Creating a Healthy Home and Workplace - Big Y® World Class Market®

When you are exposed to common cleaners in your home or office, do you ever experience headaches, eye or respiratory irritations, dizziness or heart beat muscle and joint pain or chronic fatigue? These and other symptoms can often be linked to exposure to chemicals found in everyday products such as household cleaners often contain harmful chemicals like chlorine, phenochlorethlyene and other substances we should avoid. Carpets, pressboard furniture and other items can also outgas harmful chemicals into our indoor environment.

Unless you or someone you know is affected by allergies, asthma, environmental illness or other health problems, chances are you rarely think of this as an issue. Even if you are not chemically sensitive or environmentally ill, exposure to chemicals can compromise your health and well being. Although the long-term effects are still being studied, we do know that some common chemicals that can be linked to cancer, depression and a host of other health problems. The health danger associated with the use of toxic products is not just the initial exposure, but also the cumulative effects of continuous exposures, which weakens our immune systems.

Indoor air pollution is a huge health issue. According to the EPA, this year some 11,420 people will die from indoor air pollution. Millions more will be sickened by their exposure to a host of toxic chemicals within their homes and offices. For example, a study found more than 300 toxic substances and 150 carcinogens may be present in commercial paints.

Choosing Wisely
The good news is that there are nontoxic yet effective solutions for almost any job in your home. AFM paints avoid the use of aromatic hydrocarbons compounds (dangerous VOC's), does not use raw materials known to produce allergic reactions, including formaldehyde, phenols, heavy metals, crystalline silica ammonia, chlorine butyl ethers or fragrances. Safe Coat paints have no chemical odor, and perform as well or better than commercial paints. You get a long lasting and durable finish, without sacrificing your health. The line is available in flat, eggshell, semi-gloss and gloss.

Household Cleaners
Use household cleaners that contain no chlorine, ammonias, buytl ethers, pine oils or masking agents and are fragrance free, safe for use even by the chemically sensitive.

Carpet Care
Carpet and carpet fibers are extremely toxic due to out-gassing of chemicals used in manufacturing. The adhesives used in making and applying carpeting can also cause irritation. Use shampoo and carpet sealers that are designed to reduce exposure to dangerous chemicals that can be irritating and dangerous to children, pets, chemically sensitive and allergic persons and aid in removing pesticides and formaldehyde found in new carpets. We recommend shampooing, then applying carpet guard/carpet seal to prevent out gassing of harmful chemicals found in the adhesives and backing. Finally, apply a lock out which acts as a final sealer and protectant.