environment. OCs are present in pesticides, detergents, de-greasers and bleaches. OCs are also present in drycleaning fluids. OCs are carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.

Styrene. Styrene is a naturally occurring substance derived from the styrax tree. Styrene is most commonly used in the manufacture of numerous plastics including plastic food wrap, insulated cups, carpet backing and PVC piping. Styrene is also found in floor waxes and polishes and metal cleaners. Styrene is a known carcinogen as well as an endocrine disruptor. Exposure may affect the central nervous system, liver and reproductive system.

Phthalates. Phthalates are most commonly used in the manufacture of plastics. Phthalates are also used as carriers for perfumes and air fresheners and as skin penetration enhancers for products such as moisturizers. These chemicals are classified as inert and as such no product-labeling requirements exist for phthalates. They are endocrine disruptors and suspected carcinogens. Phthalates are known to cause hormonal abnormalities, thyroid disorders, birth defects and reproductive problems.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are emitted as gases suspending themselves in the air. VOCs include an array of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects, and are present in perfumes, air fresheners, disinfectants and deodorizers. VOCs commonly include propane, butane, ethanol, phthalates and/or formaldehyde. These compounds pose a variety of human health hazards and collectively are thought to be reproductive toxins, neurotoxins, liver toxins and carcinogens.

SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE

Symptoms of exposure to these types of substances include headache, backache, stiff joints, nausea, diarrhea, asthma or allergy attacks, dizziness, memory loss, stuttering, premature puberty, low sperm count, reduced motor skills, sudden mood swings, dyslexia, ADHD, anti-social behavior/autism and birth defects, among others.

CHEMICALS OF INTEREST

To demonstrate an idea of how pervasive these substances can be under your kitchen sink, 2-butoxyethanol is a good example. Although the signal word for this chemical is “Danger!”, it is found in no less than 108 household cleaning products as well as countless auto, hobby/craft and exterior home maintenance products, according to Household Products Database from the National Library of Medicine. Synonyms for this chemical include butoxyethanol; butyl cellosolve; ethanol, 2-butoxy-; ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether (EGBE); ethylene glycol monobutyl ether; monobutyl ethylene glycol ether; n-Butoxyethanol. This chemical is an organic solvent, and a raw material used in the production of phthalates. Some products that claim to be green include this ingredient!

According to the Material Safety Data Sheet from one leading trigger spray cleaner degreaser, exposure to this chemical is reportedly associated with chronic blood and bone marrow damage. It affects the central nervous system, blood and blood-forming organs, kidneys, liver and lymphoid system. It is an eye and skin irritant. Exposure is generally through the lungs, skin, and mouth with 75% of total exposure attributable to the skin. Even vapors from this chemical can be absorbed by the skin. Under existing EPA guidelines, this chemical is considered a neurotoxin and a possible human carcinogen and has been found to cause cancer in animal testing. Symptoms of exposure to 2-butoxyethanol include central nervous depression, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and prominent headache.

To avoid unnecessary exposure to this chemical, use rubber gloves when cleaning with products containing 2-butoxyethanol, ventilate the work area well and/or mask the mouth and nose appropriately. More favorably, avoid products containing this ingredient. It is important to stress that even products that may be perceived as healthy because their names include the words “green”, “citrus”, “lemon” or “orange” may contain this ingredient. The best advice is to read the ingredient label rather than trust the product name or marketing language.

Another harmful ingredient to watch out for is monoethanolamine, also known as MEA. Other synonyms for this chemical are Ethanolamine; Ethanol, 2-amino-; 2-Aminoethanol; 2-Hydroxyethanamine.

This chemical is a surfactant and an emulsifier and can be found in nearly 50 household cleaning products including floor cleaners, tile and grout cleaners, degreasers, stainless steel cleaners and laundry detergents. Additionally, this APE is found in 100 personal care products listed in the Household Products Database, especially consumer hair coloring products. MEA is also an antihistamine found in several popular over the counter drugs, the sedating powers of which are stronger than many barbiturates. As a cleansing ingredient, MEA is highly corrosive to the skin, potentially even causing bleeding to the exposed area. Inhalation may cause asthma attacks or damage the respiratory tract or lungs. MEA is potentially a neurotoxin. Repeated exposure to MEA can damage the liver and kidneys and has proven toxic in animal lab tests. One leading global chemical company admits the body of available research is insufficient to fully determine the health risks for humans.

 

HOW CAN CONSUMERS MAKE HEALTHIER CHOICES FOR THEIR HOMES AND FAMILIES?

It is truly amazing that all these harmful ingredients are present in products that are supposed to improve our quality of life. Under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, household cleaners are the only household products for which manufacturers are NOT required to list all ingredients. Certain ingredients (such as fragrances) are considered trade secrets and government regulations are designed to protect proprietary information. Without full disclosure, consumers can unknowingly submit themselves and their families to unhealthy exposures to these chemicals.

The safest course of action a consumer can take is to inform him or herself. Here are some suggestions:

1. Read product labels. Don’t use products with a signal word stronger than “Caution”.
2. Research the chemicals listed on product labels through the Household Products Database (http://www.householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov), the Cosmetics Database (http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com), Toxnet (http://www.toxnet.nlm.nih.gov) and Scorecard (http://www.scorecard.org).
3. Avoid products with fragrances. A clean home should smell like nothing at all.
4. Use homemade cleaning solutions made from good, old-fashioned common ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, lemon juice and borax.
5. Find and purchase cleaning solutions that bear the Green Seal logo. Green Seal certifies cleaning products to be effective at cleaning yet safer for human health and the environment
6. Interview cleaning services and hire one that is Green Clean Certified. Many national cleaning services and local cleaning companies are now making the switch to green products, but ask exactly what they are using. Local companies using green practices include Castle Keepers [1]in Charleston, SC.
7. Make sure the cleaning supplies that are used by your cleaning service or by used are recogized as being free of toxins [2]

Taking a greener approach to cleaning can help you feel better physically. But you’ll probably also feel better mentally, knowing you are creating a safer environment for yourself, your family and your pets.

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Endocrine Disruption

The Male Predicament

 

The Male Predicament is the informative and compelling lecture that Dr. Colborn has delivered across the U.S. and overseas. Using scientific facts, photos and a touch of humor, it describes in detail how males are susceptible to endocrine disrupting chemicals.

Click here to view the video on-line. If you have trouble viewing the video, hit the pause button and wait 
for the video to load completely before playing.

Click here to have us send you a DVD.

On February 10th, 2010, The Collaborative on Health and the Environment hosted a call-in discussion of The Male Predicament, featuring Dr. Colborn and two scientific experts. Click here for more information and to listen to an MP3 recording of the call.

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Antibac* refers to those products that contain an
antibacterial agent for self-cleansing purposes only.
The agent is solely designed to inhibit bacterial odor,
mold, and/or mildew growth within the product.

Norwex Silver Care Antibac* Toothbrush

Adult toothbrush created to help eliminate bacteria growth and buildup. Self sanitizes within hours.

Each package includes a toothbrush and refill.

Not intended for individuals requiring assistance brushing their teeth and not recommended for children under the
age of 3.

2 year warranty

This is a seriously fantastic product.

If you're prone to the kinds of recurring infections that cause colds, bronchitis, sinus problems, strep throat and the like, the Silver Care Antibac* Toothbrush may be your answer.

What you need to understand about your current toothbrush:

• As you brush, the bristles touch the bacteria living in your mouth.
• That bacteria remains on your toothbrush even if you rinse it in
  scalding tap water, and the bacteria doesn't just sit there between
  brushing, it grows and multiplies!
• Every time you brush, the bacteria that's been colonizing on your toothbrush gets re-introduced into your mouth and more bacteria from your mouth is deposited back onto your toothbrush.
• It's easy to see why you can get sick over and over...you may be
  re-infecting yourself!
• When people are sick, they use the bathroom…and your toothbrush is susceptible to "airborne" contamination.
• When was the last time you cleaned that drawer or toothbrush holder? Any germs growing in there can possibly get on your toothbrush!

Why is the Silver Care Antibac* Toothbrush better than any toothbrush on the market including those that cost over $100?

Because the bristles of the Silver Care Toothbrush are made of NORWEX Antibac* Microfiber, it cleans teeth much more effectively than a nylon-bristled toothbrush.

• The microfiber bristles are "grabby" but gentle, and are able to pick up more of the plaque, bacteria and germs off your teeth than a regular nylon head.
• The Norwex Silver Care Plus Toothbrush comes with 2 heads, and lasts
  a full year.
• The bristles of the Silver Care Plus Self-Sanitizing Toothbrush are embedded in the unique head plated with 99.9% pure silver.
• On contact with water, the silver head releases active silver ions that begin to inhibit bacterial growth.
• The antibac* process is natural and continuous and self-sanitizing.
  
  

Order for yourself, your family,
your friends...and...your pet...today!

Enjoy Exploring Norwex

Desiree Velasco-Bain
Independent Sales Consultant
t

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Spend 70% LESS time cleaning your toys...
and enjoy 70% MORE time playing with them!

Antibac* refers to those products that contain an
antibacterial agent for self-cleansing purposes only.
The agent is solely designed to inhibit bacterial odor,
mold, and/or mildew growth within the product.

Click on the following links to Order:

Enviro Cloth (Antibac*)

This multipurpose microfiber Enviro Cloth removes dust, dirt, and grease from all washable surfaces.

2 year warranty - $15.99

Window Cloth (Antibac*)

The Window Cloth allows you to clean
windows, mirrors, jewelry, and shiny
surfaces with water alone.

Clean dirty surface first with a moist Enviro Cloth,
then polish with the Window Cloth for a streak-free
shine. On less dirty surfaces, simply spray water
on the surface and polish with the dry Window Cloth.

2 year warranty – $17.99

Car Wash Mitt

Collected dirt and debris
easily washes out with
just a rinse. Holds soap
and water well.

2 year warranty - $26.99

Mattress Cleaner

Mattress Cleaner
is designed to
remove all
organic matter
on mattresses,
sofas and bedding,
including duvets,
car seats, pet
places, etc..

60 day warranty –12.oz. - $29.99

 Refresh Odour
Neutralizer

A natural way
to combat odors
in every room in
the house.

60 day warranty

$17.99

Odour Eliminator

Odour Eliminator is an
excellent deodorant
for use in washrooms,
garbage cans/bins,
lockers, changing
rooms etc...

60 day warranty

12 oz. - $12.99

Carpet Stain Buster

Norwex Carpet
Stain Buster
is a complete
carpet cleaning
solution
used for
shampooing,
spot cleaning, deodorizing...,

60 day warranty

12 oz. - $27.99

 

Rubber Brush

The Rubber Brush
removes hair,lint,
crumbs, and dust
from textiles, pets,
furniture and carpeted stairs...

60 day warranty - $13.99

Leather Shine

Our Leather Shine
formula will naturally
clean, restore and
beautify your leathers
without the use of man made waxes
or harmful chemicals.

Great for boots purses, belts,
leather gloves, baseball mitts,
saddles or anything else
made of leather.

Can also be used on rubber and
hard plastic to restore luster.

60 day warranty - $33.99

Optic Cloth

Specially designed for removing greasy finger prints and residues from small surfaces.

The Optic Cloth is great
for eyeglasses, camera lenses,
binoculars, computer screens,
CD’s, cell phone screens and telescopes.

$8.99

Superior Mop Starter 

(1) telescopic handle
(1) large melted Velcro mop base
(1) large antibac wet mop
(1) large superior antibac dry mop

$112.99

(Total Priced Separately = $127.96)

- The aluminum Mop Handle adjusts from 39” to 63”

- The Melted Velcro Base has Velcro strips on the bottom to secure
mop pads, and rubber edging to protect walls. Easily snaps into
mop handle. Features an easy locking mechanism to hold base firm
for washing walls and windows.

- The Wet Mop Pad, made of microfiber, is ideal for washing floors and
walls. Sweep surface with dry mop first, then clean with the wet mop.

- The Dry Superior Mop Pad, made of 100% microfiber is excellent for
flooring areas, where there are children and pets. The pads are
statically charged and will pick up the smallest particles of dirt, dust,
pet hair, crumbs and micro particles.

The NORWEX Mop (and optional Mop Brackets below), make short work
of washing the roof, sides and windows of your RV. The thin design
makes it a breeze to get under all the handles and ladders too.

The optional Mop Brackets utilize the Enviro Cloth and
Window Cloth to make window cleaning super easy.

And the ability to be able to pivot (or fix in place) the
mop base, as well as the telescoping handle
make it a cinch to move around the inside
while you clean those floors!

Mop Brackets

...are durable; featuring a rubber
grommet slit used to fasten
the Window Cloth, Large Enviro Cloth
or Car Cloth in place for washing
and polishing hard to reach areas.

2 year warranty - $11.99

Just look what NORWEX products can do!

Not really...just kidding!

But for those of you that are into restoring your pride and joy
to a like new condition, whether from a weekend
outing or in the case below...

NORWEX products will help them shine with the same
beam of light that is in your eyes!

"Cars" and trucks just for you Seth.
Love, Uncle Scott & Aunty Desi

Enjoy Exploring Norwex

Desiree Velasco-Bain
Independent Sales Consultant
t

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This Paradigm Shift Will Eliminate
the Use of Chemical Cleaners in Our Homes

"PARADIGM SHIFT" - n. a radical change in underlying beliefs or theory.

      Before a radical change in underlying beliefs or theory, we used to think:

          - The earth was the center of the universe, and the sun
             revolved around it!
          - The earth was flat!

          ...AND...Does this sound familiar?

"I like smelling my chemicals
because I know my house is clean"

Perhaps you have even said it yourself.

But is it an accurate statement?

Let's investigate...

When a "Paradigm Shift" occurs, it affects everyone...
whether they are aware of it or not...

Examples:

If we still believed the world was flat,
we would pretty much still be in the dark ages!





We used to believe that the earth was the center
of the universe and that the sun revolved around us.

If we still believed this, we wouldn't have cell phones, i Pads, GPS...

Imagine trying to launch satellites into space or land on the moon thinking everything revolved around the earth!

This would certainly affect everyone...

Whether we believed the new paradigm or not.

___________________

It was a paradigm shift that brought in the use of chemical cleaners.

Our generation and that of our children have been raised to believe that the only way to get things really clean was to use chemical cleaners and sprays.

We have also come to believe the smell those cleaners and sprays leave behind means our homes are clean.

But are they really?

Let's discuss a very commonly used product that is a "go to" product for eliminating odors in the home.

(You all know the one I'm talking about.)

It is sprayed on sofas, sofa pillows, bedding and pillows, pet areas and so on...



  Dust Mites feed on this organic matter...

  Then they breed...

  And each one poops 20 pellets of their own waste each day...

  So, with this information...let's make that statement again:

"I like smelling my chemicals
because I know my house is clean"

The "Paradigm Shift" that is occurring today is changing that statement to:

"Clean Doesn't Smell"

"Clean is simple...
It's just water and a Cloth!"


The reason that this "Paradigm Shift" has taken so long to manifest itself is that there hasn't been an alternative that would clean without the use of odor cover-ups or harsh cleaning products.
 

UNTIL NOW!

       For example - Here's just one of our many products:

NORWEX Mattress Cleaner

- The most amazing alternative and solution for those of us that were raised with the idea that the smell of chemicals means our home is clean.

- An "Enzyme" product that attacks organic eliminations from pets and humans and breaks them down.

- This separates the dust mites from their food source
and they die.

Think of it like this:


The Chemical Solution:

(That's pretty much what you are doing when you use "cover-up" sprays).
     
The NORWEX Solution:

"A Cleaner, Greener, Environmentally Safe Way of Living"

"A CHEMICAL FREE LIVING"

Then...you will have discovered the statement of this Paradigm Shift:

Enjoy Exploring Norwex

Desiree Velasco-Bain
Independent Sales Consultant
t