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| Tools used for gardening or weeding may contain toxic chemicals. |
In theory, yes, but for those spending a lot of time gardening, they tools they are using may also expose them to toxic chemicals.
Researchers at the Ann Arbor Ecology Center examined almost 200 gardening essentials, including gloves, knee pads, hand tools and water hoses and tested them for chemicals and heavy metals that are a health risk.
They found that nearly two out of three products they tested contained chemicals levels of high concern, including
- Phthalates
- Bisphenol A (BPA)
- Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
- Lead
- Cadmium
Cloth gardening gloves often contain PVC in their grip dots, made with hormone-disrupting phthalates.
Phthalates are used to soften plastics and have been named a concern for pregnant women and children, although anyone should be concerned about exposure because they are disrupting hormone levels, researchers say.
Hand tools may have high levels of lead in the handle and the tool itself.
Garden hoses contain high levels of lead and phthalates that can leach into the water sitting in the hose as well as get into the ground.
The researchers sampled water that had been sitting in a hose and found that it contained 18 times the level of lead that is permitted in drinking water.
Some tips:
- Look for products that are PVC and lead free
- Don’t drink out of the garden hose
- Flush out the water from the hose for a few minutes before watering edible plants
- Keep gardening clothes separate and make sure you don’t bring any dirt inside
Source: Komo News
Clean indoor air of harmful chemicals and toxins
Even if you spend a lot of time outside, chances are, the majority of your days are still spent indoors, where the air can be polluted with chemicals, particles and biological contaminants.
Choosing the right products, being careful about chemicals in the home, insisting on good ventilation and a powerful air cleaner can all help improve the indoor air quality in the home.
AllerAir has developed portable and highly efficient air purifiers with activated carbon and HEPA air filters to remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants, including chemicals, gases, odors, fumes, mold, bacteria, viruses, particles, dust and allergens.
The air purifiers are made with the safest materials and long-lasting filters for maximum protection.
Contact AllerAir for more information.
