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