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| Do you have these in your kitchen? |
| Chlorine Bleach - mixed with ammonia can release toxic
chloramine gas. |
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| Metal Polish - may contain petroleum distillates that can cause temporary eye clouding; longer exposure can cause nervous system, skin, kidneys and eye damage. |
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| Glass Cleaner - may contain ammonia that can cause eye and lung irritation and headaches. |
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| Disinfectant - may contain phenol and cresol that can cause diarrhea, fainting, dizziness, kidney and liver damage. |
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| Furniture and Floor Polishes - may contain nitrobenzene that can cause skin discoloration, vomiting, and death and is associated with cancer and birth defects |
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| Do you have these in your utility closet? |
| Spot Removers, Carpet Cleaners – can cause liver damage if ingested. |
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| Mothballs – may contain naphthalene a suspected carcinogen the may cause eyes, blood, liver, kidneys, skin and central nervous system damage; paradichlorobenzene that can harm the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. |
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| Spray Starch – may contain formaldehyde, a suspected carcinogen and phenol and pentachorophenol that may irritate the lungs. |
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| Do you have these in your living room & bedroom? |
| "Wrinkle Resistant" or "Permanent Press" fabrics
found in many no-iron sheets, curtains, bedding,
sleep wear, woven fabrics and polyester blends - may
be treated with formaldehyde. |
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| Press Wood Products – many emit formaldehyde and other chemicals. |
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| Carpeting or Synthetic Fibers – many are treated with pesticides and fungicide. |
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| Do you have these in your bathroom? |
| Shampoo – many contain cresol, formaldehyde, glycols, nitrates/nitrosamines and sulfur compounds. |
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| Hair Spray – many contain butane propellants as well as formaldehyde resins. |
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| Fragrance, Lotion, Creams and Moisturizers – may contain phenols, glycols, fragrances and heavy metals. |
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| Toilet Bowl Cleaner – may contain hydrochloric acid or sodium acid sulfate that can cause skin burns, cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach burns and blindness. |
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| Do you have these in your garage? |
| Paint Thinner – may contain chlorinated aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons that can cause liver and kidney damage. |
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| Oil-based Paint – may contain mineral spirits that are a skin, eye, nose, throat and lung irritant. High air concentrations can cause nervous system damage, unconsciousness and death. |
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| Wood Putty – may contain toluene, which is highly toxic and may cause severe damage. |
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| Gasoline, Motor Oils – may contain petroleum hydrocarbons associated with skin and lung cancer |
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| Do you have these in your yard or patio? |
| Pesticides – one of the most toxic substances found in most homes. |
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| Charcoal Lighter Fluid – contains petroleum distillates that besides being flammable may contain benzene, a known human carcinogen. |
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| Source: “Safe Substitutes at Home: Non-toxic Household Products.” Tennessee Valley Authority, Regional Waste Management Insititute. |
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