Minimize the Use of Toxic Products in Your Home Pollution is generated each time a cleaning bucket is dumped, a drain is unclogged with chemicals, a garden is sprayed with pesticides, or any chemical is discarded in the trash. The chemical products used in homes every day are irritants that may have carcinogenic fumes. Misused, some of these products can cause severe illness and fatalities. Improperly disposed of, the chemicals emerge in our streams, drinking water and oceans. These products should not be mixed together; for example, chlorine bleach and ammonia can form deadly chloramine gas when combined. Watch for Product Labels Labels such as Danger, Poison, Warning & Caution notify us of products containing toxic ingredients that should be avoided or used in moderation with extreme care. Look for products that have little or no warnings. Need Help? If you have trouble finding natural and alternative products, contact your local co-op or health food store or do a search on the Internet. New books are published every year that cover these topics. The non-profit group Co-op America compiles extensive information about responsible consumption: www.CoopAmerica.org or (800) 584-7336. If your local markets don't carry alternative products, ask them to.

Beware of "Home Improvement" Products Many paints, glues, rug cleaners and other products contain toxic ingredients that create vapors or residues for weeks after they are used or applied. Some of these products are safer than others, for example, look for water-based products and paints with a low volatile organic compound (VOC) content. Dietary Concerns Many commercial foods contain chemical pesticide residues. Conventionally grown carrots and strawberries contain some of the highest chemical residues. As animals eat and grow, pesticides, dioxins and other chemicals bioaccumulate (build up in the food chain). Animal waste from factory farms causes significant water pollution and the production of animal-based food requires large amounts of resources (land, water, energy) compared to the production of plant-based food. To reduce waste and dietary exposure to toxins, eat lower on the food chain (fewer animal products) and look for certified organic foods.

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