The battle to stay healthy continues on a daily basis. Not only are we dealing with the things we do to ourselves, we are also inundated we those we cannot control.
It’s challenging to provide an exact number for how many new chemicals are released into the air every day globally, as this depends on various factors, including industrial activities, natural processes, and human activities. However, there are several key sources of new chemicals being introduced into the atmosphere on a daily basis:
- Industrial Emissions: Factories, power plants, and refineries release a variety of chemicals into the air every day, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. With thousands of industrial facilities worldwide, a significant number of new chemical compounds are introduced daily.
- Transportation: Cars, trucks, ships, and airplanes emit exhaust gases containing a variety of chemicals such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. As the number of vehicles and transport activities increases, so does the number of chemicals released.
- Agricultural Activities: Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used in agriculture release new chemicals into the air. Additionally, methane (CH4) is released by livestock, contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases.
- Volcanic and Natural Emissions: Volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and other natural events can release new chemicals into the air, including ash, sulfur compounds, and particulate matter. These events, although unpredictable, can introduce new chemicals over short periods.
- Chemical Production and Use: New chemicals are constantly being developed for use in various products, including plastics, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning agents. Some of these chemicals, especially those used in industrial and commercial processes, are emitted into the atmosphere as part of their production or usage.
- Urbanization and Consumer Products: The release of chemicals from consumer products (like aerosol sprays, paints, solvents, and cleaning products) are also a regular source of new chemicals being introduced into the air.
While we cannot control what is put into the environment by industrial companies, we can control what we are putting into our bodies with personal care and home cleaning products.
As we learn more about the harmful effects of the chemicals added to personal care products, we need to change the way we look at these products and ways to make changes so the products we use are less harmful and healthier for us.
Hidden Toxic Chemicals in Household Cleaners to Avoid:
PFA's
What are PFAS?
PFAS are a large family of chemicals that share a similar structure, where carbon atoms are bonded to fluorine atoms. This makes them highly resistant to heat, water, and oil. The most well-known PFAS chemicals include:
- PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid)
- PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate)
PFAS are used in a wide range of products, including:
- Nonstick Cookware: Such as Teflon-coated pans.
- Glass and hard surface cleaners
- Water-Repellent Fabrics: Found in waterproof jackets, carpets, and upholstery.
- Fabric, upholstery, and carpet cleaners
- Waxes and polishes for floors, furniture, cars and boats.
- Firefighting Foam: Used in airports and military bases.
- Food Packaging: Such as microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers, and pizza boxes.
- Stain-Resistant Fabrics: Found in furniture, clothing, and carpets.
- Industrial Products: Used in lubricants, adhesives, paints, and coatings.
- Dishwashing rinse aids.
- Aerosol propellant-based cleaners
- Air Fresheners
- Cosmetics like nail polish and eye makeup
- Paints and sealers.
Why are PFAS a Concern?
- Persistence in the Environment: PFAS do not break down naturally. They accumulate in water, soil, and air, leading to long-term contamination.
- Health Risks: PFAS have been linked to a variety of health issues, including:
- Cancer: Especially kidney and testicular cancer.
- Hormonal Disruption: They can interfere with hormone production, particularly thyroid and reproductive hormones.
- Immune System Effects: PFAS may weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to infections.
- Developmental Issues: Exposure during pregnancy may affect fetal development, including low birth weight and developmental delays.
- Liver Damage: Some studies suggest liver toxicity from PFAS exposure.
- Bioaccumulation: Because PFAS are persistent, they accumulate in living organisms over time. Humans can be exposed to PFAS through contaminated drinking water, food, air, and even consumer products.
- Water Contamination: PFAS contamination in drinking water is a significant issue in some regions, particularly near military bases, airports, and industrial sites. Water filtration systems often struggle to remove these chemicals, and their presence in public water supplies has raised serious health concerns.
Homemade Household Cleaners
Making your own cleaners is just a matter of having a few common ingredients and adding essential oils. If you think about the ‘scents in chemical household cleaners it will give you ideas for creating your own. There is no wrong combination, most all essential oils have the properties necessary to clean and sanitize your house.
You can use individual oils like Lemon, Pine needle, Cypress, lemongrass, Tea Tree oil, Orange, Lavender, Eucalyptus or whatever scent you like. Or, you can use pre-blended oils, like Essential Shield, Inspire, Core, or Refuge from Nature’s Sunshine Products, just to mention a few.
Everyday Household cleaner – safe for kitchen use
Materials
- 4 ounces organic distilled white vinegar *
- 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
- 5 drops lemon essential oil
- 5 drops Orange essential oil
- 1 cup purified OR distilled water
Instructions
- Pour all the ingredients into a glass spray bottle and shake to evenly combine.
- Spray kitchen or other surfaces and wipe down.
NOTE: It is best to store products with Essential Oils in a dark place like under the sink or if you have little children on an upper shelf in a cabinet or closet.
*Vinegar can damage granite countertops. Replace the vinegar with 70% isopropyl alcohol or 190-proof grain alcohol (or the highest-proof alcohol you can get).
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