Green Home Blog Avoid Toxic VOC's Now Found In Children

A recent study by Dr. Heather Stapelton, leader in flame retardant chemical research, found 44 biomarkers of leached toxic chemicals in exposed children. These biomarkers were a subset of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) called SVOCs (semi-volatile organic compounds). The children who were studied lived in homes with vinyl flooring or flame retardant sprayed couches. It was reported that children residing in a home where the sofa was in the main living area had "six times higher concentration of PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) in their blood." Mercola reported that PBDEs, "resemble the molecular structure of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which have been linked to cancer, reproductive problems and impaired fetal brain development."Once you know the facts, avoiding toxic VOCs can be accomplished.Not NewCorporate industry has known for decades how dangerous fire retardant (and many other) chemicals are to the human body. However, in many cases, skewed industry backed research reported the alleged safety of being exposed to small amounts of these toxins. In 1973 the US Government passed a law requiring children's sleep-ware to be manufactured with flame retardant technology which contained these toxic chemicals. Four years later these toxins were proven to slowly, potentially encourage cancer development as well as many other systemic compromises from those same small daily exposure risks originally reported as safe. As a result the PBDE's were banned only to be replaced by similar chemicals.The flame retardant additives are not only relegated to couches and vinyl flooring but can also be found in a slew of everyday products including: bed and bedding, baby toys, clothing, electronics, carpeting, furniture and, alarmingly, leached into such foods as peanut butter, fish and turkey.This is just what we know when it comes to accumulated toxins released from mass manufactured products. It is assumed that there are many more undisclosed and undiscovered toxic dangers out there. Learn how to avoid toxic VOC's with non-toxic choices that could help you and the environment all at once.Natural Fire Retardant MaterialWhen negative reports of products we consider safe arise, err on the side of caution and change your product. You are living during one of the best times when it comes to greener choices and it keeps getting better. Avoiding fire retardant treated materials could pose a risk, however finding a natural fire retardant material is possible.Wool - This natural fiber is difficult to ignite. The thick weave offers warmth and air flow but will give you just as much flame retardant time as chemically treated material. Look for cruelty-free wool or similar practices that protect the sourced sheep where wool comes from.Hemp - Now that hemp, (derived from the non-psychoactive male marijuana plant) is becoming less ostracized, this material has shown natural fire retardant properties as well. When sodium hydrate (NaOH) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) two naturally occurring properties were added to hemp, the flame resistance was highly effective. In a study by The Royal Society of Chemistry it was reported that, "This showed that [] inorganic modification of hemp with a mixture of NaOH and CaCl2 is a promising method to improve both the flame retarding and mechanical properties of the biocomposite."All Natural Mixture - Combining natural materials for green fire retardant applications continues to be studied. One combination includes clay, chitosan (a sugar that is obtained from the hard outer skeleton of shellfish, including crab, lobster, and shrimp) and DNA. The National Institute of Standards and Technology reported on this combination that, "Applied to polyurethane foam, the bio-based coatings greatly reduced the flammability of the common furniture padding after it was exposed to an open flame"If you are concerned about your exposure to toxic VOCs, you can slowly make a change. Swapping out furniture, flooring, and other compromised products is a home improvement project that, over time, may save your life.