Avoiding chemical exposure

One of the first strategies for improving wellness is to limit exposure to chemicals that pose a health threat.  Avoiding chemicals seemed like an almost impossible task to me. First, because not all of them are required to be disclosed. Second, because chemicals that are disclosed on labels require some detective work to decipher what they are and if they pose any health problems. Third, I come into daily contact with a virtually endless number of chemicals. So, where to start?

Undaunted, I began my quest by looking at the personal care, cleaning and lawn and garden products we use.  The personal care products were a big surprise.  As discussed in the post, What's on the Label?, most of these products contain chemicals that act as endocrine system disruptors.  Most definitely not good. You can find a cosmetic safety database at Skin Deep. You can do a search for the beauty or personal care product of your choice to see how Skin Deep rates it for safety. Even some of the so-called natural products are big offenders, so beware.

Next up, were the laundry products, which usually contain petrochemical detergents.  Again, not good for us or the environment. The first thing I eliminated were dryer sheets. These are especially nasty. The Environmental Working Group suggests using a cup of baking soda in the rinse cycle as an inexpensive fabric softener alternative.  Check out more of their eco-friendly options for the laundry here.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented a Safer Product Labeling Program. Products that carry the label shown at left mean they have been proven to be "safer for people and the environment" (EPA). You can learn more about this program here.

I've discovered that Shaklee makes a great line of green cleaning products.  They might seem a little expensive, but they are very concentrated. A little goes a long way. Check out the Healthy Home section where they offer Get Clean Kits that provide everything you need to eco-clean your home and laundry. If you're more inclined to purchase from the grocery store, Seventh Generation is another good option for environmentally friendly household cleaners.  They even go so far as to list the ingredients in each of their products in Material Safety Data Sheets. You can find this information, as well as coupons for their products if you visit their website. 

We're getting ready to paint indoors and this prompted me to research paint to find a brand that has little or no volatile organic compounds (VOC's). These are defined as products that contain organic carbons that readily evaporate changing from liquid to gases when exposed to air. VOC's contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution and are a rather sneaky health hazard.

In 2002 the EPA did an interesting National Scale Air Assessment that looked at the risk of both the cancer and noncancer effects of inhaling outdoor air.  They measured 124 air toxins and compiled an air toxicology study.  They released the results in 2009 and you can find maps here, that illustrate the areas in the U.S. that have the highest levels by county for carcinogenic, neurological and respiratory risks.  I believe knowledge is power, but if you're feeling a little down today you might want to skip looking at the maps. They aren't uplifting, especially if you live in or near any major metropolitan areas.

As if having polluted outdoor air isn't bad enough, it seems that indoor air pollution can surpass outdoor levels. Aren't I just full of good news Anyway, if you're looking for information on indoor VOC's, the EPA has another reference called, "The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality" that I found helpful. In addition, Oklahoma State University has a comprehensive site here.  If you're looking to check the information on chemicals, this site is the place to start.  It has links to a number of resources like Material Safety Data Sheets, Chemical Database,  National Toxicology Program Chemical Health and Safety Database and even a glossary of terms that's useful.  I was able to do a search on a variety of different paint brands and discover the VOC ratings, as well as other information.

Last, but not least, check out the National Geographic's site, The Green Guide.  They have many good  articles, tips and suggestions to help you go "green". It definitely requires diligence and more than a little detective work to revamp your personal care, cleaning, paint, and lawn and garden products. However, it's definitely worth the effort, because:

When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves.  ~David Orr

Sources
Skin Deep - http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/
Environmental Working Group - http://www.ewg.org/node/18698 
Environmental Protection Agency - http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/formulat/saferproductlabeling.htm
Seventh Generation - http://www.seventhgeneration.com/Green-Cleaning 
Oklahoma State University - http://ehs.okstate.edu/links/msds.htm
The Green Guide - http://www.thegreenguide.com/ 
Inside Story: Guide to Indoor Air Quality - http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html 

What's milk got to do with the right to choose our foods?

The FDA was sued by the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FCLDF) because of its block on the intrastate sale of raw milk. Who knew that farmers even needed such an organization, but evidently they do. The FCLDF is an organization whose mission includes “defending the rights and broadening the freedoms of family farms and protecting consumer access to raw milk and nutrient dense foods”.

The Iowa Civil Court dismissed the case and here's an excerpt of what the FDA said:

There is no ‘deeply rooted’ historical tradition of unfettered access to foods of all kinds.” [p. 26]
“Plaintiffs’ assertion of a ‘fundamental right to their own bodily and physical health, which includes what foods they do and do not choose to consume for themselves and their families’ is similarly unavailing because plaintiffs do not have a fundamental right to obtain any food they wish.” [p.26]

What? Is the FDA really saying they will control the foods we choose to consume? It certainly sounds that way. But, why? Perhaps the FDA is trying to protect us from harm.  After all that's their purpose, right? Well, from what I understand, and in fairness to all sides, just like there are risks involved in eating uncooked shellfish, or a rare filet mignon with a nice, juicy, red center, there can be risk involved in consuming raw (unpasturized) milk.

However, raw milk has benefits as well, just like shellfish and beef. Also, if a consumer is informed about where they purchase the raw milk they consume, the risk of bacterial contamination is relatively low. I say relatively because we thought purchasing store bought spinach and peanut butter, or fast food burgers was safe too. These foods caused huge outbreaks of food born illnesses and their sale hasn't been regulated. 

So, why is the FDA so keen on restricting the sale and purchase of raw milk? I believe the answer is a large lobbying group called Big Dairy. They're representing the huge dairy corporations that  provide us with pastuerized milk. Guess who is the best source of raw milk? Small family dairy farms. Big dairy feels threatened even though raw milk is a small niche of the dairy industry.

Now, I don't even drink milk, but I'm bringing this issue up because the regulation of this food sets a precedent. If the FDA is able to regulate our choice of purchasing raw milk than what's next? Organic foods? Sprouts? Mushrooms? I doubt it will ever be fast food or pharmaceuticals. If we need to be protected from our own inability to choose safe, healthy foods than why aren't fast foods or soft drinks restricted. They are proven to be unhealthy. Food for thought... no pun intended :)

If you're interested in info on how to become an eco-friendly milk consumer, just click on the post title. In the end money talks. If we chose to purchase milk that doesn't come from cows injected with growth hormones or fed questionable diets I believe the FDA and big dairy will eventually get the message. Don't we have the right to choose our foods?
   
Sources:

Court doc: - http://www.thecompletepatient.com/storage/ds%20mtd%20memo%20in%20support.pdf