As the European Union and other nations worldwide have begun to tighten their environmental standards, manufacturers have begun to use America as a dumping ground for consumer goods that fail to meet other nations' standards for toxic chemical content.
Manufacturers ship wood, toys, electronics, pesticides and cosmetics to the United States containing substances that are banned or restricted elsewhere because they raise the risk of cancer or cause reproductive or neurological damage.Unlike the European Union, which uses a "precautionary principle" that prescribes protective steps whenever there is scientific evidence of risks to public health or the environment, the U.S. EPA relies on voluntary steps from the industries themselves.
The EPA has not attempted to ban any industrial compounds since its unsuccessful attempt to ban asbestos nearly two decades ago.
As other countries toughen their environmental laws, many products containing highly regulated (or banned) and toxic materials -- such as formaldehyde -- are finding their way to a safer haven; namely, the United States.
That sad fact alone probably explains the escalating number of incidents involving lead, phthalates and flame retardants and children's products.
China exported enough hardwood plywood last year to build cabinets for about 2 million kitchens in America. Thanks to environmental loopholes, however, American consumers may be exposed to wood that emits as much as 30 times more formaldehyde than is allowed in the country where it is produced.
Recent moves by the California legislature last month to measure the presence of designated contaminants its residents absorb will probably gravitate soon to other states. And the state's Air Resources Board is considering tougher formaldehyde standards, comparable to those already in Europe and Japan -- which is great if you live in California, but not so much if you reside elsewhere in the United States.
That's why I urge you to review this article I wrote about the top 10 toxins hurting your health. And here are some tips on how to avoid them:
You also might consider installing a ventillation system in your home if you can. I am moving to a different home shortly and plan on installing one in my home, as indoor air pollution is typically far worse than outdoor pollution, especially when you lock your home tight in the winter to conserve heat.
Ventilation systems are more than exhaust fans. They serve three important functions:
The basic ventilation system has two elements. First, there's a fan to pull stale air out. Pickup points for stale air are generally in high moisture areas, such as the kitchen, utility and bathrooms. Second is the makeup air supply.
Outside air is delivered around the house, with one supply point in each bedroom and at least one in the living area. The suction, also called negative pressure, created by the exhaust fan pulls air through the house from supply points to the pickup points. By properly locating the pickup and supply points, you make outside air travel through the entire house.
Air-to-Air Heat Exchanger