This past winter (2010-2011) in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast has been particularly hard; record back-to-back snowstorms, windy days, and cold temperatures.  Sure, winter is winter, but I found that, this year, multiple days in a row shuttered indoors were more unbearable than ever and affected my family’s well-being.  I realized this mostly the first day that my toddler and I could go outside and not have to trudge through feet of snow, or bundle-up with endless layers to play.  We really did miss the outdoors.

As we exited the house, my toddler hesitated to take the next step into the colder air.  I paused, too, but after a few cold breaths, I picked her up and trotted through the yard, hoping to build excitement for our new cold weather play time.  As my daughter was not a fan of playing in the snow or sleigh rides, our activities were limited with wet, melting, piles of snow.  So, we took to the street and pretended to fly like birds (her favorite animal at the time).  The giggles were endless and the expression on her face was priceless.  I felt more air getting into my lungs than ever before, and knew my daughter’s lungs were being refreshed as well.

After our morning time outdoors, I noticed my toddler and I had a brighter disposition and outlook for the rest of the day (and even had bigger smiles for when Daddy came home from work), happier facial expressions, hungry stomachs, and we napped incredibly well that afternoon and slept great that night.  As with a typical winter around here, the following days were much colder and windier, with more snow.  So, we were back inside, and I noticed an immediate difference in eating and sleeping habits in both of us.  We needed to get back outside.  Our cabin fever had replaced “spring fever.”

The reality is that families and individuals do not get outside for fresh air often enough, all year long.  We spend time inside working, eating, sleeping, and playing.  According to Prevention Magazine, kids today spend 7 hours more on academics and inside activities and 2 hours less on sports and outdoor activities per week than they did 20 years ago.

Experts say that children who spend more time outdoors in green spaces have lower stress levels, more success in school, and fewer ADHD symptoms.  Also, sunlight triggers skin to make vitamin D, a potent cancer fighter.  Interaction with nature reduces depression, promotes healing, sparks creativity, and even increases life expectancy–upping survival odds by about 15% over 5 years in one Japanese study.

Physically, fresh air cleans our lungs. We tend to breathe deeper when outdoors, which brings more oxygen to all the cells in our bodies.  The increased oxygen brings with it increased energy and brings better clarity to the brain, which needs twenty percent of our body’s oxygen to function.

According to Natural Health Restored, some of the many human health benefits of fresh air include:

• Helps increase the rate and quality of growth in both plants and animals;
• Improves the cleansing action of your lungs;
• Helps to improve your heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolic rate;
• Helps your immune system fight off disease more effectively;
• Soothes your nerves;
• Will stimulate your appetite and will help your food to digest more effectively;
• Will help you sleep more soundly at night;
• Helps to clear your mind, improves your concentration, and helps you to think more clearly;
• Alters your brain levels of serotonin which helps to improve your mood and promote a sense of happiness and well-being;
• Helps your body get rid of accumulated impurities;
• Provides enough oxygen for cellular metabolism;
• Helps to kill bacteria and viruses in the air; and
• Strengthens your immune system by supplying it with the oxygen it needs.

Now, I’m not going to move my family to a consistently warm weather place (because we love the seasons) just to have reason to be outside more, but I have considered changes, such as instituting a rule that if it’s at least 40 degrees and sunny or partly sunny – we are outside for as much as possible.  Also, I’ve researched and signed-up for outdoor programs for my family for all seasons to make going outside routine and part of the schedule of activities.

Most of all, I will remind myself of how my mind and body felt on that one warmer winter day after running around the yard and “flying” down the street pretending to be birds with my toddler: tired (but a “good-tired,”), refreshed, hungry, and hungry for more time outdoors.  Thank goodness spring is here.

Information used in this article was found at the following sources, which you can visit if you want to find out more about this topic:

(http://www.healthymenumailer.com/articles/fresh-air.html, “Why is Fresh Air So Good For You?” Healthy Menu Mailer, last accessed March 6, 2011.)

(http://www.natural-health-restored.com/fresh-air.html, “Get a Breath of Fresh Air,” Natural Health Restored, last accessed March 6, 2011.)

(http://www.prevention.com/health/health/healthy-living/fresh-air-can-help-your-brain/article/3bf9b3eb1f463110VgnVCM20000012281eac____/, “The Fresh-Air Fix,” by Sarah Mahoney, Prevention Magazine, 2007, last accessed March 6, 2011.)

The Quick Facts: Unfortunately, the fruits and vegetables we eat every day contain pesticide residue and bacteria, even organic produce. It is recommended to wash produce before consuming. But, what is the best method of washing produce? Using just water? What about a fruit and vegetable wash? Ultimately, it is your preference, but plain old water goes a long way in reducing your family’s exposure to pesticides and other harmful things on your fruits and vegetables (and in saving you money).

It is recommended that people eat at least nine or ten servings (i.e., four to five cups) of fruit and vegetables per day; most dietary guidelines recommend at least five servings per day. While most people fall far short of these recommendations, I rarely do. In my household, fruit and vegetables are piled high (and eaten, for the most part) at every meal and snack. Unfortunately, the fruit and vegetables we eat every day contain pesticide residue and bacteria, even organic produce. I always wash produce with water (sometimes just a quick rinse) before eating, but often wonder if I am being thorough. So, how and why should you wash fruits and vegetables?

Why Wash Produce?
Research shows that eating a little dirt won’t hurt. But, when it comes to fruits and vegetables, it is more than dirt that is contaminating the produce. Remember that the fruits and vegetables you buy may look clean, but you cannot see bacteria or chemicals. In addition to pesticides and herbicides, produce is covered with microorganisms from soil, fungi, dust, and bacteria-causing germs. Bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella and E. Coli may all be coating your fruits and vegetables. Wax and other chemicals used in the processing and shipping of produce also leave residues. Further, think of all the hands that touched the produce: the workers that picked it, the packing and shipping process, workers stacking it at the store, shoppers, and you. Did everyone wash their hands?

Food-borne illnesses can come from contaminated produce. Salmonella outbreaks have been linked with alfalfa and other sprouts. According to the United Fresh Produce Association, from 1996 to 2006, seventy-two food borne illness outbreaks were reported and associated with the consumption of fresh produce. Of these produce related outbreaks, 25 percent were blamed on fresh-cut produce (i.e., minimally processed and altered by peeling, slicing, chopping, coring, etc.). Fruits and vegetables are often eaten raw without cooking to kill bacteria; thus, they are possible sources of food-borne illness.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that all produce be thoroughly washed before eating — including produce grown conventionally or organically at home, or produce that is purchased from a grocery store or farmer’s market. Important note: washing produce only removes dirt and chemicals from the surface of the produce. Many studies show that pesticides can actually seep into the flesh.

Washing Methods: Water vs. Produce Wash?
The FDA recommends washing fruits and vegetables under running water just before eating, cutting, or cooking. Even if you plan to peel the produce before eating, it is still important to wash it first to avoid transfer (by hand or knife) of bacteria and pesticides to the inside of the fruit or vegetable. While washing with water, the FDA recommends scrubbing firm produce, such as apples, potatoes, melons, and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush and drying produce with a clean cloth towel or paper towel to further reduce bacteria that may be present.

The FDA does not recommend washing fruits and vegetables with soap, detergent, or commercial produce washes. These products are not approved or labeled by the FDA for use on foods. Further, according to the University of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the effectiveness of commercial produce washes is not currently being regulated.

Meanwhile, manufacturers of sprays and rinses for “washing” fruits and vegetables claim their products remove pesticides and residues. Some claim to do a better job than just water. After being “washed” by the product, companies direct consumers to rinse the produce with water. Ever wonder why? Could there be harmful chemicals in their product? Well, some produce washes contain potassium hydroxide, which is an acute poison to humans and a cancer risk. Overall, while they are generally considered safe, the actual effectiveness of these washes is debated.

Nevertheless, the University of Maine Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Cooperative Extension studied how a water wash compared to three “fruit and veggie” washes. The results of the study showed that a “wash” was just as effective as a distilled water wash.

Also, Cook’s Illustrated magazine did some comparative testing, specifically, cleaning apples and pears in four different ways. The results were as follows: using a scrub brush removed 85 percent of the bacteria — a little more than the water alone. The cleaning method that worked the best was the dilute vinegar rinse. It removed 98 percent of the bacteria. This method works best for smooth skinned fruits and vegetables. For harder-to-clean produce such as broccoli, lettuce, or spinach, the magazine study team found that soaking individual lettuce leaves in the vinegar solution works well (albeit tedious).

Further, researchers at the Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Tennessee State University tested dilute vinegar against plain water and a commercial produce wash purchased at a grocery store. The researchers found that water works just as well as the wash.

In sum, if using just water, take these steps to protect you and your family when consuming produce:

• Rinse under running water.
• Use a scrub brush.
• Cut out bruised or damaged areas.
• Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Make Your Own Produce Wash
If you choose to wash produce with more than water, here are some “recipes” taken from several resources that you can cheaply make at home:

• In a spray bottle, mix one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and 1 cup water. Shake well and spray on produce; rinse well.
• In a spray bottle mix two cups of water with two tablespoons of vinegar. Spray produce with the mixture, rub clean, and rinse with water.
• Clean your kitchen sink. Fill your kitchen sink with cold water and add in a quarter of a cup of three percent hydrogen peroxide. Place produce in the sink and wash thoroughly. Rinse with water.
• In a spray bottle mix together three cups of water, two tablespoons of baking soda, and three tablespoons of either white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Spray the mix on produce, clean it thoroughly, and rinse with water.

Ultimately, with producing-washing, it is your preference. If you choose to purchase produce washes, be sure to buy one that is all natural and made from food-grade ingredients such as citrus, corn, and coconut extracts. However, plain old water goes a long way in reducing your family’s exposure to pesticides, bacteria, and other chemicals (and saves you money). Plus, why take a chance of adding more chemicals into something you’re eating?

For related Real Mama Articles, see:
A Common Sense Approach to Eating Organic Produce
Seasonal, Sustainable, Responsible

Information used in this article was found at the following sources, which you can visit if you want to find out more about this topic:

(http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/index.html, Harvard University School of Public Health, “The Nutrition Source Vegetables and Fruits,” last accessed September 28, 2010.)

(http://www.get-healthy-enjoy-life.com/green-cleaners.html, get-healthy-enjoy-life.com, “Compare Green Cleaners to the Hazards of Chemical-Laden Cleaning Products,” last accessed September 28, 2010.)

(http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/cleaning/whats-the-deal-with-fruit-and-vegetable-wash–118406, The Kitchn, “What’s the Deal with Fruit and Vegetable Wash?” by Emily Ho, June 2, 2010.)

(http://www.versatilevinegar.org/usesandtips.html, The Vinegar Institute, “Household Hints,” last accessed September 29, 2010.)

(http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2646039/how_to_make_your_own_homemade_fruit.html?cat=22, “Associate Content by Yahoo,” by: Stephanie Raney, February 1, 2010.)

(http://nutrition.about.com/od/ahealthykitchen/a/washveggies.htm, About.com, “Wash Fruits and Vegetables,” by Shereen Jegtvig, September 18, 2008.)

(http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/Does_Washing_Food_Promote_Food_Safety/index.asp, U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, “Washing Food: Does it Promote Food Safety?” August 18, 2006.)

(http://www.savvysciencemom.com/2010/02/does-produce-wash-work.html, Savy Science Mom, “Does Produce Wash Work?” February 7, 2010.)

(http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/cleanprod.htm, “Are You Taking Harmful Steps to Clean Your Produce?” last accessed September 29, 2010.)

(http://www.diylife.com/2008/04/25/organic-produce-wash-made-with-lemon-and-vinegar/, DIY Life, “Organic Produce Wash Made with Lemon and Vinegar,” by Anna Sattler, April 25, 2008.)

(http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocuments/ProduceandPlanProducts/ucm064458.htm, US Food & Drug Administration, “Guidance for Industry: Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards of Fresh-cut Fruits and Vegetables,” February 2008.”

(http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm114299.htm#prep, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Produce Safety – Safe Handling of Raw Produce and Fresh-Squeezed Fruit and Vegetable Juices,” April 19, 2010.)

(http://www.unitedfresh.org/, United Fresh Produce Association, a leading trade association committed to driving the growth and success of produce companies and their partners, last accessed September 29, 2010.)

(http://www.umaine.edu/publications/4336e/, University of Maine Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Cooperative Extension, “Food Safety Facts: Best Ways to Wash Fruits and Vegetables,” by Kristi Crowe, Alfred Bushway, and Mahmoud El-Begearmi, University of Maine Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Cooperative Extension, 2004.)

The Quick Facts:

Prior to the massive oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, most people probably did not think of how much oil they consume.  After watching the “spill cam” showing millions of gallons of oil soiling the Gulf, we should all become aware of our own oil consumption.  Whether you are of the “drill, baby, drill” crowd, or the “spill, baby, spill” crew, we can all take common sense actions to conserve our resources and make wiser choices to reduce the demand and need for oil and its related products and to lessen the impacts on the earth.  (See also Real Mama’s article, “The Oil Spill and a Teachable Moment”)

Products Made from Oil

Oil is all around you.  Well, sort of.  Americans use petroleum (oil), directly or indirectly, for transportation fuel, light, heat, and for the manufacture of consumer products.  Specifically, oil is used for:

• gasoline, motor oil, kerosene, home heating oil, and other fuels
• plastics and synthetic rubber
• asphalt
• liquids & solvents such as paint, paint thinners, lacquers, floor cleaners, hair spray, printing inks
• petroleum (or paraffin) wax used in candy making, packaging, candles, crayons, matches, and polishes
• petroleum jelly in medical products, toiletries, and cosmetics
• synthetic fibers like polyester
• fertilizers, pesticides
• generation of electricity
• transportation of products to market.

According to the Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy, fuel products account for nearly 9 of every 10 barrels of oil used in the United States.  Also, oil accounts for about 40 percent of all energy consumed in the United States.

Gasoline for our cars and trucks is the largest single use of oil.  Passenger cars use more than 40 percent of the oil consumed in America.  Since 1981, the number of cars and trucks registered for the road has increased by about 75% to 248.7 million vehicles.  The number of miles Americans drive has almost doubled since 1981.

It is projected that oil consumption in the United States will increase by 1.2 percent annually, reaching 24.7 million barrels per day by the year 2020.  This increase in demand will put pressure on our resources and continue our addiction to fossil fuels.

Tips to Reduce Your Use of Oil

A national survey and report released by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) show that, even before the Gulf oil spill and Congressional hearings, Americans strongly supported reduced oil consumption and tougher fuel economy standards.  What people do not know is how to accomplish this task, and it can be quite simple.

First, we must know what products are made from oil (see previous list).  Then, we can change our behavior, even in the smallest ways, to reduce the demand and extraction of oil from our lands and waters.  What follows are some ideas; some require more effort than others, but they all will help in reducing oil consumption and the need to drill more, further, and deeper.

On the Road

• drive less (combine trips), carpool, or use public transit
• live closer to work or school
• buy the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs, including hybrid vehicles
• buy fuel-efficient replacement tires for your vehicle
• check your tires for correct pressure
• obey the speed limit
• turn off the car/truck engine while waiting in line
• keep cars tuned and use fuel-efficient engine oil (marked with an “Energy Conserving” label by the American Petroleum Institute)

At Home or Work

• lower the thermostat
• turn off lights when not in use
• buy energy-efficient appliances
• hang laundry outside to dry
• grow your own vegetables (without using pesticides and fertilizers)
• use water-based latex paints and inks
• use glass, ceramic, metal, and cloth containers instead of plastic
• Consider alternative forms of energy for your home (i.e., solar, geothermal, wind)
• walk or bike to do your errands
• Weatherize homes that use home heating oil.

At the Store

• buy food in bulk to reduce packaging
• buy vegetables at a local farmer’s market or farm
• buy organic food
• buy products made from bee’s wax or soy-based waxes
• buy drinks that come in glass containers or bring and refill a reusable container (preferably stainless steel)
• stop buying bottled water
• stop using plastic bags
• eat less meat

It’s a lot simpler than you think to reduce your oil consumption.  In the end, it will save resources and money, and help your health and the earth.

Information used in this article was found at the following sources, which you can visit if you want to find out more about this topic:

(http://www.nrdc.org/air/energy/fensec.asp, Natural Resources Defense Council, “Reducing U.S. Oil Dependence – A Real Energy Security Policy,” last accessed June 24, 2010

(http://wskg.typepad.com/everydaythinking/2010/06/reducing-oil-consumption-.html, “Everyday Thinking: Exploring the World of Science and Nature; Reducing Oil Consumption,” by Crystal Sarakas, June 13, 2010.)

(http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122125023848529351.html, “What the U.S. Should Do To Reduce Oil Consumption,” by Joseph White,Wall Street Journal, September 15, 2008.)

(http://admin.consumerfed.org/elements/www.consumerfed.org/File/Gas_Oil_Survey_Oil_Spill_PR_5_18_10.pdf, Consumer Federation of America, May 18, 2010.)

(http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/petroleum/analysis_publications/petroleum_profile_1999/profile99v8.pdf, Energy Information Administration, US Department of Energy, “Petroleum: An Energy Profile,” 1999.)

(http://www.stonyrunfriends.org/Committees/UnityNature/Petroleum.html, “What We Can Do To Reduce Petroleum Use,” Baltimore Monthly Meeting of Friends, Stony Run, last accessed June 24, 2010.)

You can smell it when you walk out the door of your home. You can smell it when you take your child for a walk in the neighborhood, house after house. What you smell is not the scent of fresh air, but “clean scent” or “fresh scent” dryer sheets. We all appreciate clean clothes, but studies have found that fabric softeners and dryer sheets can make us sick and harm the environment.

A Drain on Energy
The clothes dryer is the second biggest household user of electricity, after the refrigerator. According to the 2001 statistics from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration, about 5.8 percent of residential electricity is used for the clothes dryer. In fact, Project Laundry List, a nonprofit organization, says if all Americans use the clothesline or wooden drying racks, the savings would be enough to close several power plants!

The Toxic Load
While people are using dryers and using energy, they are also using many chemicals in the form of artificial fragrances in the process. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and industry-generated Material Safety Data Sheets (required documents with information about individual chemicals) from the 1990s, the following is a list of chemicals in fabric softener products and dryer sheets and their effects on human health:

• Benzyl acetate — Linked to pancreatic cancer
• Benzyl alcohol — Upper respiratory tract irritant
• Ethanol — On the EPA’s hazardous waste list; can cause central nervous system disorders
• Limonene — Suspected gastrointestinal or liver toxicant, immunotoxicant, kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant, respiratory toxicant, and skin or sense organ toxicant
• A-Terpineol — Can cause respiratory problems, including fatal edema and central nervous system damage
• Ethyl acetate — A narcotic on the EPA’s hazardous waste list
• Camphor — Causes central nervous system disorders
• Chloroform — Neurotoxic, anesthetic and carcinogenic (cancer-causing)
• Linalool — A narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders
• Pentane — A chemical known to be harmful if inhaled

People who use dryer sheets with fragrances are coating their clothing in a layer of chemicals. These chemicals are designed to stick and linger on clothing for that longer, extra “fresh” scent. People breathe-in the aromatic molecules in the air released by the toxins in the dried clothes, and absorb the chemicals through the skin via direct contact with the clothes. The chemicals are easily absorbed by the skin, especially when you perspire. The wetter your body becomes, the more easily the chemicals can move from clothing into your skin.

Don’t forget Fido or Fifi; fragrance chemicals can harm pets, too. Apparently, some people use dryer sheets to remove loose hair from pets and to reduce static. This is not good for pets. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, doing so can cause a variety of problems in animals ranging from minor irritation to widespread systemic distress and pulmonary edema. Animals lick their fur and directly ingest the chemicals, and lick the areas on which they rest which may have been washed and dried using fabric softeners or dryer sheets.

Studies continue on the effects of these chemicals on human health and pets. However, professionals say that individuals with allergies, eczema, asthma and other skin conditions are particularly susceptible to such toxins. Also, according to Grinning Planet, when thinking about the impacts of dryer sheets on health, “consider making a change if there are kids in your household. Children’s developing bodies are especially susceptible to the negative effects of chemical exposure.”

In addition to the impacts of these chemicals on human and pet health, the chemicals are released into the air and our waterways. The chemicals in fabric softeners are washed into sewer systems and are not removed. Many sewer systems overflow in rainstorms, washing a toxic soup, including the artificial fragrance chemicals, to local waterways. Studies are finding similar health impacts on marine and animal life from these chemicals.

Solutions for “Green” Laundry
In sum, skip the fabric softener and dryer sheets to protect the health of your family, pets, and the environment. Here are some greener and healthier options:
• For safer clothes softening without harsh chemicals, add a half a cup of vinegar (your clothing will not retain the smell of vinegar) OR a quarter cup of baking soda to the rinse cup of the wash cycle. (Special note: If you must use bleach, DO NOT PUT bleach and vinegar in the same load; vinegar and bleach can react poorly to each other and cause a toxic fume.)
• If you want a floral scent in your clothes, put a drop or two of essential oil on a clean washcloth or rag and toss it into the dryer. OR, fill a small cloth drawstring bag with dried aromatic herbs or flowers and throw in the dryer with your clothes. Make sure the bag is tied securely.
• Check out your local health food store for a natural fabric softener that uses a natural base like soy instead of chemicals.
• Buy naturally-made fiber clothing it’ll be softer without having to add anything to soften the fabric.
• For static cling, before putting your clothes into the dryer remove any 100% synthetic fabric items from your load. Hang them to air dry. They will last longer and you will reduce any static in your load.

Air It Out
To save energy, lower utility bills, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, opt for air drying – outside or inside. You don’t need much space to set up a clothesline outside, nor do you need full sun. Clothes will dry in sun (a natural disinfecting source) and in the shade. Don’t have clothesline poles? Wrap the clothesline around two trees, or attach it to the side of the deck or house.

Unfortunately, neighborhoods and homeowner associations are restricting clothesline installation due to aesthetic reasons, and some claim property values decrease due to outside clothesline use. Recognizing the environmental, health, and economic benefits of clotheslines, people are fighting these restrictions. In fact, a clothesline advocacy group called Project Laundry List exists to assist homeowners fight for the “right to dry!”

If outside drying is not possible, folding, free-standing dryer racks are ideal for inside spaces. A few clothes lines also can be installed easily in boiler, laundry, or extra rooms. Or, hang clothes on hangers from pipes hung from ceilings or walls.

By eliminating the use of fabric softeners and dryer sheets, you will save money and improve the health of your family. Take it a step further and reduce dryer use and you will save money, energy, and help the earth.

For related Real Mama Articles, see:
Global Warming Updates
Home Energy Eaters: How to Save Energy and Money Around Your Home

Information used in this article was found at the following sources, which you can visit if you want to find out more about this topic:

(http://www.grinningplanet.com/2004/04-29/stop-static-cling-fabric-softener-article.htm, Grinning Planet, “Ahh…The Air is Filled with the Smells of the Season…and Dryer Sheets;
Alternatives to the Toxic Components of Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets,” Updated February 2010.)

(http://www.supereco.com/news/2009/05/05/dryer-sheets-turn-clothes-toxic/, “Dryer Sheets Turn Clothes Toxic,” by Lisa Poisso, May 5, 2009.)

(https://shop.sixwise.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=92, SixWise.com, “The Toxic Danger of Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets,” last accessed April 22, 2010.)

(http://www.naturalnews.com/002693.html, “Warning: many dryer sheets contain cancer causing chemicals,” by Mike Adams, December 05, 2004.)

(http://laundry.about.com/od/laundryproductsafety/qt/petsdryersheet.htm, “Dryer Sheets Are Harmful to Cats and Dogs, Keep Pets Out of Laundry Room,” by Mary Marlowe Leverette, last accessed April 22, 2010.)

(http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/172/1/Toxic-dryer-sheets.html, Green Living Tips, “Toxic Dryer Sheets,” November 15, 2007.)

(http://www.bestgreenhometips.com/2009/08/are-dryer-sheets-toxic/, “Are dryer sheets toxic? Green Cleaning by Jennifer, August 27, 2009.)

(http://www.ehow.com/how_4733688_stop-using-dryer-sheets.html, “How to Stop Using Dryer Sheets,” last accessed April 22, 2010.)

(http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/laundrylist-project-clothesline.html, “Use Clotheslines, Reduce Energy Cost by 5%,” by Brian Merchant, September 15, 2008.)

(http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/03/13/clothesline_rule_creates_flap/?page=1, The Boston Globe, “Clothesline Rule Creates Flap,” by Jenna Russell, March 13, 2008.)

(http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119007893529930697.html, “The Right to Dry: A Green Movement Is Roiling America,” by Ann Marie Chaker, September 18, 2007.)

(http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/309631/the_bleaching_power_of_the_sun.html?cat=58, Associated Content, “The Bleaching Power of Sun,” by C. Jeanne Heida, July 18, 2007.)

(http://www.laundrylist.org/, Project Laundry List, a nonprofit organization whose mission is “making air-drying and cold-water washing laundry acceptable and desirable as simple and effective ways to save energy.” Last accessed April 24, 2010.)

More than ever, people are washing their hands with antibacterial soap, which experts say is harmful to our health and to the environment.  More than three-quarters of soaps contain an “antibacterial” or “antimicrobial” ingredient.  These ingredients are also found in cleaning products, laundry detergents, trash bags, and sponges, as well as toothpaste, socks, plastic kitchenware, cutting boards, and even toys.  From 2000 to 2006, about 1,500 new antibacterial consumer products were introduced into the marketplace.  However, antibacterial soaps have been found to be no more effective than using regular soap and do more harm than good.

The Problem Chemicals
Two antibacterial chemicals of concern are triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC).  Triclosan (TCS) is found in antibacterial soaps as well as personal care products, cosmetics, mouthwash, toothpaste, acne treatments, lotions, hand soaps, dish soaps, socks, cutting boards, garbage bags, pesticides, shoe insoles, and basically any product that a manufacturer sees benefits of killing bacteria to reduce odor or increase shelf life.  It is also used as an additive to plastics and sometimes to preserve products, including food.  TCS is marketed under other trademarked names including Microban, Irgasan DP-300, Lexol 300, Ster-Zac, Cloxifenolum, and Biofresh.  As a chemical, TCS structurally resembles dioxin (the Love Canal poison) and has had the attention of toxicologists for years.

Triclocarban (TCC) was relatively unknown and presumed harmless as recently as 2004.  According to Science Daily, TCC is widely used in bar soaps, deodorants, toothpaste, cutting boards and countertops, body washes, cleansing lotions, wipes, detergents, and even baby toys.  TCC-containing products have been marketed broadly in the United States and Europe for more than 45 years; an estimated 1 million pounds of TCC are imported annually for the U.S. market.

Impacts to Your Health
TCS and TCC are concerning toxicologists, health professionals, and some agencies and consumers.  Studies have shown human health effects from use of antibacterial soap and other products.

Triclosan can enter the bloodstream through the skin, mouth, or intestines.  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), in 2004, “about three-quarters of adults and children older than six had detectable levels of triclosan” in their bodies.  Recent studies have detected TCS in human blood samples and in 3 of 5 random samples of human breast milk.  TCS was also found in the urine of 61 percent of 90 girls ages 6 to 8 in a study by Mount Sinai School of Medicine.  The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization, led studies that detected TCS in 17 of 21 people tested.

An increasing number of studies show both TCS and TCC are endocrine disrupters, interfering with normal hormone functions in mammals and other animals.  Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that have been “linked in animal studies to a variety of problems, including cancer, reproductive failure, and developmental anomalies.”  According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, endocrine disruptors may cause reduced fertility in women and men, early puberty in girls, and increases in cancers of the breast, ovaries, and prostate.

Further, researchers at Virginia Tech University discovered that the use of antimicrobial soaps and other products may be directly exposing consumers to significant quantities of chloroform, a chemical classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a probable human carcinogen (cancer-causing).  The research shows that when TCS reacts with chlorine in tap water, chloroform is produced, exposing people to chloroform levels 40 percent higher than that found in tap water.  It is possible that the chloroform could be absorbed through skin or inhaled.  Most household water contains chlorine from disinfection at water treatment plants.  Children are at the greatest risk, as they tend to swallow their TCS or TCC-containing toothpaste (and resulting chloroform) more while brushing their teeth.

In addition, dermatologists blame the overuse of antibacterial soap for the spread of certain skin diseases.  The components of the antibacterial soaps wipe away more bacteria and tend to be harsh on skin.  People use the antibacterial soaps, which dries the skin and can lead to open sores.

TCS and TCC may also become suspects in the search for causes of autism.  Studies are being done to assess how TCS may affect the brain.  Some people may carry a mutated gene that makes it easier for triclosan to attach to their cells. That could make them more vulnerable to any effects triclosan may cause.  As such, triclosan is a prime target for research into environmental factors that might cause autism.

While antibacterial products are safe for most people, in general, other research does show that “there may be sensitive periods in development when these compounds could have a very subtle detrimental effect.”  Specifically, the chemicals are most likely to do harm during pregnancy, early childhood, and adolescence.

Besides resistance, the antibacterial craze has another potential consequence.  Reports have found a correlation between too much hygiene and increased allergies.  Studies reveal an increased frequency of allergies, cases of asthma, and eczema in persons who have been raised in an environment overly protective against bacteria and germs.

Also, some experts suspect widespread use of antibacterial products may help turn some dangerous germs into “superbugs” that are resistant to antibiotics.  In studies, TCS promoted the growth of resistant bacteria.

Impacts to the Environment
According to Rolf Halden, PhD, a scientist at Arizona State University, Americans dump more than one million pounds of TCS and TCC into the environment every year from discharges of treated wastewater into surface waters (e.g., oceans, bays, rivers, and lakes).  Halden found that sewage treatment captures only about 50% of the TCS and less than 25% of the TCC that goes down people’s drains.

TCC and TCS are being detected in our nation’s waterways, persist in the environment, and accumulate in the tissues and organs of animals.  TCC is one of today’s top ten chemicals most frequently found in the environment and in U.S. drinking water resources.  TCS has been detected in 60 percent of the U.S. water resources investigated.

In waterways, antibacterial soap chemicals significantly affect algae growth and have been shown to alter the development of fish.  TCS accumulates in the gills of fish and makes algae inedible to other species, which disrupts the entire ecosystem.  Researchers found TCS in the blood of bottlenose dolphins in South Carolina and Florida waterways.

Also, when TCS gets exposed to sunlight, it rapidly degrades into dioxins.  Dioxins are potent toxins classified by EPA as cancer-causing.

TCC and TCS survive wastewater treatment and ends-up in our surface water as well as in municipal sludge, a byproduct of wastewater treatment.  This sludge is regularly applied to U.S. crop fields as a fertilizer, potentially threatening our food sources.  According to Johns Hopkins University research, every year, an estimated 200 tons of TCC and TCS are applied to agricultural lands nationwide.

Actions Against Antibacterials
Some agencies, professional associations, as well as nonprofit organizations, are taking action.  In 2000, the American Medical Association (AMA) officially opposed adding antimicrobials to consumer products.  The AMA has repeatedly urged the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to better regulate these chemicals, advising that they should be avoided “until the data emerge to show antimicrobials in consumer products are effective at preventing infection.”  The CDCP periodically monitors levels of TCS, the most common antibacterial agent, in randomly selected Americans.

Currently, FDA and EPA are examining antibacterial soap’s impacts on human and environmental health.  A 2005 FDA advisory committee found no benefit to antibacterial over regular soap, but potential risks.  EPA has said it will formally review TCS in 2013 — ten years earlier than previously planned!  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union currently regulate triclosan, and EPA classifies this substance as a probable human carcinogen.

A petition filed by the nonprofit organizations Beyond Pesticides and Food and Water Watch (with support from dozens of other groups), argues that TCS should not be approved for use in consumer products.  The groups claim that the science used to create existing TCS regulations, as well as the regulations themselves, are outdated.

Healthier Options & Solutions
A team of researchers found that washing hands with an antibacterial soap was “no more effective in preventing infectious illness than plain soap.”  In a single study, people who used antibacterial soap did have fewer bacteria on their hands, but only if they washed for 30 seconds, 18 times a day, for five days straight!

Researchers simply recommend using regular soap, which kills 90% of bacteria and leaves little impact on the environment.  Experts do say there antibacterial soaps do prevent illness in health care settings where patients are more vulnerable to germs (but, keep in mind that antibacterial ingredients in hospital-strength soaps are up to 10 times the concentration of store-bought soap).

Here are some recommendations and points to remember:
• Antibacterial products are only effective in killing bacteria. They do not prevent the spread of viral infections, which are responsible for a large percentage of contagious diseases such as the flu and colds.
• Aim to be clean, not germ-free. You can’t conquer all bacteria, nor should you.  As one researcher says, “Bacteria are everywhere, and most bacteria are not harmful.”
• Frequently wash and rub hands together vigorously for 20 seconds. Rinse thoroughly. Dry hands well and launder hand towels often in hot water.
• Shop for environmentally friendly cleaners that do not contain triclosan or triclocarbon (e.g., Bon Ami; Baking soda, vinegar and water; for alternatives for toothpaste and cosmetics, consult the Safe Cosmetics Data Base).  .  Read product labels; do not buy ones with the words “antibacterial,” “kills germs,” or “triclosan.”  Also, skip these ingredients: chlorine, lye, glycol ethers, and ammonia.
• Disinfect objects that come into contact with raw meat, fish, or eggs, such as cutting boards and utensils.  Use a dishwasher and be sure it reaches 171 degrees F.  Use environmentally friendly cleaners in stores or make your own by using white vinegar followed by 3% hydrogen peroxide.
• Disinfect sponges and rags: Microwave for 30 seconds on high power if dry, longer if wet — sponges for one minute, and rags for three minutes.
• Clean bathrooms and kitchen hard surfaces. Use borax, which is also effective on mildew, especially combined with vinegar.  You can make a cleaning solution by adding 1/2 cup of each to a gallon of water.  Hydrogen peroxide will reduce microorganisms on surfaces.

Essentially, it is up to consumers to make the choice to wipe-out the use of antibacterial soap and products for you and your family’s health, and the environment.

For other related Real Mama Articles, see:
Skin Deep: Chemicals in Personal Care Products and Cosmetics Pose Health Risks
Pharmaceuticals in the Environment
Greening Your Spring Cleaning
Safe Sunscreen for Kids
Safe Bug Spray for Kids
Toy Recalls: All I Want for the Holidays is a Non-Toxic, Safe Toy

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