This may be a familiar story. Downstream people are drowning and we frantically rescue them. But as soon as we pull some out, there are more and more people drowning. We then strive to improve our rescue efforts. Perhaps a better way to save people is to shift our gaze upstream to understand why people are falling into the river.
This analogy applies to toxic chemicals
in our homes. Focusing just on where
and how to safely store chemicals keeps us downstream because it maintains the
assumption that people fall in without questioning what’s causing them to do
so. No doubt rescuing is necessary; but let’s strive to keep people out
of the river by keeping toxics out of
our lives.
The average American is exposed to
thousands of toxics daily yet only a small percentage of these have been safety
tested for human exposure and none for synergistic
impact. In fact, home and health
product makers aren’t required to list all ingredients in their products nor
do they have to prove they’re safe. Moreover, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) hasn’t been updated since
1976 while new chemical compounds are approved daily for use. Even while legislation is slow to keep up, it can
also omit dangerous, even known carcinogens like asbestos. Found around the
country in older drywall and insulation, asbestos is still legal for use in the
US and Canada even though exposure causes the devastating cancer, mesothelioma.
Why
are there toxics in our lives in the first place?
Clearly
people will continue to fall into the river if this reality goes unchecked.
It’s vital to advocate for more legislative measures to eradicate untested
chemicals from being used in everyday products and mandate labeling to
accurately detail contents. This is putting up protective railings upstream.
While seeking consumer protection and
governmental measures, what else can we do?
Start
by examining the products already in your home. For instance, anything scented contains phthalates, known endocrine disruptors. But because of proprietary laws, they’re
listed on labels only as ‘fragrance.’ Is scented
deodorant or laundry detergent something you really need? If so, consider alternatives to achieve the same end. Pleasing scents are possible without exposing yourself to harmful
chemicals.
Let’s investigate what’s happening upstream.
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Documentaries:
Websites detailing toxic products and alternatives:
