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Cleaning products
High level of emissions, irritant and corrosive
Cleaning products emit a large number of toxic substances. Phosphates, bleaching agents, parabens, synthetic fragrances, acrolein, etc.
According to a European study published in February, cleaning products can be as harmful for our lungs as cigarettes.
Such substances can have a harmful effect on the skin, lungs, respiratory system and eyes. It is essential, therefore, to choose high-quality products.
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Furniture and bedding
Sources of allergies, asthma, respiratory problems, cancer, etc.
Over 661 different substances can potentially be emitted by furniture. Source ANSES p.6 (French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety).
Formaldehyde, styrene, naphthalene, etc. Toxic, corrosive, mutagenic and carcinogenic, it is essential to safeguard against this type of emission.
These substances will have an especially strong impact on children’s development. Attention problems, hyperactivity, reduction in cognitive capacity, etc.
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Building and insulation materials
Irritant, carcinogenic, causing vertigo and skin problems
We spend more than 80% of our time indoors.
Perlite, wool, foam and other insulation fibres are potentially highly irritant and can cause chronic bronchitis, asthma, pneumopathy, or even cancer, etc.
Ammonia, asbestos, phenol, etc. Building and insulation materials produce emissions over the long term which have a serious impact on indoor air quality.
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Paints, lacquers and varnishes
Natural, solvent-free, absorbent, etc.?
Paints often contain heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, zinc, lead carbonate and numerous solvents. These substances are responsible for toxicity of the central and peripheral nervous system, dermatosis and hepatorenal toxicity.
Opt, therefore, for ore and plant based paints containing the minimum amount of synthetic products possible. Finally beware of claims by some brands and labels.
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Scented candles and air fresheners
Cleansings, purifying, refreshing,… Really?
Incense sticks and cones emit up to up to 8 times more benzene than a cigarette!
Whether as a spray, candle or diffuser, the substances emitted are often highly concentrated and can cause irritation and allergies. With more than 23 “hazardous” ingredients per product in some cases, there is no full labelling obligation analysing all their emissions.
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PVC, vinyl, laminate, etc. floor coverings
Floor coverings producing emissions.
Numerous studies have identified the often harmful properties of our PVC, laminate, vinyl, etc. floor coverings. It is recommended, therefore, to find out what emissions are produced by them and the adhesives and varnishes that come with them.
Formaldehyde, styrene, etc. numerous VOCs are released from these materials with a variety of impacts on health.
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Cushions, soft toys, fabrics, foams, textiles, mattresses, etc.
Synthetic fibres and textiles
Endocrine disruptors, formaldehyde, phthalates, nanoparticles, etc. What lies hidden in our fabrics and other synthetic fibres?
ASEF (French Health and Environment Association) provides information on this subject and warns against the risks to fertility and growth or even of cancer.
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And many more besides...
Plastics, cars, conservatories, any painted or decorated item, children’s toys, etc.
The majority of industrial products produce emissions. Some categories more than others and the impacts on health are numerous.
Too little is known as yet about the problem of emissions into indoor air.
It is essential, therefore, that consumers are given a guarantee of products that are good for indoor air.