Home Furnishings and Repair
Toxic ingredients may be everywhere, from your comfy socks to your couch to your auto repair products. Many couches, chair pads and other home furnishings contain flame retardants which are linked to thyroid, reproductive/developmental and liver problems. Even some socks and children’s pajamas contain flame retardants. Auto repair and household repair products contain chemicals that can irritate your lungs, eyes and skins, cause reproductive toxicity, allergies and even cancer.
What You Can Do to “green” your home
- Support stores that offer locally-made products
- Use salvaged items and reuse building supplies on home remodeling projects (www.constructionjunction.org)
- Choose energy efficient lights and appliances (www.gbapgh.org)
- Seek home energy conservation tools (www.conservationconsultants.org)
- Donate unused household items
- Choose non-volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, stains and adhesives
- Purchase natural flooring and non-toxic wool or recycled fiber carpets
- Select natural wood furniture – particle board or pressed wood products are known to contain formaldehyde
- Select organic linens and consider purchase of an eco mattress made from untreated organic cotton and wool – be certain to have working smoke detectors in the home!
- Visit the Green Resources section of this website to learn more about chemicals to avoid (link to PDF)
Source: Chemicals in Household Products
