Families Against Cancer & Toxics
Stop cancer before it starts
December 2, 2007
HERE ARE WAYS TO MINIMIZE HEALTH RISKS FROM INDOOR POLLUTION
TO BARBECUE MORE HEALTHFULLY:
When foods are grilled at high enough temperatures, cancer-causing heterocyclic amines, nitrosamines and acrylamide can form. About 30 studies find links between the amounts of grilled or well-done foods eaten and cancer.
* Don't overcook food. Avoid flaming or charring it.
* Microwave foods for more than a minute before grilling to reduce grilling time and heat. Or, precook in a moderately heated electric oven.
* Marinate foods; it reduces formation of heterocyclic amines from grilling.
* Eat broccoli or other anti-oxidant vegetables with barbecued foods to reduce risks.
* Don't use charcoal lighter fluid; it's made from petroleum distillates. Instead, use an electric or charcoal chimney starter.
* Natural gas, propane and electric grilling are preferable to charcoal.
TO REDUCE HOUSEHOLD DUST:
* Don't put a carpet in your house. Or, replace carpet every five years; use a vacuum with a dirt finder and red/green lights to show dirty and clean.
* Get a high-quality doormat.
* Use a damp cloth to get dust off furniture and surfaces.
* Wash hands regularly to stop transfer of dust carrying bacteria, viruses and pollutants.
TO REDUCE ASTHMA RISKS:
* Get rid of carpeting..
* Don't smoke; limit burning of candles and fireplaces.
* Put allergen-impermeable covers on mattresses and pillows.
* Discourage cockroaches: drain all standing water in sinks; immediately clean up counter spills; empty wastebaskets often; keep pantry food sealed.
* Use hot water to clean bedding to kill dust mites; don't use feather pillows.
* Use unscented dish and laundry detergents and soap.
* Use non-toxic floor, oven; drain cleaners, or keep kids out of the house as you clean.
* Consider not having dogs and cats.
* Replace cloth sofas with leather sofas.
TO PREVENT MOLD:
* Dry out wet areas ASAP, using fans or dehumidifiers.
* Quickly plug or fix all plumbing leaks.
* Ask for better moisture control during building design and construction.
* Keep household humidity levels between 40 percent and 60 percent.
* Thoroughly clean and dry flooded areas.
* Ventilate shower, laundry and cooking areas.
Sources: U.S. Centers for Disease Control; California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment; University of Arizona associate professor Mary Kay O'Rourke ; Seattle consulting engineer John Roberts, pulmonary specialist Scott Cerreta; American Lung Association of Arizona; UA professor Wayne Morgan; Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics; UA researcher Melisa Celaya; Global Prevention Services; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
See TOXINS FILL OUR HOMES: A STAR INVESTIGATION for the online version of this article and others.
