When Spokane county banned the use of phosphorous-containing dishwashing detergents like Cascade and Electrasol last year, it was in an effort to reduce water pollution. Unfortunately, cleaner water seems to mean dirtier dishes for some. Residents are finding that these eco-friendly alternatives like Seventh Generation and Trader Joe's weren't quite cutting it (or the grease for that matter).
They claim dishes are often left grease-coated and encrusted with food remnants after washing with the eco-friendly brands. Blech. Sounds gross!
What else are we using in our homes that present danger to the environment or worse, ourselves?
Click on to see some of the dangers that may be lurking in your home.
Dangerous Home Products
A preliminary new study from Sweden suggests that children who live in homes with vinyl flooring are more likely to have autism. The plastics used to make vinyl flooring can emit chemicals called phthalates, previously shown to contribute to allergies and asthma, and now suspected of playing a role in the development of autism. The study found that infants and toddlers who had vinyl bedroom floors (common in Sweden) were twice as likely to be autistic five years later than kids with wood floors. Scientists are still not sure which biological and environmental factors cause autism, which is dramatically on the rise, and urged further research.
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Flame retardants used on upholstered furniture, mattresses and electronic equipment have undoubtedly saved many lives, but there is a trade off. The chemical ingredient decabrominated diphenyl ether, or Deca-BDE, is a possible human carcinogen. Oregon's state legislature is currently considering legislation that would ban the fire retardant. Washington and Maine are already phasing it out.
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Between the adhesives, stain protectors, flame retardants, and the chemical behind that mysterious and distinctive "new carpet smell," carpeting combines a lot of potentially unhealthy elements. Since 1988, the CPSC has received more than 500 complaints about new carpeting. The most common symptoms included burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, rashes, and fatigue. In more extreme cases, people reported vomiting, ear infection, and blisters on the throat. Listen to the experts and let the carpet air out for a few days in a well-ventilated area and everyone will breathe easier. Or just stick to hardwood.
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The slinky little dryer sheets that keep clothes fresh are chock full of chemicals, including scary-sounding ingredients like propyl butyrate and alpha-pinene. Industry representatives says the exposure levels are too low to impact people but we think better safe than sorry. If only for peace of mind, try a few drops of essential oil on a washcloth instead.
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It's no surprise that fireworks rank among the most hazardous consumer products. What is surprising is that, among the many varieties of fireworks, sparklers cause the most injuries -- more than 1,000 a year. Experts say that hospital visits for fireworks-related injuries jumped over the last ten years. In 2007, fireworks resulted in almost 10,000 ER visits and 11 deaths.
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In Consumer Product Safety Commission tests, some pool alarms -- devices that make noise when something, or someone, falls into the pool -- failed to activate when a weight simulating a small child was pushed into a residential pool. Others took up to 25 seconds to sound the alarm. About 350 children under five years of age drown in swimming pools each year, and another 2,600 go to the ER.
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Every year, people die after being trapped under tipped-over kitchen ranges. The majority of victims are young children, but almost half of the time, it's elderly adults who are injured. In 2006 alone, emergency rooms treated 42,700 injuries caused by appliance, furniture, and television tip-overs.
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Nonstick and stain-resistant coatings, used on everything from your favorite omelette pan to your suede sofa, include chemicals called PFAs. Though their toxicity in humans is still unclear, in animals, PFAs cause birth defects, thyroid hormone abnormalities, and liver damage. A safer alternative? Consider enamel-coated cast iron, glassware, and stoneware for your cooking and baking needs.
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Figuring out whether plastic containers are safe can make your head spin. It's been shown that after repeated reheating, polycarbonate, a chemical seen in many plastic storage products, can leak BPA, the dangerous hormone disruptor. Your best bet? When reheating food, make the extra effort and place it in microwave-safe dishware. As the old adage goes, better safe than sorry.
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Every year, more than 200,000 people are treated for toy-related injuries in American emergency rooms. The most common cause of those injuries to kids under 15 are riding toys, like tricycles, big wheels, and non-motorized scooters. Keep in mind that little ones need more than training wheels to stay safe.
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