Guest guest Posted February 7, 2006 Report Posted February 7, 2006 What a great question. I think it would depend on the condition and materials that are in your existing house and what available materials you would consider building your new house with. It would take a lot of reseach to build a house... but wow, wouldn't that be great. There are a lot of variables. For example, every new rug, every piece of treated wood in a new place could be a problem, but then again your existing place could be worse. It's a difficult decision to make and certainly one that I wouldn't know how to make over the Internet but I'll tell you where I would start in your own home. #1. Make sure your child is drinking real reverse-osmosis purified water. There are some great ones at whole foods. This is critical IMO. #2. Get a hair analysis done and see what shows up and go after it. Take each high marker as a possibly serious external exposure. For example, if you see Cadnium get every battery you can out of the house including those silly flashy light things in the shoes and also clocks, games, etc. Plug in things are fine... get rid of batteries. I heard just today some legislation passed in California where families can not throw out batteries any more, they will have to handle them as toxic materials and keep them seperate from trash similar to how thermometers and florescent lights are handled. If you see high levels of antimony get every flame retardant product away from your child including typical pajamas and typical bedding and even rugs. Get dust mite covers on every part of your child's bedding - at minimum. #3. I would also purchase a oil filled electric radiator heater for your child's room (we just picked some up on sale for $17 dollars each at and keep it no higher than medium (since your child is sleeping on non-flame retardant material now). These heaters do not pose a fire risk, but I keep ours on medium all the same. Then cover and seal the air vent going into your child's room. This will help seal the room away from the rest of the house and duct work. Then by adding a good air filter you are basically creating a clean-room type of environment for your child. I know, you're thinking " Why didn't I think of that? " I have have a suspicion that gas heat gives off toxins. I had some wierd readings on my rented mercury vapor sensor and it took me some time before I figured out the readings of regular air changed when the heat turned on. I'm going to verify this in the next month or so when I rent the device again, but until then I blocked both vents in our rooms and Ethan's and use these heaters and I can tell you I sleep much better, plus I'm not dry when I wake up (and it's quieter). #4. I would buy a good hepa quality air filter for your child's room. #5. I would remove any animals from the house. #6. I would consider removing the rug in your child's room. #7. I would shut off any infrared video monitor (video baby monitor) in your child's room. There are studies that show a reduction of melatonin based on night time exposure to light including the IR spectrum. I was shocked when I read this and I realized we have had one in his room since the day he was born. That's gone now. Also, when your child goes to sleep... shut off all the lights in the room (if you can). Same concern as above. Another study that dug up about a month ago shows that people who work at night in artificial light are more likely to get cancer. Again, a lowered melatonin level based on artificial light at night. Melatonin is methylated into serotonin and serotonin mediates the brain's access to the CNS and the guts immune system. Very important stuff. #8. If you ever had oil paint or lead paint in any room, or are not sure, I would strip it, reseal it with latex and re-water base paint it. #9. I would get rid of as many plastic containers for your child's food and water as possible. As far as water, you might even consider getting a reverse osmosis water filter for your home and just use glass. It stores the water in a metal container. They sell them at Costco now for less than 200 dollars I believe. They do require some installation. #10. I would consider getting a shower filter for your child's bath water. This will take out at least the chlorine and large deposits. It's an inexpensive way to start while you consider how you might build your new house or design your new whole house water system. Again, this is a complex question, but I thought I would give you some ideas of how to try to work on your existing house while you learn about what it would take to build a new green one. Keep us updated. - Stan > > Hello everyone: > > I now have to make a tough choice: We're considering the household > detox and looking for different areas like painting, flooring, > windows. Our target is to archive a green-house and reduce the toxic > exposure to minimal level so the family can live in a health friendly > house. > > We find it's not an easy job at all since a lot of existing things are > difficult to replace or re-do. So I'm asking if to buy a brand new > house is a good idea? It's much easier to DO something like, putting > in a water purification equipment etc. > > I'd like to go with that route but my concern is that if the new built > materials may be more toxic like paint, wood floor, vanishes because > they are still `fresh' and are giving off the toxins. If that's the > case it defeats the purpose to switch to a new house. > > Do you have any suggestion to this matter? if there are any other > parents who did same thing could you please share? > Thank you. > YL > Quote
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2006 Report Posted February 8, 2006 I love it Stan, you are so thorough! I would like to add do not cook with any nonstick pans (tephlon is very dangerous).- > >Date: Tue Feb 07 23:37:46 CST 2006 >To: mb12 valtrex >Subject: Making your house greener >What a great question. > >I think it would depend on the condition and materials that are in your existing house and >what available materials you would consider building your new house with. It would take a >lot of reseach to build a house... but wow, wouldn't that be great. There are a lot of >variables. For example, every new rug, every piece of treated wood in a new place could >be a problem, but then again your existing place could be worse. It's a difficult decision to >make and certainly one that I wouldn't know how to make over the Internet but I'll tell you >where I would start in your own home. > >#1. Make sure your child is drinking real reverse-osmosis purified water. There are some >great ones at whole foods. This is critical IMO. > >#2. Get a hair analysis done and see what shows up and go after it. Take each high >marker as a possibly serious external exposure. For example, if you see Cadnium get >every battery you can out of the house including those silly flashy light things in the shoes >and also clocks, games, etc. Plug in things are fine... get rid of batteries. I heard just >today some legislation passed in California where families can not throw out batteries any >more, they will have to handle them as toxic materials and keep them seperate from trash >similar to how thermometers and florescent lights are handled. > >If you see high levels of antimony get every flame retardant product away from your child >including typical pajamas and typical bedding and even rugs. Get dust mite covers on >every part of your child's bedding - at minimum. > >#3. I would also purchase a oil filled electric radiator heater for your child's room (we just >picked some up on sale for $17 dollars each at and keep it no higher than medium (since >your child is sleeping on non-flame retardant material now). These heaters do not pose a >fire risk, but I keep ours on medium all the same. Then cover and seal the air vent going >into your child's room. This will help seal the room away from the rest of the house and >duct work. Then by adding a good air filter you are basically creating a clean-room type >of environment for your child. I know, you're thinking " Why didn't I think of that? " > >I have have a suspicion that gas heat gives off toxins. I had some wierd readings on my >rented mercury vapor sensor and it took me some time before I figured out the readings of >regular air changed when the heat turned on. I'm going to verify this in the next month or >so when I rent the device again, but until then I blocked both vents in our rooms and >Ethan's and use these heaters and I can tell you I sleep much better, plus I'm not dry when >I wake up (and it's quieter). > >#4. I would buy a good hepa quality air filter for your child's room. > >#5. I would remove any animals from the house. > >#6. I would consider removing the rug in your child's room. > >#7. I would shut off any infrared video monitor (video baby monitor) in your child's room. >There are studies that show a reduction of melatonin based on night time exposure to >light including the IR spectrum. I was shocked when I read this and I realized we have had >one in his room since the day he was born. That's gone now. > >Also, when your child goes to sleep... shut off all the lights in the room (if you can). Same >concern as above. Another study that dug up about a month ago shows that >people who work at night in artificial light are more likely to get cancer. Again, a lowered >melatonin level based on artificial light at night. Melatonin is methylated into serotonin >and serotonin mediates the brain's access to the CNS and the guts immune system. Very >important stuff. > >#8. If you ever had oil paint or lead paint in any room, or are not sure, I would strip it, >reseal it with latex and re-water base paint it. > >#9. I would get rid of as many plastic containers for your child's food and water as >possible. As far as water, you might even consider getting a reverse osmosis water filter >for your home and just use glass. It stores the water in a metal container. They sell them >at Costco now for less than 200 dollars I believe. They do require some installation. > >#10. I would consider getting a shower filter for your child's bath water. This will take out >at least the chlorine and large deposits. It's an inexpensive way to start while you consider >how you might build your new house or design your new whole house water system. > >Again, this is a complex question, but I thought I would give you some ideas of how to try >to work on your existing house while you learn about what it would take to build a new >green one. > >Keep us updated. > >- Stan > > > > > >> >> Hello everyone: >> >> I now have to make a tough choice: We're considering the household >> detox and looking for different areas like painting, flooring, >> windows. Our target is to archive a green-house and reduce the toxic >> exposure to minimal level so the family can live in a health friendly >> house. >> >> We find it's not an easy job at all since a lot of existing things are >> difficult to replace or re-do. So I'm asking if to buy a brand new >> house is a good idea? It's much easier to DO something like, putting >> in a water purification equipment etc. >> >> I'd like to go with that route but my concern is that if the new built >> materials may be more toxic like paint, wood floor, vanishes because >> they are still `fresh' and are giving off the toxins. If that's the >> case it defeats the purpose to switch to a new house. >> >> Do you have any suggestion to this matter? if there are any other >> parents who did same thing could you please share? >> Thank you. >> YL >> > > > > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2006 Report Posted February 8, 2006 How do you know which clothing has antimony? Does it wash out if the clothes are cleaned over and over? Is it just in PJs and up until what age? Tara Making your house greener What a great question. I think it would depend on the condition and materials that are in your existing house and what available materials you would consider building your new house with. It would take a lot of reseach to build a house... but wow, wouldn't that be great. There are a lot of variables. For example, every new rug, every piece of treated wood in a new place could be a problem, but then again your existing place could be worse. It's a difficult decision to make and certainly one that I wouldn't know how to make over the Internet but I'll tell you where I would start in your own home.#1. Make sure your child is drinking real reverse-osmosis purified water. There are some great ones at whole foods. This is critical IMO.#2. Get a hair analysis done and see what shows up and go after it. Take each high marker as a possibly serious external exposure. For example, if you see Cadnium get every battery you can out of the house including those silly flashy light things in the shoes and also clocks, games, etc. Plug in things are fine... get rid of batteries. I heard just today some legislation passed in California where families can not throw out batteries any more, they will have to handle them as toxic materials and keep them seperate from trash similar to how thermometers and florescent lights are handled.If you see high levels of antimony get every flame retardant product away from your child including typical pajamas and typical bedding and even rugs. Get dust mite covers on every part of your child's bedding - at minimum. #3. I would also purchase a oil filled electric radiator heater for your child's room (we just picked some up on sale for $17 dollars each at and keep it no higher than medium (since your child is sleeping on non-flame retardant material now). These heaters do not pose a fire risk, but I keep ours on medium all the same. Then cover and seal the air vent going into your child's room. This will help seal the room away from the rest of the house and duct work. Then by adding a good air filter you are basically creating a clean-room type of environment for your child. I know, you're thinking "Why didn't I think of that?"I have have a suspicion that gas heat gives off toxins. I had some wierd readings on my rented mercury vapor sensor and it took me some time before I figured out the readings of regular air changed when the heat turned on. I'm going to verify this in the next month or so when I rent the device again, but until then I blocked both vents in our rooms and Ethan's and use these heaters and I can tell you I sleep much better, plus I'm not dry when I wake up (and it's quieter). #4. I would buy a good hepa quality air filter for your child's room.#5. I would remove any animals from the house.#6. I would consider removing the rug in your child's room.#7. I would shut off any infrared video monitor (video baby monitor) in your child's room. There are studies that show a reduction of melatonin based on night time exposure to light including the IR spectrum. I was shocked when I read this and I realized we have had one in his room since the day he was born. That's gone now.Also, when your child goes to sleep... shut off all the lights in the room (if you can). Same concern as above. Another study that dug up about a month ago shows that people who work at night in artificial light are more likely to get cancer. Again, a lowered melatonin level based on artificial light at night. Melatonin is methylated into serotonin and serotonin mediates the brain's access to the CNS and the guts immune system. Very important stuff.#8. If you ever had oil paint or lead paint in any room, or are not sure, I would strip it, reseal it with latex and re-water base paint it.#9. I would get rid of as many plastic containers for your child's food and water as possible. As far as water, you might even consider getting a reverse osmosis water filter for your home and just use glass. It stores the water in a metal container. They sell them at Costco now for less than 200 dollars I believe. They do require some installation.#10. I would consider getting a shower filter for your child's bath water. This will take out at least the chlorine and large deposits. It's an inexpensive way to start while you consider how you might build your new house or design your new whole house water system.Again, this is a complex question, but I thought I would give you some ideas of how to try to work on your existing house while you learn about what it would take to build a new green one.Keep us updated.- Stan>> Hello everyone:> > I now have to make a tough choice: We're considering the household> detox and looking for different areas like painting, flooring,> windows. Our target is to archive a green-house and reduce the toxic> exposure to minimal level so the family can live in a health friendly> house.> > We find it's not an easy job at all since a lot of existing things are> difficult to replace or re-do. So I'm asking if to buy a brand new> house is a good idea? It's much easier to DO something like, putting> in a water purification equipment etc.> > I'd like to go with that route but my concern is that if the new built> materials may be more toxic like paint, wood floor, vanishes because> they are still `fresh' and are giving off the toxins. If that's the> case it defeats the purpose to switch to a new house.> > Do you have any suggestion to this matter? if there are any other> parents who did same thing could you please share? > Thank you.> YL> Quote
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Posted February 9, 2006 Great questions. I'm not sure. I just know that if you have flame retardant material, you typically have antimony in it. - Stan > > > > Hello everyone: > > > > I now have to make a tough choice: We're considering the household > > detox and looking for different areas like painting, flooring, > > windows. Our target is to archive a green-house and reduce the toxic > > exposure to minimal level so the family can live in a health friendly > > house. > > > > We find it's not an easy job at all since a lot of existing things are > > difficult to replace or re-do. So I'm asking if to buy a brand new > > house is a good idea? It's much easier to DO something like, putting > > in a water purification equipment etc. > > > > I'd like to go with that route but my concern is that if the new built > > materials may be more toxic like paint, wood floor, vanishes because > > they are still `fresh' and are giving off the toxins. If that's the > > case it defeats the purpose to switch to a new house. > > > > Do you have any suggestion to this matter? if there are any other > > parents who did same thing could you please share? > > Thank you. > > YL > > > > > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Posted February 9, 2006 Hello Stan Your summary is awesome! Still struggling in the decision to go or not to go with a new house but your insights will definately help to reach an solution. thanks again. > > > > Hello everyone: > > > > I now have to make a tough choice: We're considering the household > > detox and looking for different areas like painting, flooring, > > windows. Our target is to archive a green-house and reduce the toxic > > exposure to minimal level so the family can live in a health friendly > > house. > > > > We find it's not an easy job at all since a lot of existing things are > > difficult to replace or re-do. So I'm asking if to buy a brand new > > house is a good idea? It's much easier to DO something like, putting > > in a water purification equipment etc. > > > > I'd like to go with that route but my concern is that if the new built > > materials may be more toxic like paint, wood floor, vanishes because > > they are still `fresh' and are giving off the toxins. If that's the > > case it defeats the purpose to switch to a new house. > > > > Do you have any suggestion to this matter? if there are any other > > parents who did same thing could you please share? > > Thank you. > > YL > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2006 Report Posted February 10, 2006 I woke up with one more thought. When I was doing my mercury experiments with the vapor meter I learned that mercury detox comes out of the skin in high amounts from the hands and feet. Much higher than any other place I tested. I think it's a good idea to buy an exfoliater and use it on your child's hands and feet one a week to help clear the path for toxins. I find that when people have gut dysfunction they often have rough skin on their hands and feet and I think this is one of the reasons why. As a guy, this was obviously hidden from me all these years, but I was shopping for the holidays and went into this chinese health and beauty products store and this woman introduced me to a " real " exfoliator that isn't rough on your skin and just gently peels off any dead skin in a couple minutes. To me as a guy, this was like someone inventing the wheel it was just amazing and it didn't hurt or burn or even feel like it was working. You just rub it in and wash off the dead skin. I know that most folks on this list are saying... " we know " but this is a women's secret that men should know about. Ladies, stop hiding products like this from us. Anyway, I'm bald so I use it in my scalp as well. Great stuff. Anyway, I use it on my son's hands and feet since I know that is were toxins are likely to come out. - Stan > > > > > > Hello everyone: > > > > > > I now have to make a tough choice: We're considering the household > > > detox and looking for different areas like painting, flooring, > > > windows. Our target is to archive a green-house and reduce the toxic > > > exposure to minimal level so the family can live in a health friendly > > > house. > > > > > > We find it's not an easy job at all since a lot of existing things are > > > difficult to replace or re-do. So I'm asking if to buy a brand new > > > house is a good idea? It's much easier to DO something like, putting > > > in a water purification equipment etc. > > > > > > I'd like to go with that route but my concern is that if the new built > > > materials may be more toxic like paint, wood floor, vanishes because > > > they are still `fresh' and are giving off the toxins. If that's the > > > case it defeats the purpose to switch to a new house. > > > > > > Do you have any suggestion to this matter? if there are any other > > > parents who did same thing could you please share? > > > Thank you. > > > YL > > > > > > Quote
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