From the category archives:

Toxic Chemicals

Use An Ozone Generator To Purify Your Air and Water Inexpensively

July 4, 2009

One of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to purify water is to bubble ozone through it. Ozone is a molecule made of three oxygen atoms ( O3). It disinfects water very effectively, through a process called oxidation. Ozone ruptures the cellular structure of organisms, killing them. It also oxides toxic organic chemicals, minerals and [...]

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Inexpensive, Non-Toxic Solvent: Washing Soda

April 12, 2006

Washing soda is an efficient substitute for conventional toxic solvents. It cuts grease, cleans petroleum oil, removes wax, and neutralizes odors in the same way that baking soda does. Washing soda is sodium carbonate — it is in the same family as baking soda, but it has been processed differently. It is much more caustic/alkaline, [...]

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A Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides

February 22, 2006

Consumer Reports recently published a guide (subscription required) detailing which fruit and vegetables contain the most pesticides. They recommend always buying organic when purchasing the following fruits and vegetables: Bell Peppers, Celery, Cherries, Grapes (imported), Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Potatoes, Red Raspberries, Spinach and Strawberries. Their report was based on the free Shopper’s Guide to [...]

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How To Grow Fresh Air

January 12, 2006

Author B.C. Wolverton originally began his research to investigate creating a breathable environment for a NASA lunar habitat. What came of that research was the discovery that houseplants are the most efficient filters of common pollutants such as ammonia, formaldehyde and benzene. (See our list of the top plants for cleaning the air).

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Anti-Metaefficient: PBDE: A Poison That Is Now Everywhere

March 27, 2005

PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl) is a toxic flame retardant used in many products, including computer cases, carpet pads and foam cushions in chairs and couches.
This recent article in the The Oregonian sums up the problems for humans:
Research has shown that the levels of PBDEs in American women are doubling every two to five years. Even low-level [...]

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Not Efficient: Pharmaceutical Drugs Found In Rivers, Tap Water

September 14, 2004

A variety of pharmaceuticals have been found to be present in rivers and tap water in the U.S.
The drugs include painkillers, tranquilizers, anti-depressants, antibiotics, birth control pills, estrogen replacement therapies, chemotherapy agents, anti-seizure medications and many others.
The pharmaceuticals are found in treated sewage effluents, surface waters, soil, and tap water, though at very low levels [...]

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Teflon: Strong Indications That It’s Toxic

August 27, 2004

Teflon contains a toxic chemical called C8 or PFOA which has been linked to cancer and birth defects in animals. Its effects have never been formally tested on humans.
The chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid, is a soaplike material. It is used to make many widely used products, such as non-stick cookware, fast food containers, clothing, Gortex outdoor [...]

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Not Very Meta-Efficient: Plastics

July 30, 2004

Plastics are not very meta-efficient. They are toxic to all forms of life, they don’t biodegrade. Practically all the plastic that’s even been made still exists – either in landfills or in places like the ocean. There are other materials that can often substitute for plastic such as ceramics or rubber. Bioplastic [...]

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Chloramine

July 29, 2004

Recently, municipalities around the world have begun to use
chloramine (a mixture of chlorine and ammonia) to disinfect water. This
is done to reduce free chlorine’s ability to combine with organic matter
in the water thereby producing potentially harmful trihalomethanes, or
THMs. Because chloramine has less disinfecting ability than free chlorine,
a higher concentration of chlorine is usually used to [...]

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Chemicals Commonly Polluting Indoor Air

July 29, 2004

Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a ubiquitous chemical found in virtually all indoor environments.
The major sources which have been reported and publicized include urea-formaldehyde
foam insulation (UFFI) and particle board or pressed wood products used
in manufacturing of the office furniture bought today. It is used in consumer
paper products which have been treated with UF resins, including grocery
bags, waxed papers, [...]

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Best and Worst: Personal Care Products

July 28, 2004

The Environmental
Working Group has produced a list of the Best
and Worst Personal Care Products. They have a huge Searchable
Product Guide of harmful chemicals found in personal care products.
The report is extensive and very well organized. You can search by ingredient, product
name or product
category.

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