BBQ Guy loves to switch on Seinfeld and fall asleep on the bed with the TV remote in his hand. It's one of those big-screened, boxy things that takes up all the shelf space in our bedroom armoire. When it dies and the price of thin-screened, wall-mounted televisions comes down, I'm sure he'll want to replace the big old dust-catcher.
Sleep experts say you'll develop better sleep habits in a cool, clean, uncluttered, TV-free bedroom. But there's another reason for getting all the electronic equipment, dust-catching knick-knacks, and chemically treated carpet, furniture and draperies out of the room in your home in which you spend most of your hours. Flame-retardant chemicals used by manufacturers can release cancer-causing toxins which can be found in household dust.
According to Sarah Schmidt's recent National Post article, Ottawa To Limit Use of Toxic Flame Retardant (3/28/09), Environment Canada wants to limit the use of synthetic chemicals known as PBDEs in electronic equipment, including TVs and computers. Schmidt writes: Environmental Defence...says there is enough evidence to identify DecaBDE as a developmental toxin affecting the brain, immune, reproductive and hormonal systems. The breakdown begins during normal use of products, which makes household dust the largest exposure source and of particular concern to small children.... The article states that PBDEs are also commonly used in furniture, carpet and textiles.
When my kids were small, I remember that new nightwear was labelled "flame resistant." One of my daughters complained that her pretty, pink, flame-retardant polyester blend nightgown was "too itchy" and insisted on sleeping in one of my old pure cotton t-shirts instead. I worried about this, wondering about the risk should the house ever catch fire.
According to Schmidt, because of the risk caused by PBDEs, firefighters would be "pleased" if chemicals in the PBDE family were banned: DecaBDE has...been on the radar of firefighters after studies found they have a greater risk of contracting cancer and heart and lung disease from flame retardants, which become particularly toxic when burning....." In fact, Smith writes, "Cancer in firefighters is at an epidemic level...." according to Jim Lee, head of the Canadian office of the International Association of Fire Fighters and a 30-year veteran firefighter for the City of Toronto. Firefighters think a less-toxic fire retardant should be found.
While most householders will never be exposed to flames from burning electronic equipment, it makes sense to reduce your exposure to the toxic dust these products can produce in your home.
- Make dusting a priority, not only at spring-cleaning time, but all year round. Don't just flick the dust around with a feather duster, use a damp cloth or better yet, vaccuum.
- As soon as you can afford it, replace chemically-treated room curtains with organic materials or window blinds. Get rid of the chemically-treated carpeting as soon as you can--it may feel soft and warm on the feet, but it's unhealthy for you and your kids. This article by a researcher at Cornell University recommends the use of pure wool carpeting instead. Wool carpeting is, however, expensive and some people may be allergic to wool.
- I know someone who couldn't afford hardwood flooring but sanded her subfloor and painted it with non-toxic paint--it looks great.
- Put TVs, computers, printers and other electronic equipment in a room other than the bedroom or kitchen unless you know that they are PBDE-free.
- European regulations regarding the use of toxic fire retardants prompted many manufacturers to comply with PBDE restrictions; purchase PBDE-free products when replacing your equipment.
- For chemical-free, safer substitutes, check out the advice on sites like Toxic Nation.
And if you ever see your kids using their fingers to draw in the dust on your TV screen--wash their hands, and get rid of the dust!
