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