GRAND Magazine - April 2009 - 45

children have asthma, skin rashes or food allergies, the condition could be the result of breathing the offgases from your new carpeting. your furniture from a department store or conventional furniture store, flame retardants were used to treat the fabric. Problem: Carpeting is usually made of synthetic fibers that have been treated with pesticides and fungicide. These chemicals are emitted as “off-gas” from new carpeting. Problem: Flame retardants are shown to accumulate in breast milk and negatively affect children’s brain function. washing detergents, oven cleaners, carpet cleaners, mothballs, mold and mildew cleaners, and scouring powders contain irritants and dangerous chemicals. 16. Was the room painted or wallpapered within the last year? Yes  No  Don’t know  coming from your walls, it’s caused by airborne chemicals known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These include ethers (PBDEs) and phthalates, as well as glues or adhesives used in the wallpaper. HouseHolD cleaNers: 19. Do any of your household cleaners contain ingredients such as ammonia, chlorine bleach, phosphates or formaldehyde? Yes  No  Don’t know  Hint: If you see a skull and crossbones on the bottle, you can be sure these ingredients are present! If there’s a warning on the label that the product is poisonous, dangerous or flammable, then it’s toxic for you to use. Problem: Most all-purpose cleaners, ammonia-based cleaners, bleach, metal polish, disinfectants, drain cleaners, glass cleaners, dish- Hint: If you smell a strong odor aWaY from Home: 20. Do you know what type of oil is used when eating at restaurants, cafeterias or hotels or on planes? Yes  No  Don’t know  Hint: Most restaurants serve food cooked with partially hydrogenated vegetable oil that contains trans fats. Problem: Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil is a toxic substance, harmful in even tiny quantities. Problem: Most VOCs are known to cause serious health problems. 17. Is your furniture made of particleboard? Yes  No  Don’t know  Hint: Particleboard is used in shelving and cabinets. scorINg tHIs quIz • If you checked “yes” for 15 or more questions, you are at high risk for exposure to toxic chemicals and should take immediate action to make healthier choices. • If you checked “yes” for eight to 14 questions, you are at moderate risk but still should take an active approach to making changes toward a greener existence. • If you checked “yes” for zero to seven questions, you’re doing great! You might want to consider making one change per month to achieve a super natural home for you and your family. APRIL Problem: In most homes, particle- board is a major source of formaldehyde in the environment. 18. Was the furniture’s upholstery treated with a flame retardant? Yes  No  Don’t know  Hint: Chances are if you bought 2009 GRAND 45

GRAND Magazine - April 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRAND Magazine - April 2009