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Water Quality Bulletin #2



RECIPES FORA



NON-TOXIC



HOUSEHOLD



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University of the Virgin Islands



Julie Wright, Natural Resources Specialist



Cooperative Extension Service

RECIPES FOR A NON-TOXIC



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ny common household products used in the



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er adverse healt



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ger allergies, cause nausea or



effects, harm septic systems,



and/or pollute our coastal or ground waters.



There are alternatives to these products available



locally, including recipes using common household items



that are relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain, Not



only can changing our habits improve our health and the



health of our environment, we can also save money!



When buying household products, we need to ask



ourselves:



* Is toxic exposure possible when using the product?



(What are the effects on humans?)



¢ What happens to the product once we finish using it?



(What are the effects on the environment?)

Se



Scientists know very little about the toxic health

effects of almost 80 percent of the more than 48,000

chemicals listed by the U.S. EPA.



Fewer than 1,000 of these chemicals have been tested

for acute health effects (immediate adverse effects

such as rashes, asthma or allergy attacks), and only about

500 have been tested for chronic (long-term) health

effects such as cancer, birth defects, or genetic

changes. Furthermore, almost no testing has been done

to determine possible adverse effects that can occur

when combining two or more different chemicals. Many

chemicals can be relatively safe by

themselves, but are extremely harmful

when mixed together.



The average homme is filled with many products

made from inadequately-tested synthetic

chemicals. Many household products we

commonly use and may think are safe can actually be very

toxic, Common symptoms such as headaches, nausea,

allergic reactions, and depression can be related to

exposure to toxic household chemicals. For example,

insomnia may be a response to the formaldehyde resin

used on your no-iron bed sheets. Developmental and

behavioral problems in children have also been linked to

exposure to household toxic chemicals. The table

provided in the back of this booklet lists many symptoms

and disorders associated with commonly-used chemicals.

It is difficult to determine the toxicity of a product

because of the many different factors that need to be

considered. Whether or not a product is toxic can

depend on how much of the product you are exposed to

and the method of exposure. Inhalation exposure is

from breathing in chemical compounds or particles;

ingestion exposure is from swallowing chemicals; and

absorption exposure is chemical absorption through the

skin. Some products may be hazardous only for one

method of exposure (such as ingestion), but others may

be harmful for any method of exposure.



What may be safe for humans can kill or harm more

delicate species and disrupt the balance of fragile

ecosystems such as mangrove lagoons and coral



reefs.



When we use and dispose of these products, they can

contaminate the environment. In the Virgin Islands, our

landfills do not have liners to keep /eachafe (water that

collects pollutants as it seeps through the landfill) from

entering ground water, coastal waters, and sensitive

habitats. Toxic chemicals contained in products we use

and throw away daily can easily pollute our environment.



To determine the eco-foxicity of a product, we must

evaluate the basic toxicity of its ingredients, its

persistence in the environment (how long it takes for

nature to break down the product or chemical into non-

toxic components), and its tendency to accumulate in the

food chain. Toxic synthetic chemicals tend to persist in

the environment because their chemical structures do

not break down under normal conditions. Once these

artificial compounds are made, they become pollutants

because they cannot decompose and recombine into other

useful, non-toxic substances.



Naturally-occurring substances can be broken

down efficiently into simple elements by nature;

these substances are biodegradable. However,

the word biodegradable is often misused — it is

applied to products that generally aren't

biodegradable (like detergents and plastics) and not used

to describe those that usually are biodegradable (like

soap and paper). Everything will break down (or

biodegrade) eventually, but the important consideration

is not whether a substance will eventually break down,

but how fast and how easily the environment can break

down that chemical.



Persistent chemicals that are not easily broken down

accumulate in soils, plants, animals and other

organisms. These are then eaten by other

animals, which are eaten by predators even

higher in the food chain, and so on. Each

higher organism in the food chain contains a

greater accumulation of that chemical in its body.

Humans are at the top of the food chain, so our body's

fatty tissues can accumulate large levels of harmful

substances that occur in much lower levels in the

environment. These chemicals can then be passed on to

our children.

In order to determine the effects a product may have

upon either ourselves or our environment, we must

become experts at reading product labels.



Ifa product contains a chemical that is hazardous,



the label must, by law, specify what that hazard is.



Look for the following words on your cleaning and other

household products:



Toxic/Highly Toxic:

Poisonous if you drink it, breathe the

fumes, or if it is absorbed through your

skin.

Extremely Flammable/Flammable/Combustible:

Can catch fire if exposed to a flame or electric spark.

Corrosive:

Will corrode metal, can eat away your skin or cause

inflammation of mucous membranes.

Strong Sensitizer:

May provoke an allergic reaction.

DANGER:

Could kill an adult if only a tiny pinch is ingested.

WARNING:

Could kill an adult if about a teaspoon is ingested.

CAUTION:

Could kill an adult if an amount from two tablespoons

to two cups is ingested.

There are many inexpensive, easy-to-use alternatives }

to common household cleaning products, |

disinfectants, and pesticides that are non-toxic to

human health and the environment.



The best cleaning products are those that you can make

at home. They are simple, inexpensive, effective, and

non-toxic. Natural substances that can be used for many

cleaning purposes that you may want to keep at hand

include:



¢ Baking soda



¢ Salt



« Distilled white vinegar



¢ Rubbing alcohol



- Lemon juice



- Liquid soap — save the ends of

bar soap ina jar with water. When you collect

enough, they will dissolve into a good cleaning

soap.



« Borax — a naturally-occurring mineral that has no

toxic fumes and is safe for the environment, but

can be harmful ff swallowed and irritates eyes.



« WNon-chlorine scouring powder



¢  Trisedium Phosphate (TSP) and Sodium Hexa-

metaphosphate — naturally-occurring minerals

that are non-toxic to humans; can be purchased

from hardware or paint stores.

SPECIFIC PRODUCTS



Arr FRESHENERS Aarmful ingredients —

aerosol propellants, colors, cresol, ethanol,

formaldehyde, fragrances, naphthalene”,

phenol, xylene.



These products work by either using a nerve-deadening

chemical to interfere with your ability to smell: by

coating your nasal passages with an undetectable oil film:

by deactivating the offensive odor; or by covering up the

odor with another smell.



Alternatives



e Keep things clean.



© Open the windows. This will also help reduce any build-up

of fumes that may be in your home.



© Empty the garbage frequently and clean the can often.

One-half cup of borax or baking soda sprinkled in the

bottom of trash cans will help inhibit the growth of odor-

producing molds and bacteria.



e Distribute partially-filled bowls of baking soda or white

vinegar around the room to absorb odors,



e¢ Make an air-freshening tea by adding herbs (such as bay

leaf, sweet thyme, or basil) to boiling water to release

their scent.



e Put drops of essential oils (like rosemary or lavender) ona

cotton ball placed at room entrance.



@ Make citrus pomanders. Pierce a thin-skinned orange or

lime with cloves.



*Chemicals marked by astertxks (*) have been listed by the US Environmental

Protection Awency as priority pollutants recognized ax being hazardous to human



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AMMONIA AND OTHER ALL-PURPOSE CLEANERS Aarmful

ingredients — ammonia, artificial dyes, detergents and

fragrances,



Ammonia can be very toxic — only use it in well-ventilated

areas and avoid inhaling it.

NEVER Mix AMMONIA (or vinegar) WITH BLEACH [m7



--]T CREATES A DEADLY GAS CALLED

CHLORAMINE GAS!!!



Alternatives

Mix one gallon hot water with + cup of borax



¢ Mix one teaspoon of liquid soap or borax into one quart of

warm or hot water. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a

splash of vinegar to cut grease.



¢ Mix three tablespoons baking soda in one quart warm

water,



@ Mix rubbing alcohol with hot water to disinfect and clean.



© For heavy-duty cleaning, mix 3 cup borax, + teaspoon liquid

soap and two teaspoons TSP into two gallons warm water.



BASIN, TUB AND TILE CLEANERS Aarmfu/

ingredients — aerosol propellants, ammonia,

detergents, ethanol, fragrances.



Alternatives



# Use qnon-chlorine scouring powder (see Scouring Powder),



¢ For toilets, make a paste of '/, cup lemon juice and*/, cups

borax, spread on stains, let sit two hours, then brush off.

For regular toilet cleaning, brush toilet with baking soda.



® Use rubbing alcohol to clean toilet and tiles.

BLEACH Aarmful ingredients — chlorine, lye,

artificial dyes, detergents, fluorescent

brighteners, synthetic fragrances.



The main hazardous ingredient in bleach is



sodium hypochlorite. Chlorine is toxic as a skin irritant

and by inhalation or ingestion. Chlorine residues left on

fabrics after laundering can also trigger allergic

reactions, Chlorine bleach also causes septic systems to

fail because it kills the beneficial bacteria that break

down waste in the septic tank.



NEVER Adix ANYTHING WiTH BLEACH -- 1T CAN

CREATE DRADLY GASES!!!



Alternatives

Use baking soda or borax in your laundry washwater.

Use non-chlorine bleach.



DISHWASHER DETERGENT Aarinful ingredients — chlorine,

dyes, detergents, fragrances.



Alternative



e Use the same amount of sodium hexametaphosphate as you

would detergent. It cuts grease, leaves dishes spotless,

and cleans the dishwasher with each washing.



DISHWASHING Liquib Aarmful ingredients — liquid



detergent, artificial dyes, fragrances, ethanol.



Hot water is the most effective dish-cleaning agent.

Alternatives



® Use plain liquid soap or fragrance- and dye-free detergent.



Rub your sponge with bar soap.



e Adda few slices of fresh lemon or a few tablespoons of

vinegar fo cut grease.



® To wash bottles, put sand and water in the bottle, cover

the opening, and shake vigorously.



e To clean wooden serving dishes (cutting boards, bowls,

etc.), rub half a cut lime or lemon over the surface, rinse,

dry with a cloth, and cover with salt to absorb moisture.



® To wash fine crystal, clean gently with warm soapy water

then rinse with a mixture of one part white vinegar and

three parts warm water.



® To remove stains on enamel cookware, use a salt and

white vinegar paste.



® To remove burned-on food, sprinkle the pot or pan with

baking soda and moisten with water. Let sit for a few

hours and food should lift right off. Plain steel wool or

cloth scrubs (with no added detergents) and a little elbow

grease work just as well.



DISINFECTANTS Aarmful ingredients — cresol, phenol,

ethanol, formaldehyde, ammonia, chlorine, artificial dyes,

synthetic fragrances.



Alternatives



® Clean regularly with plain soap and water. Just a hot water

rinse kills bacteria.



@ Keep things dry (bacteria, mildew, and mold cannot live

without dampness).

Try a solution of $ cup borax to one gallon of hot water.



® Clean with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. They

disinfect without leaving a residue.



LO

DRAIN CLEANERS Aarmful ingredients — petroleum

distillates, sulfur compounds.



Alternatives



® Use a plunger or a mechanical snake to dislodge clogs.



e Pour = cup baking soda and & cup of white vinegar down

the drainpipe and let sit for ten minutes. Flush with +

gallon of boiling water and repeat as needed.



e Pour = cup of salt and $ cup of baking soda down the drain,

followed by six cups of boiling water, Let sit for several

hours or overnight, then flush with water.



® Extra strength: use one cup baking soda, one cup salt, and

*/, cup vinegar, let sit 20 minutes and flush with one gallon

of hot water.



e If these methods don't work, try pouring a = cup of 35%

hydrogen peroxide down the drain. Wait a few minutes,

then plunge. Repeat a second time, if needed.



® You can prevent clogged drains by using a drain strainer to

trap food particles and hair that cause clogs.



e For regular maintenance, pour four tablespoons borax

flushed with boiling water every two weeks.



e NEVER pour grease down the drain.



FABRIC SOFTENERS Aarmful ingredients — aerosol

propellants, ammonia, artificial dyes, very strong

synthetic fragrances.



Alternatives



e Pour one cup white vinegar into the final rinse water.

Use unscented dryer sheets rather than liquids added to

wash water or aerosol sprays.



lI

FLEA CONTROL Aarmful ingredients —

pesticides™ such as DDVP, propoxur, diazinon,

and carbaryl (which are nerve poisons that are

also toxic to pets and humans and can cause



long-term health problems). -



Alternatives

® Management: keep pets healthy -- fleas are attracted to

unhealthy animals.

- Establish one regular sleeping area for your pet that can

be cleaned easily and regularly. Fleas accumulate where

animals sleep, so it will be easier to collect them. Remove

and wash bedding materials (blankets, rugs) frequently.

- Vacuum pet areas every week with a strong canister-type

machine. Use crevice tools for corners and out-of-the-way

places (including furniture). Empty vacuum bag outside the

house immediately.

e Repellents: Sprinkle two ounces of lavender-oil extract over

two or three quarts of rock salt and let the salt absorb the

ail. Sprinkle lavender salt under dressers, sofas, and rugs.

Dried pennyroyal can also be used.

- Feed your pet brewer's yeast or garlic.

® Combine orange peels, grapefruit peels, three cloves garlic,

one tablespoon rosemary (optional), and one pint of water ina

blender, blend until liquefied, and then heat mixture on low

heat for 15 minutes. Strain liquid into spray bottle, spray on

pet, and massage thoroughly into pet's coat, avoiding the eyes.

« Flea Killers: Use a flea comb. Run the comb through your

pet's fur and drop the fleas that remain on the comb into a

nearby container of soapy water (flush water down toilet

immediately when through).



*Chemicals marked by asterisks (*) have been listed by the US. Environmental

Protection Agency as priority pollutants recognized as being hazardous ta human



health r

nm

- Shampoo animals to knock off fleas and drown others.

Use ordinary soap or insecticidal soap.



GLASS CLEANERS Aarmful ingredients —

ammonia, artificial dye, aerosol propellants.



Alternative



® Half-filla pump spray bottle with white vinegar and the

other half with water.



e For heavily soiled glass, mix one cup of vinegar in one gallon

of water, add two tablespoons of cornstarch and mix well.



Tips: - If vinegar and water streaks, it's because you have

been using a type of glass cleaner that has left years

of build-up. Use a little rubbing alcohol to remove

build-up.



- Never wash windows when the sun is shining directly on



them. The mix will dry too fast and streak.



- Use newspaper instead of paper towels to clean glass.



Newspaper won't leave paper fibers on the glass.



INSECTICIDES Aarmful ingredients — pesticides*, aerosol

propellants.

Alternatives :

© Ants: There are a number of different methods for keeping

ants away, but first, keep things clean, don't leave crumbs or

garbage lying around.

- Wipe up a line of ants with a wet sponge so other ants

won t follow. Wipe up stray ants that may be out looking



for food or other ants.



- Sprinkle baric acid, talcum powder, powdered chili



*Chemicals marked by asterisks (") have been listed by the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency as priority pollutants recognized as being hazardous to human

health.

——————



pepper, paprika, dried peppermint, damp coffee grounds, or

borax where ants are coming in.

- Squeeze lemon juice at the entry spot and leave the peel

there.

- Plant mint around the outside of the house to discourage

ants from entering, or spray them with strong mint tea ina

squirt bottle.

- Spray ants and ant trails with a biodegradable soap,

both inside and outside the house.

® Cockroaches and Silverfish: Mix equal parts

baking soda and sugar. Spread around infested

ared.

- Mix equal parts powdered oatmeal or flour with plaster of

paris. Spread on the floor of infested area.

- Mix by stirring and sifting one ounce trisodium

phosphate, six ounces borax, four ounces granulated sugar,

and eight ounces flour. Spread on floor of infested area.

Repeat after four days and again after two weeks to kill

newly hatched roaches.

- Mix two tablespoons flour, one tablespoon cocoa powder,

and four tablespoons borax. Spread around infested area.

- Use cucumber rinds in infested area.

- Use bay leaves in infested area.

- Trap them: set an uncapped one-quart jar upright, with

grease on the inside of the neck and a piece of banana

inside for bait. Place a tongue depressor against the

outside of the jar so they can get in.

e Flies: Hang clusters of cloves ina room.

- Make fly paper by spreading honey thinly onto bright

yellow paper.

- Use a fly swatter.

- Scratch the skin of an orange and leave it out - the

citrus oil released will repel flies.

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e Beetles and Weevils: Put a bay leaf in each container of

cereal, crackers, cookies, flour and other grain products.

- Store flour and grains ina cool cabinet, or preferably in

the refrigerator, or in a container sealed with a rubber



gasket.

- Hang small cloth sacks of black pepper in your food bins.



e House & Garden (all purpose):

- Mix two tablespoons liquid soap in one quart water and

store in spray bottle. Spray plants evenly, aiming directly

at pests.

- Finely chop one bulb of garlic and one small onion, mix

with one quart tap water, add one tablespoon cayenne

pepper, let sit for one hour, then add two tablespoons

liquid soap. Mix well; when foam subsides, strain into spray

bottle & keep refrigerated. Lasts one to two weeks.



INSEcT REPELLENTS Aarmful ingredients — pesticides™

(most common ingredient is DEET): aerosol propellants.



Alternatives



e Splash a little vinegar on exposed skin or dab it on witha

cotton ball.



e Use commercially-available citronella lotions or oils.



e Dilute citronella or pennyroyal oil with vodka or vegetable

oil (a few drops to one ounce of either) and then apply at

strategic points (like perfume).



e Eat lots of garlicky food -- mosquitoes hate garlic.



LAUNDRY DETERGENT Aarmful ingredients — detergents,

ammonia, fluorescent brighteners, ethanol, fragrance,

naphthalene*, phenol.



"Chemicals marked by asterisks (*) have been listed by the LS. Environmental

Protection Agency as priority pollutants recognized as being hazardous to human

freatih,



13

DETERGENTS CAUSE MORE HOUSEHOLD POISONINGS THAN

ANY OTHER HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS. Detergents were

developed especially to clean synthetic

fabrics. They are unnecessary for cotton,

linen, silk, and wool.



Alternatives



e Use aplain powdered or liquid soap. Bar soap can also be

grated and added to laundry. To prevent soap from leaving

a residual scum on fabric, add a water-softener such as

baking soda or borax to wash water.



e Toremove odors, perspiration and to freshen clothes, use

one cup of plain baking soda, white vinegar or borax per

load of clothes.



e Use a detergent free of perfumes, dyes, bleach or other

additives.



LauNory STARCH Aarmful ingredients — formaldehyde,

phenol, pentachlorophenol*, aerosol propellants.



Alternatives



® Dissolve one tablespoon of cornstarch in one pint of

cold water. Place in pump spray bottle and shake

before using.



e Use a steam iron instead of a dry iron.



e Add + teaspoon of vinegar to water in your steam

iron.



MOLD AND MILDEW CLEANERS Aarmful ingredients —

formaldehyde, phenol, pentachlorophenol*, kerosene.



*Chemicals marked by asterisks (*) have been listed by the 8. Environmental

Protection Agency as priority pollutants recognized as being hazardous to human

health.



16



2 pe

Alternatives



e Prevention — Try to keep rooms dry and light. Allow air to

circulate to help keep things dry. Hang clothes so that

there is space between them. Let towels dry before

throwing them in laundry basket. Place a piece of charcoal

in bookcases to help absorb dampness. You can "bake"

musty books in the oven for a few minutes at a low

temperature.



e Cleaner — Mix borax or vinegar with water in a spray

bottle. Spray on and mold will wipe right off.

- For mildew, pour one cup hydrogen peroxide in a spray

bottle and spray on stains. Scrub with a thin paste of

lemon juice and borax to inhibit mildew from re-appearing.



e Borax also inhibits mold growth, so you can wash down

bathroom walls with the borax solution, leaving it on, or

sprinkle borax in damp cabinets under sinks.



OVEN CLEANERS Aarmful ingredients — ammonia,

detergents, synthetic fragrances, aerosol propellants.



Alternatives



e Prevention — Prevent spills in oven by cooking food in

proper-sized containers and by placing a cookie sheet or

aluminum foil on the lower rack to catch spills. Also, clean

up spills in oven as soon as oven cools so that food does not

bake onto oven,



e Cleaner — Mix together ina spray bottle two tablespoons

liquid soap (NOT detergent), two teaspoons borax, and fill

with warm water, Spray in oven very close to oven surface

to avoid inhalation. Wear gloves and glasses or goggles

when using. Leave solution on for 20 minutes and then

scrub with steel wool and non-chlorine scouring powder.



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Rue, CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY SHAMPOO ©



harmful ingredients — perchloroethylene*, naphthalene*,

ethanol, ammonia, detergents, fluorescent brighteners,

artificial colors, synthetic fragrances.



Alternatives



@ Frevention — Clean spills immediately before they become

stains; keep carpets fresh by vacuuming regularly.



© To deodorize — Vacuum first to remove dust. Mix one

quart white vinegar with three quarts boiling water and

apply with a wet rag (take care not to wet backing). Dry



_ thoroughly and then rub surface with warm bread crumbs



and vacuum.



® Blood stains — Gently sponge stain with cold water and dry

with a towel. Repeat until stain is removed.



® Grease — Cover with baking soda and rub lightly into rug.

Leave on for one hour and then brush off. Repeat as

needed.



® Grease and oif— Cover spots with corn starch, .

wait one hour and vacuum. a



© Ink — Put cream of tartar on stain and squeeze a

few drops of lemon juice on top. Rub into stain for one

minute, brush of f powder, and sponge with warm water. If

ink is still wet, immediately put a mound of table salt on

the wet spot. Let it sit for a minute, brush up and reapply

and remove until all ink is absorbed and the stain is

bleached out.



® Urine — Rinse with warm water, then apply a solution of

three tablespoons white vinegar and one teaspoon liquid

soap. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse and rub dry.



*Chemicals marked by asterixks (*) have been listed by the LS. Environmental

Protection Agency as priority pollutants recognized as being hazardous to human



health.

18

SCOURING PowbeErR Aarmful ingredients — dry chlorine

bleach, detergents, artificial dyes. Some brands may

also contain talc, which can be contaminated with



carcinogenic asbestos”.



Alternatives



@ Mix + cup baking soda with $ cup borax and one and 3 cups

hot water.



e Sprinkle baking soda, borax, or dry table salt on the

surface to be cleaned or on a sponge, then scour and rinse.



e For aluminum pots, add two pints of water and three

tablespoons vinegar to pot and bail until stains are

removed,



e For burned or baked on food, add two tablespoons liquid

soap, three teaspoons baking soda, and enough water to

cover the burned-on food; boil for 15 - 20 minutes and

then wash.



SHOE PoLIsH Aarmful ingredients — aerosol Sa

propellants, ethanol, methylene chloride,



nitrobenzene”, perchloroethylene*, trichloroethane™,

trichloroethylene*, xylene.



Alternatives



e Wear shoes that do not require polishing (canvas, linen,

suede, etc.).



© Frequently clean and buff shoes with soft cloth.



e Use natural or non-toxic polishes.



*Chemicals marked by asterisks (*) have been listed by the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency as priority pollutants recognized as being hazardous to human

health.



19



|g eS

SILVER POLISH AND OTHER METAL CLEANERS Aarmful

ingredients — ammonia, petroleum distillates, ethanol,

synthetic fragrance, sulfur compounds.



Alternatives

© Brass and Copper Polish — There are a number of different

home remedies for brass and copper:

- Use lemon juice or a paste of lemon juice and salt, or a

slice of lemon sprinkled with baking soda. Rub with a soft

cloth, rinse with water and dry.

- Make a paste of lemon juice and cream of tartar. Apply,

leave on for five minutes, then wash in warm water and dry

with a soft cloth.

- Make a paste of salt, white vinegar, and flour. Apply the

paste, let it set for an hour, then rub off, rinse, and polish

with a soft cloth.

- Rub with hot buttermilk or sour milk.

- Rub with tomato juice.

- Brass will look brighter and need less polishing if rubbed

with olive oil after each polishing.

- For tarnished copper, boil item in a pot of water with one

tablespoon salt and one cup white vinegar for several

hours. Wash with soap in hot water, rinse and dry.



® Chrome Polish — Wipe with a soft cloth dipped in undiluted



cider vinegar or rub with a lemon peel, rinse, and polish with a

soft cloth. a

© Gold Polish — Wash in lukewarm, soapy water. Dry aie



with a cotton cloth and then polish with a chamois cloth.



© Silver Polish — There are many different home remedies to

polish silver, but the best way is to magnetize tarnish away:



« - Submerge silver pieces in water containing some type of

salt (table salt, sea salt, rock salt, baking soda) and

aluminum (either use an aluminum fan or put strips of

aluminum foil in the water). The aluminum will act as a



20)

magnet in the salty water and attract the tarnish away from

the silver. After leaving the silver in the salt water with

aluminum for a few minutes, remove the pieces and wipe them

dry (you may need to repeat the process a few times for badly

tarnished silver).

- For large items (like trays), run very hot water into a

stopped up kitchen sink, adding a sheet of aluminum foil

and a handful of salt. Let sit for two to three minutes,

then remove, rinse and dry.

- For silverware, put a sheet of aluminum foil in the bottom

of a pan, add two or three inches of water, one teaspoon

salt, and one teaspoon baking soda. Add silverware and boil

for two or three minutes, then remove, rinse and dry.

- For jewelry, fill a glass jar half full with thin strips of

aluminum foil, add one tablespoon salt and fill jar with cold

water. Keep covered. To use, drop in jewelry for a few

minutes, remove, rinse and dry.



Spot REMoverR Aarmful ingredients —

perchloro-ethylene*, ammonia, benzene”,

chlorine, synthetic fragrances, naphthalene”,

toluene*, trichloroethylene*, aerosol

propellants.



Alternatives:



® Blood — soak fabric in cold water, then wash with soap and

cold water. If necessary, bleach white fabrics ina solution

of + cup borax and two cups water, wash as usual.



® Cocoa, chocolate, and coffee — Sponge stain with cold

water and then with a solution of one tablespoon borax in

two cups water. Wash as usual.



*Chenucals marked by asterisks (*) have been fisted by the CLS. Environmental

Protection Agency as priority pollutants recognized as being hazardous to human



beaten.

21

© Fruit and fruit juice — Stretch the fabric over a basin

and pour boiling water over the stain. Wash as usual.



® Grass — Rub with glycerin soap and let sit for one hour.

Wash as usual.



® Ink — Soak fabric in cold water, then wash as usual. If

stain has set on a white fabric, wet fabric with cold water,

then apply a paste of cream of tartar and lemon juice and

let sit for one hour. Wash as usual.



e Mildew —Wash in hot, soapy water, rinse and dry in the sun.



© Milk — Soak fabric in warm water and rub gently with

glycerine soap. Then wash in cool, soapy water, rinse and

dry.



e Mud'— Brush off excess dried mud, then rub the stain

with water left over from boiling potatoes or a solution of

two tablespoons borax in two cups of water. Rinse well and

wash as usual.



e ferspiration — Stretch the fabric over a basin and pour

boiling water over stain. Wash as usual.



e Urine — Sponge stain with a solution of baking soda and

water, then rinse in warm water and wash as usual.



Woob PoLIsH Aarmful ingredients —

aerosol propellants, ammonia, detergents, i atl

synthetic fragrance (particularly lemon, that



causes extreme sensitivity in some people),

nitrobenzene™, phenol, acrylic, and polystyrene plastics.



Alternatives

(use a soft cloth to apply one of the following mixtures)

e Wipe with mayonnaise.

® Rub with a cloth dipped in cool tea.



*Chemicals marked by asterisks (*) have been listed by the LS. Environmental

Protection Agency as priority pollutants recognized as being Aazardows to human



health.

2

Tee eee e eee ener cece eee ee eee eee eee eee



® Mix three tablespoons of lemon juice with one quart of

vegetable or mineral oil. Wipe on and then remove with

clean cloth.



e Mix one teaspoon olive oil, juice of one lemon, and one

teaspoon water (one teaspoon brandy or whiskey optional).

Mix three parts olive oil and one part white vinegar.



For mahogany: mix equal parts white vinegar and warm

water: wipe onto wood and then polish with a chamois cloth.



e For oak: boil one quart beer with one tablespoon sugar and

two tablespoons beeswax. Wipe cooled mixture onto wood.

When dry, polish with a dry chamois cloth.



e Use plain mineral oil, apply sparingly with a small cloth (can

add one teaspoon lemon oil to two cups mineral oil for

lemon scent).



For example, "No-iron" percale bed linens are treated

with formaldehyde to prevent wrinkling, It is also used

on nylon fabrics to make them flame-proof. Such

clothing finishes labeled "easy care," “permanent press,"

"no-iron," “crease resistant," “durable pressed,” "shrink-

proof," "stretch-proof," "water repellent,” “water-

proof,” or "permanently pleated" combine formaldehyde

resin directly with the fiber, making the formaldehyde

irremovable. New textile products treated this way can

contain free-formaldehyde levels of 800 parts per million

(ppm) to 1000 ppm. Washing can lower levels to 100 ppm,

but formaldehyde will continue to be released as the

residue breaks down.

Wash new sheets and clothing labeled as described

above a couple of times to remove formaldehyde

residues.



Building and furnishing materials can also contain harmful

materials such as formaldehydes. The following is a list



of materials and the harmful materials they may contain.

Again, read labels carefully!



CARPETING AND AREA RUGS Aarmful materials —

formaldehyde, pesticides (moth-proofing), plastics



FLOORING Aarmful materials — formaldehyde, plastics



FURNISHINGS Aarmful materials — formaldehyde, plastics



PAINTS, FINISHES, SEALANTS, CAULKS, AND

ADHESIVES Aarinful materials — aerosol

propellants, ammonia, benzene”, ethanol,

formaldehyde, glycols, kerosene, lead”,

pentachlorophenol*, phenol, plastics, toluene”,

trichloroethylene*, xylene



Woop Propucts Aarmful materials — formaldehyde,

plastics, pentachlorophenol*, phenol



*Chemicals marked by asterisks (*) have been listed by the LS. Environmental

Protection Agency as priority pollutants recognized as being hazardous to Auman



health.

24

—



FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL:



American Lung Association: 1-800-LUNG-USA



Consumer Product Safety Commission: 1-800-638-2772



National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences



(EnviroHealth Clearinghouse): 1-800-643-4794



National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health



(NIOSH): 1-800-356-4674



U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:



Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse (IAQ



INFOQ): 1-800-438-4318



National Lead Information Center: 1-800-LEADFYI



National Pesticides Telecommunications Network:



1-800-858-PEST



UVI Cooperative Extension Service



St. Croix: 692-4080



St. Thomas/St. John: 693-1080



V.I. Department of Health



St. Croix Hospital: 778-6311



St. John Hospital: 776-6400



St. Thomas Hospital: 776-8311



Bs

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF CHEMICALS

FOUND IN HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS



These substances are those that are classified as and

known to be hazardous. Those indicated with an asterisk

(*) have been listed by the U.S, Environmental Protection

Agency as “priority pollutants” recognized as being

hazardous to human health. This partial list was taken

from Nontoxic, Natural & Earthwise by Debra Lynn

Dodd (G.P. Putnams's Sons, 1990).



i eee ee ee ae ee ee

POTENTIAL HEALTH



SUBSTANCE EFFECTS/SYMPTOMS

AEROSOL Heart problems, birth defects, lung

PROPELLANTS cancer, and liver damage. Symptoms



include headaches, nausea, dizziness,

shortness of breath, eye and throat

irritation, skin rashes, burns, lung

inflammation,



AMMONIA

Uineluding Ammonium | Symptoms include irritation of eyes

Chloride, Ammonium and respiratory tract, conjunctivitis,



Hydroxide, Benzalkeniuim | laryngitis, tracheitis, pulmonary edema,

Chioride, and pneumonitis, and skin burn.

Quaternary Ammonium

Compounds)



Asbestosis (a chronic lung disease),

ASBESTOS* mesothelioma (an often fatal form of

cancer), There is NO safe level of



Se Oe



Substances marked with an asterisk (*) have been listed by the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency as “priority pollutants" recognized as being hazardous to human

health. -

SUBSTANCE



BENZENE



POTENTIAL HEALTH

ErrFects/SYMPTOMS



Carcinogenic. Symptoms include

drunken behavior, light-headedness,

disorientation, fatigue, and loss of

appetite.



BENZYL

ALCOHOL/SODIUM

BENZOATE



Symptoms include intestinal upsets and

allergic reactions.



CHLORINE



Exposure has been linked to high blood

pressure, anemia, diabetes, and heart

disease, and causes a 44% greater risk

of gastrointestinal or urinary-tract

cancer. Symptoms include pain and

inflammation of the mouth, throat, and

stomach, and erosion of mucous

membranes, vomiting, circulatory

collapse, confusion, delirium, coma,

swelling of the throat, severe

respiratory tract irritation, pulmonary

edema, and skin eruptions.



CRESOL



Affects the central nervous system,

kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and spleen,

and can be fatal. Can be absorbed

through the skin and mucous

membranes. Symptoms include

dermatitis, digestive disturbances,

faintness, vertigo, mental changes,

sweating, pallor weakness, headache,

dizziness, ringing in the ears, shock,

delirium, and skin numbness and



a



Substances marked with an asterisk (*) have been listed hy the 0.5. En vironmental

Protection Agency as “priority pollutants" recognized as being hazardous to Ausian



health.



iad

i



Zi

SUBSTANCE



DETERGENTS



POTENTIAL HEALTH

EFFECTS/SYMPTOMS



Symptoms include dermatitis, flu-like

and asthmatic conditions, severe eye

damage, and severe upper-digestive

tract damage if ingested.



DYES



Do-it-yourself, at-home-dyes contain

highly carcinogenic dichlorobenzidene,

which is very easily absorbed through

the skin, Can also cause anemia,

jaundice, and damage to the central

nervous system, kidneys, and liver, as

well as death, Azo, basic, disperse

fiber-reactive and vat dyes all can

cause allergic reactions, as can

fluorescent whitening agents.



ETHANOL



Symptoms include central-nervous-

system depression, anesthesia, feelings

of exhilaration and talkativeness,

impaired motor coordination, diplopia,

vertigo, flushed face, nausea and

vomiting, drowsiness, stupor, coma,

dilated pupils, shock, hypothermia, and

possible death.



FRAGRANCE

(can indicate the

presence of up to 4000

separate substances)



Reported symptoms include headaches,

dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration,

violent coughing and vomiting, and

allergic skin irritation. Central-

nervous-system symptoms may include

depression, hyperactivity, irritability,

inability to cope, and other behavioral



Oe



28

| SMe pS A oS



SUBSTANCE



FORMALDEHYDE



POTENTIAL HEALTH

EFFEcTS/SYMPTOMS



Suspected human carcinogen. Vapor

inhalation symptoms: cough, throat

swelling, watery eyes, respiratory

problems, throat irritation, headaches,

rashes, tiredness, excessive thirst,

nausea, nosebleeds, insomnia,

disorientation, broncho-constriction,

and asthma attacks. Ingestion

symptoms: nausea, vomiting, clammy

skin and other shock symptoms, severe

abdominal pain, internal bleeding,

vertigo, loss of ability to urinate, and

coma, possibly leading to death. Skin

contact symptoms: skin eruptions.

Speculation exists that formaldehyde

may be a contributing factor in sudden

infant death syndrome.



HEXANE



Symptoms include cough, depression,

heart problems, nausea, vomiting,

abdominal swelling, and headache.



KEROSENE



Symptoms include intoxication, burning

sensation in chest, headaches, ringing

in the ears, nausea, weakness,

uncoordination, restlessness, confusion

and disorientation, convulsions, coma,

burning in the mouth, throat, and

stomach, vomiting and diarrhea,

drowsiness, rapid breathing,

tachycardia, low-grade fever, and



ee



29

SUBSTANCE



POTENTIAL HEALTH

EFFEcTS/SYMPTOMS



LEAD*



There Is No

Demonstrably Safe

Exposure Level for Leaaf



Chronic low-level exposure has been

found to produce permanent neuro-

psychological defects and behavior

disorders in children, such as low IQ,

short attention span, hyperactive

behavior, and motor difficulties. High

doses can cause brain damage, nervous

system disorders, and death. Lead can

also affect the kidneys, liver,

gastrointestinal system, heart, immune

system, nervous system, and blood-

forming system, and can cause

malformations in sperm and low sperm

counts. Early symptoms of lead

poisoning include abdominal pains, loss

of appetite, constipation, muscle pains,

irritability, metallic taste in the mouth,

excessive thirst, nausea and vomiting,

shock, muscular weakness, pain and

cramps, headache, insomnia, depression,

and lethargy.



METHYLENE CHLORIDE



Suspected human carcinogen.

Mutagenic.



NAPHTHALENE*



Suspected human carcinogen.

Symptoms include skin irritation,

headache, confusion, nausea and

vomiting, excessive sweating, urinary

irritation, In sufficient quantity can



a Sia AR Ere) 1 a a ee



Substances marked with an asterisk (*) have been fisted by the LS. Environmental

Protection Agency as “priority pollutanis” recognized as being hazardous to Auman



health.



A

SUBSTANCE



NITROBENZENE*



POTENTIAL HEALTH

EFFEcTS/SYMPTOMS



Symptoms include bluish skin, shallow

breathing, vomiting, and death.



PARAFFIN



Impurities in paraffin are carcinogenic,



PENTACHLOROPHENOL

*



Carcinogenic. Can also cause central-

nervous-system depression, light-

headedness, dizziness, sleepiness,

nausea, tremor, loss of appetite,

disorientation and liver damage.



PHENOL



Suspected human carcinogen.

Symptoms include skin eruptions and

peeling, swelling, pimples, hives,

burning, gangrene, numbness, vomiting,

circulatory collapse, paralysis,

convulsions, cold sweats, coma and

death.



PESTICIDES,

HERBICIDES, AND

FUNGICIDES*



(Over 1500 are used in

consumer products,

combined with ~2000

other possible toxic

substances te make

nearly 3500 pesticide

products)



Over 100 in common use are thought to

be carcinogenic, mutagenic, or

teratogenic. Symptoms include

paralysis, neuritis, sterility,

convulsions, dizziness, weakness, tiny

pupils, blurred vision, muscle twitching,

slowed heartbeat, aplastic anemia,

nausea, cough, diarrhea, tremors,

damage to the liver, kidneys, and lungs,

to ear, nose and throat,

hyperirritability, brain hemorrhages,

central-nervous-system effects,

decreased fertility and sexual function,



Substances marked with an asterisk (*) have been listed by the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency as “priority pollutants” recognized as being hazardous to human



health.



ail

es ad a eS a a



POTENTIAL HEALTH

EFFEcTS/ SYMPTOMS



PLASTICS Plastics cause problems because of

“out-gassing” — the release of fumes.



SUBSTANCE



Suspected human carcinogen.

ACRYLONITRILE* | Symptoms include breathing

(Lucite/Plexiglas) difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea,

weakness, headache, and fatigue.



EPOXY RESINS Suspected human carcinogen.



PHENOL - Releases formaldehyde when new (see

FORMALDEHYDE RESIN | formaldehyde).

(“Bakelite”)

Can cause eye and respiratory tract

POLYESTER irritation and acute dermatitis

symptoms.



POLYETHYLENE Suspected human carcinogen.



Can cause bronchitis, coughing, and skin

and eye problems, Also releases

POLYURETHANE taluene diisocyanate, which can cause

severe pulmonary effects and

sensitization.



Releases vinyl chforide™ which is

carcinogenic, mutagenic, and

teratogenic. Symptoms include

POLYVINYL CHLORIDE | mucous-membrane dryness, numbness in

(PVE) fingers, stomach pains, hepatitis,

indigestion, chronic bronchitis, ulcers,

Raynaud's disease, and allergic skin



DS



Substances marked with an asterisk (*) have been listed by the LLS. Environmental

Protection Agency as “priority pollutants” recognized as being hazardans to Aart

health. UNIVERSITY OF VIRGIN ISLANDS



cme HNN NINN

POTENTIAL HEALTH



SUBSTANCE EFFECTS/SYMPTOMS

POLYVINYL - Carcinogenic. Can also cause

PYRROLIDONE (PVP) |thesaurosis, a lung disease affecting

some hairspray users.

Symptoms include irritation of eyes,

TETRAFLUORO- nose, and throat, and breathing

ETHYLENE (Teflon) |difficulty. Produces poisonous gases

when burned.

SULFUR

(Including Potassium and |\Can cause fatal allergic anaphylactic

Sodium Bisulfate, shock and asthma attacks, and can act



Metabisufite, Sulfur

Acid)



synergistically with carcinogens to

make them more potent.



_ TOLUENE*



Symptoms include nervous system and

mental changes, irritability,

disorientation, depression, and damage

to liver and kidneys.



TRICHLOROETHYLENE*



Suspected human carcinogen.

Mutagenic. Symptoms include

gastrointestinal upsets, central-

hervous-system depression, narcosis,

hear and liver malfunction, paralysis,

nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and

psychotic behavior.



XYLENE



Symptoms include nausea, vomiting,

salivation, cough, hoarseness, euphoric

feelings, headaches, giddiness, vertigo,

ringing in the ears, confusion, coma,



_ EEE



Substances marked with an asterisk (*) have been listed by the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency as “priority pollutants" recognized as being hazardous to human



health.



33



RR

Copies of this Bulletin are available from:



UVI Cooperative Extension Service

#2 John Brewers Bay

St. Thomas, USVI 00802-9990

(340) 693-1080



or

UVI Cooperative Extension Service

RR#2 Box 10,000

Kingshill, St. Croix, USVI 00850

(340) 692-4080



Recipes for a Non-Toxic Household is published by the University

of the Virgin Islands, Cooperative Extension Service, Kwame

Garcia, State Director. Contents of this publication constitute

public property. No endorsement of products or firms is intended

nor is criticism implied of those not mentioned. Issued by the Virgin

Islands Cooperative Extension Service and the U.S. Department of

Agriculture in furtherance of the Acts of May & and June 30, 1914.

Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and

state laws and regulations on non-discrimination regarding race,

color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, and gender

preference.



Printed on recycled paper with soy ink Cera @)