| Harmful Chemicals In The Home |  |
Do you want your precious pet to stay healthy and live as long as
possible? Many factors affect your pet's health and life span, and
one of these is exposure to toxic airborne chemicals in their
environment. Get rid of harmful chemicals in your home, and you can
lessen the likelihood of chronic health problems affecting your pet,
perhaps lengthening your pet's life span and the amount of time the
two of you will spend together.
Indoor air pollution is steadily increasing, and our pets are even
more vulnerable to toxic airborne chemicals than we are. Long term
chemical exposure can lead to respiratory problems, skin diseases,
various other diseases affecting organs such as the liver and
kidneys, and even cancer.
We can make our homes more environmentally healthy for our pets by
using products that contain fewer toxic chemicals. The following
list provides the names of products that may contain airborne
chemicals and some healthier alternative products.
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CHEMICAL SOURCES SUBSTITUTES
Paints Use Low toxic water based paints
(low VOCs), casein
Synthetic Carpets Try natural materials such as
sisal,
seagrass, coir, wool
(untreated with lindate, etc)
Vinyl Flooring Install cork, linoleum
Varnishes Use beeswax, linseed oil, unfinished
wood
Cleaning Products Clean with water & vinegar,
lemon
juice, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide
Fabric Softener Avoid using (due to amount of
chemical
emissions)
Plywood, Composition Use solid wood, Exterior plywood only
Boards
Room Deodorizers Use cloves, lavendar, scented
flowers.
Open windows.
Glue Use wood glue instead of solvent-
based glue.
Ventilate house.
Synthetic Pesticides Clean & vacuum regularly.
Close off any openings in home.
Avoid building materials around
foundation that could attract
insects.
Laundry Detergents Use beodegradable, unscented
products.
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RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Environmental Protection Agency
800/438-4318, www.epa.gov/iaq/
Environmental Health Clearinghouse
800/643-4794
Washington Toxics Coalition
206/652-1545, www.watoxics.org
National Pesticide Telecommunications Network
800/858-7378, http://ace.orst.edu/info/nptn/index.html
National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides
202/543-5450, www.beyondpesticides.org
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Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products
Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets.
To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to:
http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com
deecaruso@cox.net
Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665
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