What chemicals are you bringing into your home?

​Chemicals are part of modern life, and many are very useful in keeping us healthy and comfortable.  However, these chemicals end up in the earth’s air, water, and soil and may be harmful when they accumulate or are released into the environment by large numbers of users.  Sewage treatment plants cannot remove every chemical that is present in the water that enters the plant.  I am not saying you shouldn’t use these products, but please make a conscious decision which to use and which to avoid. Consider alternatives where appropriate. 

• Laundry products frequently have strong fragrance that lingers in your clothing and then gets into the air and water.  That fragrance you smell is chemicals being released into the air.  Using anti-static dryer sheets puts chemicals into the air and leaves a residue on your clothing that washes off and ends up in lakes, rivers, and eventually the ocean.  Choose unscented laundry products and look for an alternative to dryer sheets. 
• Dyes in products such as laundry detergent, soap, shampoo, and cosmetics also end up in the water and then in the environment. 
• Bleach is a strong disinfectant and has some important uses, but it’s important to understand the safety aspects of using it.  Combining bleach with other household cleaning products may result in formation of harmful or even deadly chemicals.  Bleach and other harsh cleaners must always be used in well-ventilated areas.  Use milder cleaning products when disinfection is not required.  Here’s an interesting article that also includes information on other cleaners.  https://www.healthline.com/health-news/cleaning-with-bleach-can-release-harmful-airborne-particles
• Air fresheners frequently contain chemicals that would be harmful in larger quantities.  Why add even small quantities to your air?
• Shop for low-VOC paints and construction products.  VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are found in many items and products and are harmful in larger quantities.  Here’s a good article.  https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-are-volatile-organic-compounds-vocs
• In a previous post, I discussed phthalates and will discuss PFOS chemicals in a post I am still developing.    http://www.3percentsustainability.com/three-percent-sustainability-challenge/phthalates