12/05/2024
But it’s such a small amount!
Ok we get it, chemicals in cleaning in products are bad.
How many of you have heard someone say, “But there’s such a small amount of chemicals in these products, does it really matter?” Or “I’ve been using them for years and I’m fine.”
Have these thoughts ever crossed your mind?
Consider the effects of bioaccumulation. The EPA has stated that small amounts of chemicals are not harmful to the body, but what happens when a small amount of chemicals are found in every single product you use and you use these products every single day, every week, every month for the rest your life?
A small amount of chemicals in your personal care products, hair products, detergents, and cleaning products can add up to big problems and this can put a significant burden on your body. This is called body burden. You feel fine, until one day, you don’t. Chemicals can stay in your body and build up over time.
Consider this…
•Some chemicals accumulate in our bodies over time
•Impacts may show up long after exposure
•Some chemicals can become harmful or more toxic in combination with other chemicals
•Chemicals can have more impact during certain periods of development (womb, infancy, puberty)
•Even tiny doses can be very potent
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What can we do?
Feeling overwhelmed or like every product is harmful to your body?
We’ve been there too.
Take a deep breath, at first it may seem impossible to have a chemical free home, but don’t be overwhelmed. There are a few simple, practical changes that can make a huge impact on your home.
The first step to a chemical free home is to become aware. Understand that there are chemicals found in many household products that can be harmful to your health. You are already becoming aware of harmful chemicals by taking this class!
Step 2: Focus on avoiding chemicals you can control, like the products you choose to have in your home.
Step 3: Educate yourself on ingredients and chemicals you should avoid.
Step 4: Take action. You don’t need to replace every single product in your home tomorrow. Transitioning to a healthy, plant-based home is lifestyle journey and you can make changes overtime. Start by replacing the products you use most frequently. This may be your household cleaner or maybe your hand soap. Focus on replacing products used on those most susceptible. Children and those with a compromised immune system can be more prone to the harmful effects of chemicals.
