Do you want your precious pet to stay healthy and live as long as possible? Many factors affect your pet's health and life span, and one of these is exposure to toxic airborne chemicals in their environment. Get rid of harmful chemicals in your home, and you can lessen the likelihood of chronic health problems affecting your pet, perhaps lengthening your pet's life span and the amount of time the two of you will spend together.
Indoor air pollution is steadily increasing, and our pets are even more vulnerable to toxic airborne chemicals than we are. Long term chemical exposure can lead to respiratory problems, skin diseases, various other diseases affecting organs such as the liver and kidneys, and even cancer.
We can make our homes more environmentally healthy for our pets by using products that contain fewer toxic chemicals. The following list provides the names of products that may contain airborne chemicals and some healthier alternative products.
CHEMICAL SOURCES SUBSTITUTES
Paints Use Low toxic water based paints (low VOCs), casein
Synthetic Carpets Try natural materials such as sisal, seagrass, coir, wool (untreated with lindate, etc.)
Vinyl Flooring Install cork, linoleum
Varnishes Use beeswax, linseed oil, unfinished wood
Cleaning Products Clean with water & vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide
Fabric Softener Avoid using (due to amount of chemical emissions)
Plywood, Composition Use solid wood, Exterior plywood only boards
Room Deodorizers Use cloves, lavendar, scented flowers, Open windows.
Glue Use wood glue instead of solvent-based glue. Ventilate house.
Synthetic Pesticides Clean & vacuum regularly. Close off any openings in home. Avoid building materials around foundation that could attract insects
Laundry Detergents Use beodegradable, unscented products.
RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Environmental Protection Agency 800/438-4318,
www.epa.gov/iaq/Environmental Health Clearinghouse 800/643-4794
Washington Toxics Coalition 206/652-1545,
www.watoxics.orgNational Pesticide Telecommunications Network 800/858-7378,
http://ace.orst.edu/info/nptn/index.htmlNational Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides 202/543-5450,
www.beyondpesticides.orgbusiness opportunitySurfer Beach Hotel Pacific Beach Packages
