How to Detox Household Products

Speaker: Emma Rohmann
Written by: Sheena Jain & Esha Jain

Toxic chemicals exist all around us, whether it is in the cleaning products we store in our bathroom cabinets, our everyday cosmetics/personal care products, the furniture we sit and relax on each evening or even in the food we enjoy consuming. Although these toxic substances are not always visible to the naked eye, they are present everywhere and can have damaging effects to our health. Many of us do not realize the mechanism in which these harmful agents enter and accumulate inside of us or the extent to which they burden our bodies. These chemicals can build up due to a variety of different methods which include some being stored within our fatty tissue, while other agents maybe slow to leave our bodies. Additionally, bioaccumulation is also a contributing factor, in which our position at the top of the food chain allows us to consume the animals, water and plants that exist within our environment, while simultaneously ingesting the harmful agents present within these sources of food in the process. Furthermore the impact that these agents have on children is far more detrimental due to their small stature and body surface area allowing smaller concentrations of chemicals to have an effect as well as their immature immune systems combating and abolishing toxins at far slower rates than that of fully developed adults.

“Toxic chemicals” is such a broad term that encompasses numerous amounts of harmful agents which include: carcinogens, hormone disruptors, neurotoxins, respiratory toxins, reproductive toxins and developmental toxins to name a few. Each of these agents exists in different products within our household and has their own unique effects. We have isolated the toxins commonly found in different household products within our homes and safer alternatives that can be used in the table below:

RoomToxic ChemicalsAlternatives

Kitchen1) Teflon Cookware

    → Formerly made with PFOA

         (carcinogen, hormone disruptor, highly

          persistent environmental toxin phased out in

          2015)

     → Teflon is especially detrimental when warmed

          because of off-gassing

     → Scratched Teflon based cookware should not be

          used because the layer in between is unsafe and

          not meant to contaminate food   

     → If unable to avoid using Teflon based cookware:

          as long as it is in good condition, unscratched

          and is used at lower temperatures it is not as

          harmful to use

2) Plastics

     →Plastics #3 & #7 may contain BPA or BPS

         (hormone disruptors) & other harmful

       chemicals

- Ceramic

    →Closest to Teflon in terms of

        Its non-stick properties

    →Free of PFOA

- Stainless Steel

- Cast Iron

     →Will have non-stick abilities

         as long as the cast iron

         based material is constantly

         being oiled and seasoned

     →Not good for use of cooking

         acidic foods (i.e. tomato

         sauce)

- Glass

- Stainless Steel

- Silicone

Bedroom1) Mattress & Pillows

     → May contain Flame Retardants

          (many are hormone disruptors)

     → Most foam based products contain flame

          retardants

     → Not all product labels are mandated to include

          flame retardants

- Organic Cotton

    → Non-organic Cotton has high

         concentrations of pesticides   

- Wool

- Natural Rubber

    → NOT Latex or Natural Latex

         because latex is synthetic

         which can cause off-gassing

         and the fibers are naturally

         flame retardants    

Living Room1) Furniture

      → Adhesives & Finishes can off-gas Volatile

            Organic Compounds (VOCs)

      → VOCs can have asthmatic, allergenic &

           carcinogenic effects

           (therefore these VOCs can have greater adverse

           effects on individuals with pre-existing asthma

           or allergies)

2) Flooring

     → Adhesives & Finishes can off-gas Volatile Organic

          Compounds (VOCs)

          VOCs can have asthmatic, allergenic &

         carcinogenic effects

     → Carpets may contain stain repellents

          Stain Repellents are persistent environmental

          toxins and hormone disruptors as well as have

          carcinogenic effects

    → Any soft surfaces will collect dust and aggravate

         asthma & allergies

- Solid Wood/Metal

- Greenguard Gold

   → 3rd party standard

        (Greenguard Certified)

   → Gold is even better

- Hardwood

- Natural Fibres

- Linoleum

- Cork

   → Not as resilient but not bad

        in certain areas at home

   → Warm under feet

In addition to using safer alternative products there are a variety of different ways to detox without going completely insane. Some of these techniques include focusing on a category of harm and prioritizing highest chances of exposure. Maintaining our overall health has also been proven to be beneficial as environmental toxins are one of many factors contributing to our health. Therefore maintaining health as a whole can positively affect the way in which our body manages toxin exposure. Taking the time to research and educate ourselves regarding ingredients in different products, the negative effects of toxic chemicals and safer/natural alternatives can also be helpful. These include referring to third party certifications, David Suzuki’s Queen of Green, Environmental Working Group and Environmental Defense. Some informative pieces of literature that can also be read to further expand our knowledge include: Adria Vasil (Ecoholic Series), Slow Death by Rubber Duck and The Soft Landing.     

            Now that we have established various ways to prevent and decrease the amount of toxins that we allow into our home, an additional concern arises. How do we detox our homes and reduce the amount of toxins that already exist within our homes? Well, for one thing we can refer to a list of NASA air purifying plants. This will indicate which plants can combat which toxic chemical, so that we can bring these houseplants into our homes to purify our contaminated air and therefore lower our toxin exposure. Furthermore, regularly dusting can also assist in removing many toxins that are residing within our homes. Many times chemicals such as flame retardants seep out of products, deposit in dust particles and accumulate within our homes. Therefore, dusting can prevent these toxins from building up and exposing us.

            The topic of toxic chemicals and reducing our exposure can be overwhelming, as they exist in materials all around us and in our everyday products. Making a conscious effort to constantly educate ourselves and start by taking small strides to replace harmful agents to safer alternatives can have outstanding effects in the long run and ultimately benefit our health.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1) What toxic chemicals have commonly been found within the dust particles inside the home?

Chemical ClassChemicalHealth HazardCommon Products Containing this Chemical

Phthalates:DEHP- Reproductive System & Developmental Toxicity

- Hormone Disruption

- Vinyl Flooring

- Food Contact Materials

DEHA- Reproductive System & Developmental Toxicity- Vinyl Flooring

- Food Packaging

BBzP- Reproductive System & Developmental Toxicity

- Hormone Disruption

- Vinyl FlooringDnBP- Reproductive System & Developmental Toxicity

- Hormone Disruption

- Nail Polish

- Paints

DiBP- Reproductive System & Developmental Toxicity

- Hormone Disruption

- Vinyl Products

- Personal Care & Beauty   

 Products

Fragrance:HHCB- UNKNOWN- Scented Products

Flame Retardant:TPHP- Reproductive & Nervous System Toxicity- Treated Furniture

- Baby Products

- Carpet Padding

- Electronics

TDCIPP- Cancer- Treated Furniture

- Baby Products

- Carpet Padding

HBCDD- Reproductive & Nervous System Toxicity

- Hormone Disruption

- Polystyrene Building   

 Insulation

Phenol:MeP- Reproductive System Toxicity

- Hormone Disruption

- Cosmetics

- Lotions

- Deodorants

2)   What is the mechanism in which household plants are able to remove toxic chemicals from the air?

Household plants are able to remove toxic chemicals from the air using a process similar to photosynthesis in which plants absorb carbon dioxide and light energy through pores on the surface of plant leaves and convert it into chemical energy to fuel growth. In addition to carbon dioxide, household plants are also able to absorb other gases through their roots and leaves including: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Benzene and Formaldehyde. After absorbing toxic chemicals, household plants themselves can manage toxicants in two ways:

• They can incorporate these toxic agents into plant tissue and therefore remove them from the air and sequester them.

• They can metabolize toxic chemicals and release harmless by-products.

       Additionally, the microorganisms that reside within the soil of these household plants can neutralize these  toxic agents, so that they no longer pose a threat to our health.

3)  Why is Teflon cookware so detrimental to our health when it is heated?

Although Teflon [polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)], itself is a relatively inert chemical, and can travel right through our gastrointestinal system without being absorbed, it is often considered to be harmful to our health. Studies have demonstrated that issues arise once Teflon based cookware is heated to significantly higher temperatures. When this material is heated above 3000C (5720F), PTFE is able to breakdown and release perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

These PFOA fumes can be responsible for causing “Polymer Fume Fever” a rare illness with flu-like symptoms including chest tightening, mild coughing, nausea and sweating. Additionally PFOA is under investigation by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency to determine whether this chemical is carcinogenic. Further health and environmental concerns have arisen regarding the manufacturing process of PTFE and PFOA.

Although Teflon has been found to be more of a threat when heated to significantly higher temperatures, other studies have found that PTFE can release sufficient amounts of fumes at both high and normal cooking temperatures to be life-threatening to birds.

SOURCES:

1)    Claudio, Luz. "Planting Healthier Indoor Air." Environmental Health Perspectives. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Oct. 2011. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3230460/>.

2)    "Do Indoor Plants Really Clean the Air?" LiveScience. Purch, n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <http://www.livescience.com/38445-indoor-plants-clean-air.html>.

3)    "Fear of Teflon Flakes Found in Frying Pan." Fear of Teflon Flakes Found in Frying Pan | Go Ask Alice! N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/fear-teflon-flakes-found-frying-pan>.

4)     "Your Household Dust Probably Contains These Chemicals." The Washington Post. WP Company, n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/09/14/your-household-dust-probably-contains-these-chemicals/?utm_term>.

Toxics in Our Home

Speaker: Muhannad MalasWritten by: Sheena Jain & Esha Jain

Toxins exist throughout our homes; whether they are in our living room floors, our furniture or even in our cooking ware, they can be present all around us without us even knowing. Regardless of how cautious we may be toxins can be hard to escape. Many times we may be bringing harmful toxins into our homes without even realizing. This can occur due to either not knowing which products are detrimental to our health, or because of toxic ingredients not being listed on product labels. For instance, flame retardants which were originally developed as an industrial gimmick as a result of tobacco industries being blamed for causing fires. In order to overcome these accusations, tobacco companies collaborated with the furniture industry and created furniture soaked in flame retardants intended to delay the onset of fires. Unlike the U.S, Canadian policies have not mandated that flame retardants be included in product labels, in order to prevent an economic decline amongst furniture industries. This has resulted in many Canadian consumers being unaware of their presence when purchasing furniture; thereby unknowingly introducing harmful toxins into their homes. Additionally, many products include an ingredient labelled “*Fragrance”, which encompasses many toxic ingredients one of which includes phthalates. However companies are not required to include the specific chemicals that make up this ingredient on product labels. Although policies have been passed, to eliminate the use of toxins in some products, they do not necessarily prevent its use within other products. This has been demonstrated by the previous ban of BPA use in baby bottles but its continual presence in 2/3rds of Canadian cans.

Many toxins are known to be carcinogenic, and can be attributed to the development of a wide range of cancers. Other toxins are known as endocrine disruptors which affect the function of natural hormones in our body, potentially leading to reproductive problems, diabetes and obesity, among many others. Not only are toxins damaging to our health but they can also negatively impact our environment, including polluting our water and soil. In addition to polluting our environment, toxins can be present within these areas for long periods of time and can also travel long distances throughout our environment, which can be harmful to our wildlife. Studies have demonstrated toxins affecting the seal population in the arctic; this in turn introduces these detrimental chemicals into the Inuit population, as they commonly ingest seals as part of their staple diet. An example of this is flame retardants which have a high affinity for fatty tissue. Therefore pregnant women consuming contaminated seal meat can pass the toxin to their children through the process of breastfeeding.

(I.e. Flame retardants enter environment → Contaminate seals → Contaminated seals consumed by Inuit population → Flame retardants deposit in fatty tissue of these Inuit women → Thus toxins passed on to breastfed infant).

Some common toxins that are present within our homes and in household products include the following:

TOXINS WHERE TOXINS ARE PRESENT TOXIC EFFECTS Bisphenol A & Similar Compounds

(BPA, BPS, BPF)

- Food cans

 → BPA used in lining of

      aluminum cans & in lids    

      of some glass jars

→  BPA can come out of

     some of the food cans

     and contaminate foods

→  More acidic and hotter

     foods (i.e. canned soups)

     contain & release more

     BPA in food   

- Plastic containers

- Plastic Reusable Bottles

- Cash Register Receipts

  → BPA makes plastics harder

- Endocrine/Hormone

 Disruptors

- BPA linked to Breast Cancer

Flame Retardants

(DecaBDE, TetraBDE, TDCPP, TPHP)

- Couches

- Office Chairs

- Mattresses

- Nail Polish

 →  flame retardants (i.e. PBDEs,  

        chlorinated organophosphate

        types, brominated diphenyl

        ethers) are widely used in

        polyurethane foam, upholstered

        furniture (i.e.couch foam) &

        carpets, delay the onset of fire  

- Hormone Disruptors

- PBDEs can impact fetal brain

 development

- Cancer

- Low IQ in children

Phthalates & Parabens - Nail Polish

- Parfum/Fragrance

- Makeup

- Personal Care Products

- Vinyl Floors (Phthalates)

  →  Phthalates make plastics more

        malleable

- Hormone Disruptors

- Reproductive Toxicants

- Allergens

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

(Terpenes, Toluene)

- Cleaning Products

- Air Freshener Sprays

- Air Pollutants

- Contribute to smog

- Some VOCs increase cancer   

  risk

Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs)

(PFOA, PFOS)

- Non-Stick (Teflon) Cookware

- Water & Stain Resistant

  Clothing & Furniture

- Hormone Disruptors

- Some PFCs are carcinogenic

- Persistent Environmental

  Pollutants (POPs)

Triclosan - Often used as “Antibacterial”

- Toothpaste

- Hand Sanitizers

- Deodorants

- Hormone Disruptors

- Toxic to Aquatic Ecosystems

 (i.e. fish)

Lead - Makeup

- Imported Plumbing Supplies

- Old Paint

- Solder

- Reproductive toxicant

- Neurotoxic

- Environmental Pollutant

- No safe exposure level for children

Mercury - Compact Fluorescent Bulb

- Batteries

- Risk of exposure when

 bulbs/batteries break

 → Proper disposal is important

- Neurotoxic; affects child

 development

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) - Fluorescent Bulbs

- Oil-Based Paint

- Caulking

- Most uses banned but can still

 be found in old electronic

 equipment & building material

- Hormone disruptors

- Carcinogens & Neurotoxins

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) - Coal Tar Driveway Sealants  &

 Roofing Materials

- Cosmetics & Shampoos

 containing Coal Tar

- Highly Carcinogenic

- Hormone disruptors

- Pollute streams & lakes   

  through rainwater runoff

The toxins present within our homes were demonstrated by Mr. Malas, who isolated individual toxins present in different rooms within our homes and addressed various ways to manage these harmful chemicals.

Location Common Toxins in those areas Some Solutions Living Room Flame Retardants:

- Couch

- In old & worn out furniture

 flame retardants can seep  

 through the furniture material,

 speeding up the process of

 off-gassing

- Electronics

VOCs:

- Paint

Lead:

- Paint in houses painted >20

  years ago

PCBs, PVC:

- Older electronics

 → PVC’s are used to insulate

      wire

Phthalates:

(formaldehyde contaminate created through the process of gassing when chemicals are released into the air)

- Laminate Flooring

- Look at labels

 →  For curtains, carpets or

       upholstery choose

       untreated, naturally

       flame-resistant textiles like

       wool

- Air out new furniture before

 placing it in your home or open

 windows to air out new

 furniture

- Remove dust regularly with

 damp cloth, by dusting &/or     

 vacuuming because flame  

 retardants attach to dust

- Bring out household plants to

  naturally remove toxins

- Throw out old/worn out

 furniture

Kitchen HFCs

(hydrofluorocarbons):

- Refrigerator

PFCs

PFOA, PFOS (e.g. Teflon):

- Non-stick cookware (i.e. pans)

BPA:

- Cooking utensils (if plastic)

- Food Cans

- Plastic packaging materials of

 foods

Phthalates

VOCs:

(Formaldehyde created when toxins released and react with ozone)

 → carcinogenic

- Cooking utensils (if plastic)

- Cleaning Products

Lead:

- Pipes

Pesticide Residue :

- Foods

- Purchase and eat fresh, frozen

 & dried foods

- Do not heat frozen foods in

 plastic containers/packaging

- Purchase foods in glass or BPA

 free containers

- Look for foods that are free of

 BPA & BPA alternatives  

- Use ceramic, stainless steel or

 cast iron

- Avoid scratching non-stick

 cookware or using on high

 heat

- Avoid using plastic utensils for

 cooking. Use wooden utensils.

Bathroom Phthalates, Parabens:

- Personal Care Products

- Cosmetics

- Shampoo/Conditioners

Sulfates:

- Personal Care Products

Triclosan:

- Toothpaste

- Deodorant

- Hand Soaps

- Clothing

Flame Retardants:

- Nail polish

PVC:

- Shower Curtain (if plastic)

- Look at labels

- Avoid labels that include the

terms “parfum” or “fragrance”

- Make own products

- Look for eco-certified products

- Use natural ingredients and

 fresheners

- Use BCAQ’s lists of toxic 20

- Avoid using plastic shower

 curtains

  → If can’t avoid using plastic

       shower curtain, then air out

  → It can take up to 3 weeks to

       completely air out the

       toxins present in plastic

       shower curtains

As demonstrated, many small components of household products and material contain some type of toxin. On a larger scale, each of these individual chemicals has contributed to the massive amount of toxins we have present within our homes and their synergistic effects with one another. In order to prevent or at least reduce their negative effects, the first step is to be aware of what is present in the products around us. We must make a conscious effort to purchase materials that are known to be free of toxins and continue to educate ourselves about the ingredients in newer and previously used products.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS    

1)  What is Toxic Home Syndrome? How is it caused and what can be done to prevent it?

Toxic home syndrome is the household equivalent to Sick Building Syndrome. Toxic home syndrome occurs when the polluted air within people’s homes causes their health to deteriorate. This essentially increases their risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, asthma and cancer.  Toxic Home Syndrome affects over 15 million homes, when common household practises such as gas stove cooking, or the use of a dryer emits toxins detrimental to our health into our homes. Additionally organisms and chemicals can seep through basement floors especially when insufficient ventilation prevents the dilution of contaminants. This further introduces harmful toxins into our household air such as mold spores, carbon monoxide, VOCs and radon.   

            Inadequately ventilated homes have higher carbon dioxide levels which can cause feelings of fatigue, lethargy and congestion.  Low to moderately high levels of contaminants can cause the following symptoms to present: coughing, sneezing, dizziness and watery eyes. At severely high levels, symptoms exhibited can include: nose bleeds, wheezing, asthma, lung disease, muscle pain and rashes.  

            Toxic Home Syndrome can develop from exposure to the following contaminants due to some common household practises:  

Household Practises/Contamination Toxins/Contaminants Released Health Effects Mold Contamination - Mold Spores & Fungal Particulates

- Toxigenic Molds may release       

 Mycotoxins

Spores:

- Allergic Rhinitis

- Asthma  

Drying Laundry - VOCs

 → Acetaldehyde & Benzene

      can be off- gassed by washing &

      drying clothes indoors

VOCs:

- Lung Irritation

- Headache

- Nausea

Acetaldehyde & Benzene:

- Carcinogenic

Using Fireplace - Particle pollution in smoke - Damage Lung tissue

- Respiratory problems

Carpeted Homes - Dust mites, fungus, dirt, dander &  

    pet hair can potentially hide in

    carpeting

- Triggers asthma attacks

- Severe allergic reactions

- Lung irritation

Cooking with Gas stove - Nitrogen Dioxide

- Formaldehyde

- Acrolein

- Carbon Monoxide

- Cancer

- Respiratory symptoms

Using Basement - Radon

 →  by-product released when     

         uranium in soil and rock breaks   

         down

 →  Seeps in through cracks in

         basement floors, walls or

         foundations and enters home

- Lung Cancer

Increasing ventilation within homes has been shown to reduce the negative effects of Toxic Home Syndrome by as much as 38%. This can be achieved by checking HVAC systems, opening windows, or using a blower/fan indoors. Other ways to improve household air quality include:

•  Drying clothes outdoors using a clothing line or opening laundry room windows

• Using hardwood flooring instead of carpet

• Keeping shoes off indoors, as shoes can introduce outdoor dirt, pollen and soil as well as spread contaminants and debris into homes

• When painting homes, use low VOC painting products, open window to remove

             contaminants from paint and avoid using room until paint has completely dried

• Ensure that vent fan above gas stove is functioning and is adequately venting to outside the home

2) What specific toxins can different plant species clear from our homes?

•  Golden Pothos: Formaldehyde, other VOCs

•  Ficus Alii: General air purifier

•  Spider Plant: Benzene, Formaldehyde, Carbon Monoxide, Xylene

•  Lady Palm: General air purifier

•  Snake Plant: Formaldehyde

• Aloe: Formaldehyde, Benzene

• Moth Orchid: Formaldehyde

• Dwarf Pygmy Date Palm: Formaldehyde, Xylene

• Chinese Evergreen: Air Pollutants, Toxins

• Chrysanthemum: Benzene

• Gerber Daisy: Trichloroethylene, Benzene

• Red-Edged Dracaena: Xylene, Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde

• Weeping Fig: Formaldehyde, Benzene, Trichloroethylene

• English Ivy: Airborne fecal-matter particles

• Azalea: Formaldehyde

• Heart Leaf Philodendron: Formaldehyde, many other air pollutants

• Warneck Dracaena: Pollutants associated with varnishes & oils

• Boston Fern: Formaldehyde

• Bamboo Palm: Benzene, Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde

• Peace Lily: Formaldehyde, Benzene, Trichloroethylene, Toluene, Xylene

3)  What are common toxins found in the tap water within our homes and what illnesses have been linked to its exposure?

Tap water has been shown to contain over 700 chemicals including cadmium, barium, lead, perfluorochemicals and polychlorinated biphenyls/PCBs to name a few. These toxins initially pollute soil, which in turn contaminates groundwater, and this eventually leads to their presence within tap water. Some of the negative effects of toxins present in tap water have been linked to such illnesses as: cancer, hypothyroidism and damage to the immune system. In higher concentrations some tap water contaminants can potentially lead to brain, liver and kidney damage in addition to various cancers.

When tap water contaminants are heated, they can become inhalable gasses, which can be inhaled while showering. Chloramines and chlorine, two chemicals commonly used in the treatment of drinking water are typically vaporized and inhaled while showering, increasing the risk of bladder cancer, hypertension, allergies and lung damage.  

Using a showerhead filter can prevent the exposure of inhalable gasses and chemicals. These showerheads filters can remove the following contaminants: chlorine, chloramines, barium, lead and mercury. This can prevent the development of the detrimental health conditions related to these toxins.

Sources

1)      "20 Houseplants That Clear Toxins From Your Home." 20 Houseplants To Clear Toxins From The Air In Your Home! N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. (http://www.care2.com/greenliving/20-houseplants-to-clear-toxins-from-your-home.html)

2)      Admin. "Hidden Toxins in Your Home | Bottom Line Inc." Bottom Line Inc. N.p., 01 Feb. 2016. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. (http://bottomlineinc.com/hidden-toxins-in-your-home/)

3)      Admin, By. "Toxic Home Syndrome: Could Your Home Be Making You Ill?" Air Quality Testing by Air Quality Solutions 1844AIR TEST. N.p., 09 Apr. 2015. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. (http://www.airqualitysolutions.ca/toxic-home-syndrome/)