The Canary Report

Toxic chemicals found in common scented laundry products, air fresheners

Posted on Jul 27, 2008 by Susie Collins in Blog, Research, Susie Collins

Surprise, surprise.

A University of Washington study of top-selling laundry products and air fresheners found the products emitted dozens of different chemicals. All six products tested gave off at least one chemical regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws, but none of those chemicals was listed on the product labels.

“I first got interested in this topic because people were telling me that the air fresheners in public restrooms and the scent from laundry products vented outdoors were making them sick,” said Anne Steinemann, a UW professor of civil and environmental engineering and of public affairs. “And I wanted to know, ‘What’s in these products that is causing these effects?’”

She analyzed the products to discover the chemicals’ identity.

“I was surprised by both the number and the potential toxicity of the chemicals that were found,” Steinemann said. Chemicals included acetone, the active ingredient in paint thinner and nail-polish remover; limonene, a molecule with a citrus scent; and acetaldehyde, chloromethane and 1,4-dioxane.

“Nearly 100 volatile organic compounds were emitted from these six products, and none were listed on any product label. Plus, five of the six products emitted one or more carcinogenic ‘hazardous air pollutants,’ which are considered by the Environmental Protection Agency to have no safe exposure level,” Steinemann said.

Link

And another article here on WebMD.

Snitched from Miss Molly, who’s always discovering new things that’ll kill you.

Photo by elmada at flickr.

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Tags: Chemicals, Fragrance, Research, Stink, Toxic

The canary is taking a break

Posted on Jul 18, 2008 by Susie Collins in Blog, Editor's Notes, Susie Collins

The canary is taking some time off from the website this week to regroup and reconnect with family. Please sign up for email updates (at right, below featured video), and you’ll be notified when the next post is made. Meanwhile you can explore the archives, and check out the new “Resources” page — see tab at the top menu bar — for oodles and oodles of links. More soon!

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Tags: Editor's Notes

City of Wyndham promotes nontoxic lifestyle

Posted on Jul 18, 2008 by Susie Collins in Blog, Healthy Living, Susie Collins

The City of Wyndham is the fastest growing municipality in Victoria and the third fastest growing in Australia (southwest of Melbourne). According to Wyndham’s website, the city is supported by one of the state’s most dynamic and progressive local authorities– and I believe them.

The city’s website includes pages and pages of beautiful photos and user-friendly information about sustainable living, recycling and waste disposal, indigenous flora and fauna, how to grow your own food, how to use plants to remove toxins in the home, and the use of non-toxic household cleansers complete with recipes (excerpt below).

Toxic chemicals in the home impact our health, causing ailments that range from respiratory ailments to cancer. A US EPA study on indoor air quality found that the use of common cleaning products result in levels of several Volatile Organics Compounds (VOCs) that are on average two to five times higher indoors than outdoors. During (and for several hours immediately after) certain activities such as paint stripping, levels may be at 1,000 times the background outdoor levels. Natural non-polluting alternatives are available to replace many common cleaners and some products such as paints, paint strippers, and other solvent-based products. Solvents should be used with extreme caution and with adequate time and ventilation for the toxic chemicals to leave the indoor space before you go back into it.

[...]

Home made dishwashing blend

• 1 litre – Liquid Castile soap
• 24 drops – lemon essential oil
• 10 drops – mandarin essential oil
• 8 drops – citrus seed extract

Mix in a plastic squirt bottle and shake before each use. Change the blend of essential oils to suit your fancy.

When washing greasy dishes add half a cup of vinegar or lemon juice to the wash.

Simple sink cleaner

• 1/4 cup baking soda (bi-carb)
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 3 drops lavender, rosemary, or any citrus essential oil.

Mix all ingredients. Rinse sink with hot water, wash with sink cleaner, rinse again with hot water. Probably using half this mixture would be adequate.

Mould and Mildew Prevention Formula

• 2 cups water
• 8-10 drops of citrus seed extract
• 2 teaspoons tea tree essential oil
• 4 drops juniper essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray and leave on affected areas to rest for a few hours, then wipe off. Respray and leave without rinsing.

Check it all out on the links above. This is a CITY GOVERNMENT website. Awesome.

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Tags: Environment, Garden, Healthy Living, Home, Indoor Pollution, Nontoxic, Policy

Trial links illness to coal burning plant emissions

Posted on Jul 18, 2008 by Susie Collins in Blog, Environment

A trial prompted by North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper’s lawsuit against the Knoxville-based Tennessee Valley Authority, the nation’s largest public utility, is focusing on the haze in the Smokies caused by burning coal at TVA’s power plants in Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama. The lawsuit seeks to force TVA to reduce emissions.

The lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Asheville seeks to force TVA to make substantial reductions in emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury and soot from the utility’s power plants.Elite runner Will Harlan, of Barnardsville, said he was so overcome by the air pollution during a run through the Smokies that he was forced to spend the night in the forest while his panicked wife was left to wonder about his fate.

Harlan, editor of Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine, said he anticipated no problems when he set out on the 72-mile run along the Appalachian Trail the morning of July 19, 2003. But as the temperature rose and the haze grew thick, he began having problems.

“I felt some tightness in my chest, and I was unable to inhale deeply,” he testified. “Something was definitely not right with my breathing. I was feeling horrible.”

Forced to slow down to a walk and stop frequently to catch his breath, Harlan couldn’t reach his destination, instead spending the night in a park shelter.

He said he later learned that environmental officials had issued a code orange ozone alert for that day in the park, meaning outdoor activities could be hazardous. He has since curtailed his running, limiting the exercise during the summer to mornings when ozone levels are lower.

“The fact that running could be hazardous to my health is very upsetting to me,” Harlan said.

Link

Photo credit USGS

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Tags: Air, Chemicals, Environment, Law, Policy, Pollution, Toxic

Put a sign on your lawn: Pesticide-free zone!

Posted on Jul 18, 2008 by Susie Collins in Blog, Organic Gardening, Susie Collins

Hey, look at this darling sign you can order for your lawn from the National Coalition for Pesticide-Free Lawns. I want!! I also love how they’ll send you some tips about how to talk to your neighbors & others about pesticides.

Show your neighbors that pesticide-free lawns are important for the health of children, families, pets, the environment and the community. Buy a Pesticide-Free Zone lawn sign for $13 and display in your yard. At eight inches (8″) in diameter, the aluminum enameled sign will not rust and will retain its bright colors for years.

Order online or by calling Beyond Pesticides at 202-543-5450. You can also order a “Freedom from Pesticides is Every Body’s Right” bumpersticker with white letters on a blue background. With the sign you will receive a Pesticide-Free Zone Owners Manual that gives you tips on what it means to be pesticide-free and how to talk to your neighbors and others about pesticides.

Link

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Tags: Environment, Garden, Healthy Living, Nontoxic, Pesticides

Human Round-up

Posted on Jul 18, 2008 by Susie Collins in Blog, Media/Videos

www.NaturalNews.com

By Mike Adams

Link

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Tags: Humor

Pesticide in soap, toothpaste and breast milk: Kid-safe?

Posted on Jul 17, 2008 by Susie Collins in Blog, Research

A new report out from the Environmental Working Group on triclosan.

EPA has approved triclosan for use in 20 pesticide formulations applied to consumer products from credit cards and countertops to baby bibs and blankets. In a callous and unjustified abuse of federal pesticide law, EPA failed to consider the safety of babies’ and children’s exposure to triclosan in breast milk, mattresses, sleepers, blankets, bibs, toys, house dust, diaper cream, and other potential sources when approving these uses.

Triclosan persists in the environment, breaks down into substances highly toxic to wildlife, pollutes the human body, and poses health risks that are barely studied and poorly understood. Because triclosan has been proven ineffective, and EPA has failed to assess its safety for children, we recommend:

• A ban on triclosan in personal care products and any other products used at home, in line with the conclusion of the American Medical Association that common antimicrobials for which resistance has been demonstrated should “be discontinued in consumer products unless data emerge that conclusively show that such resistance has no effect on public health and that such products are effective at preventing infection.”

• For remaining non-consumer uses, EPA must fully assess the safety of triclosan and its breakdown products for the fetus, infant, child, and other vulnerable populations.

• Consumers should avoid the use of triclosan-laden products whenever possible.

• Manufacturers should curtail their use of this toxic, persistent chemical in consumer products, voluntarily in advance of mandatory restrictions.

Link

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Tags: Chemicals, Home, Research, Toxic

Discussion NOW on pesticide in antibacterial soap

Posted on Jul 17, 2008 by Susie Collins in Blog, Research

Join EWG Scientist Rebecca Sutton for a video Q&A about the report on triclosan NOW (Thursday, July 17th), 4:30 EST.

Just go to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/environmental-working-group and type in your questions about the report, and you’ll get to see Rebecca answer them. Isn’t technology awesome?

Link

UPDATE: Password is enviro.

FOLLOW UP: Video stream is finished– it was a great success!! Of course I was typing my questions in the wrong box for the first 10 minutes, but after I figured that out, it was amazing to be able to question Rebecca Sutton, the actual researcher, right there in front of me. I also truly appreciated being able to put a face to all the incredibly hard work being done on behalf of public health. Many, many thanks to Rebecca, Amanda and all the great people at Environmental Working Group!

PS I’ll see if there’s a transcript.

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Tags: Chemicals, Research, Toxic

A shot of fresh air: City kids in the country

Posted on Jul 17, 2008 by Susie Collins in Blog, Healthy Living

Program sends low-income New York City kids to the country to experience some fresh air and rural life.

THE FRESH AIR FUND, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Nearly 10,000 New York City children enjoy free Fresh Air Fund programs annually. […]

We are looking for families who want to extend an invitation to a 9-12 year old. We really need more families who want older children and boys.

Please email Angie, angie@freshair.org, immediately and she’ll speed you through the process! Or, you can call us at 1-800-367-0003 (212.897.8900) — ask for Angie.

If you want to help but don’t live in these areas – BLOG about this program, tell your friends, recommend someone, or DONATE.

Found at boingboing.

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Tags: Fresh Air Photos, Healthy Living

Simply green: Plant paints, low VOCs

Posted on Jul 17, 2008 by Susie Collins in Blog, Media/Videos, Products

Link

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Tags: Healthy Living, Home, Nontoxic

Green Label carpeting: Is it a trend?

Posted on Jul 17, 2008 by Susie Collins in Blog, Healthy Living, Products, Susie Collins

Carpet company Nourison is offering Green Label products that they say have very little VOCs. I can’t vouch for this product being safe for people with chemical sensitivity, but it sounds interesting.

Green building is no longer a trend; it is a mainstay. Schools, healthcare facilities, businesses and public facilities recognize the benefits of building green, and governmental entities are even passing laws to mandate future green construction of public and private buildings.

Carpet, carpet pads and carpet adhesives contribute to green building in two important ways: helping reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and emissions and contributing to the growing use of recycle content for building materials.

Because people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, it is important to do everything possible to maintain the quality of indoor air, especially for new construction and renovation.

Link

Here’s info on what the carpet industry is touting as Green Label. I’d really like to see NO VOCs, but this is a move in the right direction.

Today, indoor air quality (IAQ) is an important environmental consideration, especially since we spend approximately 90 percent of our time indoors. In 1992, CRI launched its Green Label program to test carpet, cushions and adhesives to help specifiers identify products with very low emissions of VOCs. CRI has recently launched its next series of improvements called Green Label Plus for carpet and adhesives. This enhanced program sets an even higher standard for IAQ and ensures that customers are purchasing the very lowest emitting products on the market. Using scientifically established standards, the Green Label Plus program symbolizes the carpet industry’s commitment to a better environment for living, working, learning and healing.

Link

Related Canary story on the dangers of toxic carpeting here.

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Tags: Healthy Living, Home, Indoor Pollution, MCS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Nontoxic, Sick Building, Toxic, Work

Coming up for air: Be the dolphin

Posted on Jul 17, 2008 by Susie Collins in Blog, Leisure, Media/Videos

Wild dolphins swimming at the bow of a boat. Heaven. Careful, it’s addicting.

Link

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Tags: Air, Video

The dangers of swimming pools & chlorinated water

Posted on Jul 17, 2008 by Susie Collins in Blog, Healthy Living, Research, Susie Collins

I can’t remember the last time I was in a chlorinated pool– lucky I live Hawaii, we have a big beautiful warm ocean to play in! (The kids pictured here are in a salt water swimming pool — yay! — link.) But chlorine is a big problem for most people with chemical sensitivities, and I wouldn’t be able to swim in a chlorinated pool without some consequences. Here’s some info on the dangers of chlorinated water, and a vid with some solutions.

Swimming teachers and other people who spend a lot of time near chlorinated pools face an increased risk of breathing problems, Dutch researchers report.

Chlorine reacts with substances such as urine and sweat to create byproducts that can irritate the respiratory tract, most importantly chloramines, explain Dr. Jose Jacobs of the University of Utrecht in The Netherlands and colleagues in a report in the European Respiratory Journal.

The research team surveyed 624 swimming pool employees and sampled air at six swimming pools. They measured trichloramine levels at all 38 pools included in the study to estimate long-term exposure among employees. Trichloramines are the most volatile type of chloramine, and are known to irritate the eyes and upper respiratory tract.

Link

Here’s the vid, very solution oriented (love the hook of the chick in bikini– hey we do what we can to make this otherwise dry stuff interesting…):

[...]

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Tags: Chemicals, Healthy Living, Nontoxic, Research, Toxic

Join a discussion on antibacterial products

Posted on Jul 16, 2008 by Susie Collins in Blog, Research

Join a discussion Thursday about toxic antibacterial chemicals.

The Environmental Working Group is releasing a report Thursday morning about antibacterial chemicals in consumer products — and we think you’ll be surprised to find out how many products this stuff is in.

We’re inviting Enviroblog readers to join EWG Scientist Rebecca Sutton for a video Q&A about the report tomorrow (Thursday, July 17th) at 4:30 EST.

Just go to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/environmental-working-group and type in your questions about the report, and you’ll get to see Rebecca answer them. Isn’t technology awesome?

Link

Photo by Anthony Salvi.

UPDATE: Password is enviro.

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Tags: Chemicals, Indoor Pollution, Personal Care, Research, Stink, Toxic

Frogs are canaries, too

Posted on Jul 16, 2008 by Susie Collins in Blog, Environment, Susie Collins

This kind of stuff is out-of-site, out-of-mind. But as those of us with MCS suffer through our bad days, there are other creatures out there in the world who suffer in their own hell from pretty much the same type of causes that got us chronically ill.

Because frogs are extremely sensitive to their environments, they have long been considered the “canary in a coal mine” for environmental disasters. In the past, before better methods had been developed, coal miners commonly relied upon canaries to detect toxic or explosive gases in mines. These delicate birds are more sensitive to toxic gases than we are and would collapse long before any miners were affected. A collapsed canary made the perfect alarm for miners to get out immediately and for management to investigate the noxious problem and fix it.

As with the coalmining canaries, frogs are especially vulnerable to the environment in which they live. Frogs are especially sensitive to pollution and other environmental stressors. They live at the meeting place of two very different environments, the land and the water, and easily absorb damaging pollutants directly through their skin. [...]

Because of this special vulnerability, we continue to see an increasing numbers of malformed frogs along with a steadily decreasing population of frogs, and amphibians as a whole. Like the coalminers, this should be our alarm to look into and fix this problem. This complex problem, however, will not be easy to remedy because there are several possible contributing causes. [...]

WHAT’S TO BLAME

First, consider the extensive use of pesticides across the United States. The chemical runoff collecting in the vast Midwestern farmlands is causing much damage to frog populations. Not only do excessive pesticides and other xenobiotic chemicals affect the sexual development of frogs, but it also makes them more susceptible to often fatal bacterial meningitis as well as some dangerous, parasitic fungi.

“Scientists have confirmed that agricultural contaminants may be an important factor in amphibian declines in California. According to an article recently accepted by the journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, a study by scientists of the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates that organophosphorus pesticides from agricultural areas, which are transported to the Sierra Nevada on prevailing summer winds, may be affecting populations of amphibians that breed in mountain ponds and streams. USGS.”

Link

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Tags: Environment