THE EWG's "DIRTY DOZEN" PRODUCT LIST FOR 2020
Each year, the EWG analzyes a broad range of produce. They note that, "Nearly 70 percent of the fresh product sold in the U.S. contains residues of potentially harmful chemical pesticides." Listed in order starting with the worst, these are the 12 that had the highest amount of contamination:
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Pears
- Tomatoes
- Celery
- Potatoes
It should also be noted that though it didn't fall under their "fresh produce" designation,
a whopping 99% of all non-organic raisins they tested showed pesticide contamination.
The
best solution here is the same as with cosmetics that can be so laced with toxins... try to buy only USDA Certified Organic versions of these 12 fruits and vegetables especially. This means they have been verified -- indepedent of any claims of the growers -- that they are clean and organic.
If you can't buy them organic, then just be sure to very thoroughly wash them.
THE TOP 10 SOURCES OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
Polluted air inside homes is a far too little-known problem that is severely impacting the health of millions of people.
The air inside a typical home is between 200 to 500% more polluted than the air outside, and the EPA has ranked indoor air pollution amongst
the top 5 environmental risks to public health.
Below are 10 leading causes of indoor air pollution.
1) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are a wide array of different chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene. They are emitted as gases in the home and come from various solid and liquid products made with synthetic and other chemicals. Some common sources include:
- Candles
- Carpeting
- Cleaners and Disinfectants
- Cosmetics / Personal Care Products
- Dry-Cleaned Clothing
- Flooring
- Furniture
- House Paint
- Non-stick Cookware
- Printers and Other Electronics
2) Bacteria and Viruses. These find their way into homes via many means, such as people coughing or sneezing... via pets... via pests like various bugs and mice... and via dirt tracked in from outside. They can linger on various surfaces, in air conditioning and heating units and vents, and more.
3) Mold. There are over 300,000 diferent types of molds and various types can contaminate homes. According to the CDC, mold is "very common" in homes. Contrary to popular belief, you typically can't tell if your home has mold visually or via scent until the problem gets more extreme.
4) Radon Gas. About 20% of homes in the U.S. have levels deemed too high.
5) Ozone from Appliances, TVs, Computers. Though often thought of as an outdoor pollutant, ozone pollution in homes is unfortunately common. (This is very concerning because it can be quite damaging to lungs, especially in association with other pollutants.)
6) Dust mites, which causes allergies in many people.
7) Pollen, which causes allergies in many people.
8) Pet Dander, which causes irritation and allergy in some people.
9) Tobacco Products' second-hand smoke
10) Natural Gas Cooking Appliances, especially those with no exhaust hoods, which emit nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fomaldehyde into the air.