Protect the Environment AND Your Families Health

Many products we use in the home and garden contain chemicals that could be potentially hazardous to health. Therefore it may be better to avoid these chemicals as much as possible. Be particularly careful around children and pregnant women as they may be more susceptible to the effects of some of these chemicals. See below for some simple tips on how you can reduce your exposure:

1.                 Cleaning Products and air fresheners

Bleach is powerfu, corrosive and toxic while cleaning products for the bath, wash-basin and toilet can irritate the skin and eyes.  Use only a little of whatever you buy and look for phosphate-free products which don't upset the balance the natural systems in rivers and lakes.  Also, look for biodegradeable products that are not based on petrochemicals, and those that come in recyclable containers. 

                  Healthier Alternatives:

v      White distilled vinegar can be used to disinfect, clean and deodorize and vinegar diluted in water can also be used as an effective weedkiller.

v      Lemon Juice can be used to lighten stains and remove grease.

v      Baking Soda & Washing Soda can both be used as cleaning products.  You can mix them with water or a mild liquid soap to help remove dirt and stains.

2.                 You are what you eat

Reduce exposure to chemicals and pesticides by eating organic food and washing all fruit and vegetables extremely well. Try to avoid microwaving or storing food in plastic containers which have recently been linked to harmful chemicals.  Instead, try to use glass or ceramic containers.

3.                 Toiletries and Cosmetics

Some toiletries and cosmetics have been linked with harmful chemicals and therefore it may be best to seek cosmetics and toiletries containing natural, non-toxic ingredients.  Both the Body Shop and Lush, in Guildford, do some nice ranges.

4.                 Plastics

Plastics are of great environmental concern but recently they have also been of concern from a health point of view. PVC is particularly worrying and you should try to avoid buying PVC products if possible. Try to avoid giving anything made from PVC to children.

5.                 Pesticides

Pest control and weed killer products often contain extremely hazardous chemicals which threaten the environment, wildlife and human health. Therefore it is best to avoid over use and to seek less toxic alternatives where possible e.g. a good alternative to weed killers is vinegar in water!  For further advice, look in the house.

6.                 D.I.Y

Paints can be of concern due to the toxic chemicals they contain. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) refers to solvents and other chemicals in paint which evaporate during use – these can damage the environment and affect human health. You can help reduce the impact of paint on the environment by choosing products with a low VOC level – try B&Q who have designed a labelling system which states the VOC content.  Some solvents in glues have also been found to be highly toxic and pose a risk to the environment, wildlife and human health. When purchasing strong adhesives try to buy water-based, solvent-free glues and keep them away from children at all times.

7.                 Pregnant Women

Pregnant women need to be particularly careful to avoid chemicals. Here are some practical tips:

v      Purchase Organic food and wash vegetable and fruit well. Also try avoiding excessive amounts of animal fats which can carry some hazardous chemicals.

v      Avoiding lead is very important so be careful when removing old paint that may contain lead.

v      Hair dyes have been linked to some concerning chemicals and its advisable for pregnant women to avoid hair dyes during pregnancy.

v      Some chemicals at dry cleaners (particularly Perc) have been linked with negative health effects so it may be best to avoid these during pregnancy.

8.                 Children’s Health

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of strong chemicals and it may be advisable to:

v      Provide organic food and/or ensure vegetables and fruit are washed well before being eaten.

v      Keep children away from lead, smoking, solvent-based adhesives and paints, pesticides and strong chemical cleaning products.

v      Try not to give PVC products to young children. PVC is bad for the environment but has also been linked with serious health effects for humans.

v      Ensure children wash their hands well after handling anything that may have contained chemicals and after playing in the garden where they may come into contact with pesticides and other chemicals.