I have done pesticide research and studied chemistry, and I am still boggled by all this chemical/pesticide stuff. I do have a few quick gems which I have picked up in my studies which I will share with you though:

• The greatest exposure to chemicals for the average American is in their own household. Have you read the label on your bleach, detergent, dish washing liquid, shampoo, ant spray, or splenda lately?
• Whatever we know about chemicals pales in comparison to what we don't know about what happens to the chemicals in the environment. There is little to know research about the toxicity of the breakdown chemicals, as well as the toxic effects produced when different chemicals meet in the environment and mix
• Just because a chemical is sold at the store does NOT make it safe.  Read the rules of application and follow them.  When it comes to chemicals, more is not better, and can actually be a lot worse.

I highly recommend an article (Parts 1 and 2) by Anne Steinemann that was published last year.  In it, she announces that “indoor sources account for nearly 90% of our pollutant exposure” and that “pollutant levels found in typical homes, if found outdoors, would often violate federal environmental standards.”  In Part 2, she states that ‘the places that we normally consider "safe" (homes, schools, workplaces, vehicles, public buildings, medical facilities) and the products that we consider "safe" (because they are widely sold and used) are precisely the major sources of pollutant exposures. Yet these sources are virtually unregulated by existing environmental laws.’

I have learned a lot about non-toxic alternatives to the chemicals in my home from reading Home Safe Home by Debra Lynn Dadd.  In fact, she was part of my baking soda awakening that occurred five years ago, which I’ll be posting about soon.

I have spoken with chemists that say on the molecular level, everything is a chemical, so the term becomes meaningless.  I see their point, as even an apple has a chemical structure.  However, when it comes to chemicals that have naturally been in the environment and that we have been exposed to for hundreds of years versus a chemical cooked up in the lab a few years ago, I know which one I feel safer about.  I do think humans are resilient, and I don’t think my shampoo will kill me.  However, as our society becomes increasingly urbanised and industrialised, new chemicals are becoming more prevalent and I can’t say I feel good about that.

My advice in this area is be aware that just because a chemical is sold at the store doesn’t make it safe.  Read labels, use chemicals sparingly, and try to use non-toxic alternatives when applicable.