8 Known Carcinogens to remove from your house

 

1. Air fresheners- Go here for complete list from Shine

Those things that bring sweet smelling air also have  napthelene and formaldehyde, both known carcinogens, as well as a host of other toxic chemicals.

Try an rid the area of whaever is offensive instead of masking it.  If something still stinks, try zeolite, baking soda, or natural fragrances from essential oils. For more information, see Easy Greening: Air Fresheners

2. Art and Craft materials: Art hazards List

3.Automotive supplies: Go here for complete details

4. dry cleaning:

Conventional dry cleaners use tons of chemicals, such as perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene), naphthalene, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, all of which are carcinogenic. These chemical fumes can stick around on your clothes for days.

If your garments require a trip to the cleaners, ask for the wet-cleaning option at the cleaners, and seek dry cleaners that use liquid C02 or citrus juice cleaners. For more information, see Healthy and Green Dry Cleaning.

5. Flea tick and lice control: Go here for complete details

6. paints and varnishes- Always use No or Low VOC Paint

7. moth balls- very harmful

8. cleaning products:

Not all cleaning products contain carcinogens, but here are the worst offenders.

Mold and mildew cleaners can be really bad, often containing formaldehyde. Try a natural approach to killing mold and mildew by using vinegar and tea tree oil.

Carpet and upholstery cleaners are designed to strip stains and dirt from heavy textiles by using noxious substances. The worst of the ingredients is perchloroethylene, a central nervous system toxicant and respiratory irritant.

Instead, try using a steam cleaner with water or a natural-based cleaner. Next time you’re shopping for furniture, aim for styles that use slipcovers that can be removed and washed or water-process dry-cleaned.

Furniture polishes achieve a shine with nitrobenzene, a reproductive toxin and central nervous system toxin that can be absorbed through the skin. Look for an all-natural polish, or make your own using 1/8 cup olive oil or other vegetable oil mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar and
1 tablespoon vodka.