From the category archives:

storage and work

The Garden

Pesticides are one of the most potent single hazards in the home.  Around 1,400 pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are used as ingredients in consumer products. Combined with other toxic substances such as solvents, pesticides are present in more than 34,000 different product formulations.
For pests in the home, the best offense is a good defense.  The [...]

Read the full article →

Storage and Work Areas

Garage, Garden, Patio, Utility Closet, Hobby Room
The Utility Closet
In this area a number of products are likely to contain toxic ingredients: carpet cleaner, room deodorizer, laundry softener, laundry detergent, anti-cling sheets, mold and mildew cleaner, mothballs, and spot remover all usually contain irritant or toxic substances.
Here are some toxic ingredients to avoid:
Perchloroethylene or 1-1-1 trichloroethane [...]

Read the full article →

The Garage

A number of dangerous substances are frequently present, including paint, paint thinner, benzene, kerosene, mineral spirits, turpentine, lubricating/motor oils, and gasoline.  Hazards among them include these chemicals:
Chlorinated aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons in paint thinner can cause liver and kidney damage;
Petroleum hydrocarbons, an ingredient of gasoline, motor oils, and benzene, are associated with skin and lung [...]

Read the full article →