Moving into a new home is very exciting. You may purchase new furniture, flooring and kitchenware. Our culture demands low maintenance non-stick, stain-free and water-repellant products.

Beware! These items contain a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA or C8,  which presents health problems. Here are a few things to avoid:

• Stain-resistant carpet; babies and pets are especially effected, down at this level they are likely to become ill first. Problems include thyroid issues, cholestrol and cancer.
• Scotchguard on sofas and other uphostered furniture. The elderly are particularly vulnerable as they can spend the best part of a day sitting in a favourite chair.
• Non-stick cookware;  when pans are heated to high temperatures toxins are released from the coating. These accumulate in the bloodstream causing health issues.
• Fresh paint; outgases for around 30 days from application.
• Pizza boxes have grease-resist food packaging and other cardboard products may have a plastic inner coating. Many foods absorb the C8, making lined boxes an unhealthy container option.
• Mattresses – sometimes it’s possible to smell the chemicals in a camping mattress. Avoid sleeping on any outgassing mattress as they’re linked to memory problems.

Anything containing Teflon, Scotguard and Goretex is chemical laden. Avoid these and, for your family’s sake, do your research to find healthy options.

Thank you,

Betty