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Dr. Trevor Holly Cates, co-founder of GreenThisLife.com
Families spend a great deal of time in the kitchen; cooking, cleaning, eating and sometimes socializing. During that time, we may be exposed to a number of toxins. Do you know what is in your kitchen that could be negatively impacting your health?
- The problem: Toxic cleaning products stored under the kitchen sink can contribute to poor indoor air quality. The chemicals in cleaning supplies vary in toxicity levels. The warning labels refer to acute exposures only and often provide inadequate information. Exposure to some of the ingredients can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment. The long-term effects are not known for many of the compounds, but some are known to cause cancer in animals; others are known to cause cancer in humans.
The solution: Instead of harmful cleaning products, try making your own. Baking soda, salt and vinegar can clean just about everything in your home.
- The problem: Plastic containers and bottles used to store food in your kitchen can leach dioxins and phthalates into the food. Dioxins are carcinogenic and phthalates interfere with hormone function in the body. Heating and freezing plastics increases the release of these toxins into food.
The solution: Store your food in safer alternatives such as glass, ceramic and stainless steel.
While this information may be alarming, don't feel too overwhelmed to make changes in your home. There are many things you can do to reduce your exposures and make your home a healthier environment. GreenThisLife.com can help you determine which aspects of your kitchen need changes, and then provide you with simple solutions that accommodate your needs and your style.
