| The unmistakable smell of a new car -- a mix | | | | this initiative, and I hope the idea spreads. |
| of fresh plastic, paint, and upholstery | | | | After all, some of the VOCs -- such as |
| – may be linked to a toxic cocktail of | | | | styrene and formaldehyde -- can potentially |
| harmful chemicals, prompting Japanese | | | | give you cancer.Toxins are all around us and |
| automakers to attempt to tone down the smell. | | | | if you want to increase your awareness of the |
| Their push to reduce cabin concentrations of | | | | potential dangers that you might not have |
| the fumes could spur similar action by U.S. | | | | known about I would encourage you to |
| and European rivals.VOCsThe new-car smell | | | | reviewthe 10 most common toxins that surround |
| comes largely from chemicals known as | | | | you and how to protect your family from them. |
| volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These | | | | Some useful methods include:Buy and eat, as |
| leach from glues, paints, vinyls and plastics | | | | much as possible, organic produce and |
| in the passenger compartment. They have been | | | | free-range, organic foods. Rather than eating |
| known to cause headaches, sore throats, | | | | fish, which is largely contaminated with PCBs |
| nausea, and drowsiness, and prolonged | | | | and mercury, consume a high-quality purified |
| exposure to high concentrations can lead to | | | | fish or cod liver oil.Avoid processed foods |
| cancer.Sitting in a new car can subject | | | | -- remember that they're processed with |
| riders to toxic emissions several times above | | | | chemicals!Only use natural cleaning products |
| the safety limits. The problem tends to | | | | in your home. Most health food stores will |
| dissipate after about six months. Matching | | | | have these available or you can search on |
| Guidelines for HomesEarlier this year, | | | | line for them.Switch over to natural brands |
| Japanese automakers agreed to cut cabin | | | | of toiletries, including shampoo, toothpaste, |
| levels of 13 of the compounds, including | | | | antiperspirants and cosmetics.Remove any |
| possible cancer-causing agents such as | | | | metal fillings as they're a major source of |
| styrene and formaldehyde, to match guidelines | | | | mercury. Be sure to have this done by a |
| for air quality in homes. This marks the | | | | qualified biological dentist.Avoid using |
| first time automakers have adopted government | | | | artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, |
| guidelines on the matter.U.S. Has No | | | | fabric softeners or other synthetic |
| Regulations for Most VOCsThe U.S. | | | | fragrances as they can pollute the air you |
| Environmental Protection Agency sets no | | | | are breathing.Avoid artificial food additives |
| guidelines for volatile organic compounds in | | | | of all kind, including artificial sweeteners |
| non-industrial settings. Formaldehyde, | | | | and MSG.Have your tap water tested and, if |
| however, one of the potentially | | | | contaminants are found, install an |
| cancer-causing substances present in new | | | | appropriate water filter on all your faucets |
| cars, is regulated by the Occupational Safety | | | | (even those in your shower or bath).This |
| and Health Administration. USA Today | | | | article is reprinted from Mercola.com, the |
| September 26, 2005 Dr. Mercola's | | | | world's #1 most visited and trusted natural |
| Comment:I've discussedVOCs beforeinthis | | | | alternative health website. For a limited |
| newsletter-- they can be emitted from many | | | | time only, you can take the FREE "Metabolic |
| items found aboutyour home and inyour | | | | Type Test" to help you learn the right foods |
| environment, including:Solvents Paints Hobby | | | | for your particular body type so you can |
| supplies Floor adhesives Cleaning products | | | | achieve optimal fitness & health. Just go to |
| Polishes Room fresheners Fitted carpet It's | | | | right now to take this quick test! |
| great that Japanese automakers are taking | | | | |