Our friends at Nature Clean have published a great piece on how to avoid toxins in your home. The text of the article is below or click here to download the pdf.  FROGBOX uses Nature Clean products to clean and disinfect the products.

Solution #1:
AVOID NON-STICK & STAIN REPELLENT COATINGS Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are the chemicals used to make non-stick coatings (found on cookware), water repellent clothing, oil and grease resistant food packaging and stain repellent coatings (found on fabrics, furniture and carpets). The problem is that PFCs are believed to last forever in the environment and forever in our bodies by binding to our blood’s proteins and collecting in the blood rich areas like the liver. One way to avoid directly consuming PFCs is to steer clear of food wrappers and papers treated to repel grease including fast food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags (microwave popcorn bags have been shown to contain the highest level of this chemical). Avoid stain resistant furniture and carpets and decline optional treatments. To further reduce your exposure discard your non-stick cookware and opt for ceramic coated, stainless steel or cast iron.

Solution #2:
AVOID 1,4-DIOXANE 1,4-Dioxane is a petroleum-derived contaminant formed in the manufacturing of some shampoos, body washes, children’s bath products and other sudsing cosmetics. 1,4-Dioxane poses serious health side effects as it’s a known animal carcinogen and a possible human carcinogen. Since it’s not an intentional ingredient, 1,4-Dioxane does not appear on ingredient labels. It’s a by- product of the formation of sudsing agents and therefore does not get recorded. To help reduce possible exposure, avoid products with the following ingredients: PEG (Polyethylene Glycol), Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Alcohol Ethoxylates.

Solution #3:
AVOID BISPHENOL A Bisphenol A (BPA) is the starting chemical for making polycarbonate (hard) plastic and is widely used in reusable food and beverage containers like baby bottles and sippy cups. The problem with BPA is that it leaches into foods and liquids as the plastic container ages or is heated. BPA is also found in the epoxy resin lining of most metal food cans. Recently the Canadian Government banned BPA to reduce the risk posed to newborns and children up to 18 months. Some studies suggest even exposure at very low levels can cause adverse health effects to those still developing. Furthermore BPA is believed to be an endocrine disruptor and mimic the female hormone estrogen. It has possible links to a great many health concerns for adults including an increased risk of breast cancer.