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Top 5 Surprising Sources of Formaldehyde in Your Home

Have you heard about formaldehyde in pressed wood furniture – or in your flooring? They release the most formaldehyde in our homes – which is a leading cause of indoor air pollution. Do Your Part to track down other surprising sources of formaldehyde. Here are my top 5.

First up – nail polish. Formaldehyde is often used in them to act as a preservative and hardener. One solution is to pick polishes that are water-based and formaldehyde free.

Next – hair products. Formaldehyde is actually released from preservatives found in many personal hair care products.

Seeing the ingredients quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea formalin and methylene oxide on the back of any bottle should raise a warning flag.  So, just avoid them.

And, if you’re at a salon. Ask questions about what they’re using…especially if you’re getting a hair straightening treatment.

Source number three – bedding. So-called “wrinkle free” bedspreads, sheets, and pillowcases are usually loaded with chemical products which release formaldehyde which can’ be washed away. Opt for bedding made from flannel or cotton jersey.

Then, there is kids’ hard plastic dishware. Avoid ones made from melamine resin. One way to tell if it’s labeled not safe for microwaves.

And air fresheners come in at number 5. Formaldehyde is a basic ingredient in the popular brands. But you have many natural options including sprinkling baking soda in problem areas, airing out your home, or lighting a soy candle.

Formaldehyde causes all sorts of problems from asthma to cancer. When you Do Your Part to keep it out of your home and our environment we’ll all breathe easier.

By |Green Living, Head To Toe, In Your Home, Kids|0 Comments
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Take Part in Our Twitter Party – What’s Really Polluting Your Home?

Did you know that the air we breathe inside our homes every single day is often much more polluted than the air outside? That’s because of certain items we actually bring in to our home and the products we use to clean it. Join us on Twitter Wednesday April 27th from 12:00 pm EST – 1:00 pm EST to ask Terri Bennett questions about indoor air pollution, how it poses a heath risk to your family, and how you can Do Your Part to breathe easier at home. We’ll be using the hashtag: #greenchat

Plus, we’re partnering with the Mrs. Meyers Clean Day company for this Twitter party and we’re giving away $100 worth of cleaning products to one lucky winner. This green cleaning kit was created just for this event and includes eco-friendly cleaning products from Mrs. Meyers brand new line – the Rosemary Collection. It includes everything from dish soap, to all purpose cleaners, to laundry detergent. And, we’re even throwing in the Mrs. Meyers Clean Home book.

But that’s not all! Everyone who joins in next Wednesday will receive a surprise gift and it’s one that’s absolutely perfect for spring. Join the party to see what you’ll get.

So join us on Twitter Wednesday April 27th from12:00 pm EST – 1:00 pm EST to find out how you can Do Your Part to create a healthier home and a healthier planet!

Information
Topic: What’s Really Polluting Your Home?
When: Wednesday April 27th from 12:00 pm EST – 1:00 pm EST
Where: Twitter!
Follow Do Your Part on Twitter
Giveaway: $100 worth of cleaning products from Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Company
Hashtag: To join the fun, put this at the end of your tweet: #greenchat

Read the conversation here (once the chat gets started!)



By |Green Giveaway, Store & More|0 Comments
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More Nail Salons Going Green

There is growing concern about the health problems linked to chemicals used in the products at many nail salons. That concern has several salons going green and banning the use of chemical laden products. Nail salon employees are most vulnerable to health problems from salon chemicals. In Boston, the city’s health commissions is considering stricter standards for nail salons that would help protect salon workers. The proposal comes on the heels of a study that links health problems in nail salon workers to the chemicals they are exposed to on a daily basis. The Dorchester Reporter says the study found problems like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, breathing problems and infertility could be related to work with nail salon chemicals. Health officials in San Fransisco are also looking at the problem. The city recently passed the Healthy Nail Salon Recognition ordinance which identifies salons that use polishes free of dangerous chemicals. The most harmful chemicals include the so-called the “toxic trio” of toluene, dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde. The three chemicals are listed on California’s Safe Cosmetics Act as causing cancer or birth defects.

By |Eco-News, Health, Toxic Chemicals & Metals|0 Comments
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Terri's Top 5 Sources Of Indoor Air Pollution


Your home should be a safe-haven from the world, but the air inside it may be more polluted than the air outside. Indoor air quality is affected by many common products such as household cleaners, pesticides and even air fresheners. Here’s a list of Terri’s top five sources of air pollutants so you can Do Your Part and eliminate them:

1. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds are air pollutants that can cause headaches, cancer, and even permanent damage to your body. Common sources of VOCs are household cleaners, paints and varnishes. Choose natural and non-toxic alternatives like vinegar and baking soda and no or low-VOC paints for cleaner indoor air.

2. Pesticides

Synthetic pesticides are loaded with toxic chemicals that can contaminate the air inside your home long after the first use. There are natural solutions that will help you control indoor and outdoor pests. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)s one non-toxic pesticide that will stop roaches, ants and bedbugs in their tracks.

3. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas emitted from adhesives used in many pressed wood products and flooring materials. Formaldehyde can irritate your eyes and throat and cause nausea and dizziness. It’s also a suspected carcinogen. When looking for new furniture or flooring, choose ones that utilize formaldehyde-free adhesives.

4. Air Fresheners

You may think you’re freshening the air when in fact you’re just masking it with potentially dangerous chemicals. Many companies use phthlates in their products which are suspected of causing reproductive problems and abnormalities. To remove odors naturally, use non-toxic baking soda on everything from trash cans to athletic shoes. A few drops of essential oils on cotton balls placed around the home can be used to safely create a pleasing scent.

5. Dry Cleaning Chemicals

Conventional dry cleaners use a chemical called perchloroethylene. Perchloroethylene is a toxic chemical that has been shown to cause cancer in lab animals. Let dry cleaned items air out before bringing indoors. Better yet, take your clothes to an eco-friendly dry cleaner or choose clothing that doesn’t require dry cleaning.

By |Green Living, Terri's Top 5|0 Comments
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