Practical Tips - Industrial Chemicals - Environmental Risks and Breast Cancer

Avoid Chlorine

Try to use tampons and sanitary napkins made of organic cotton without chlorine. The FDA found dioxins, among other hazardous substances, in conventional tampons. Look for those without chlorine, fragrance, wax, surfactants, or rayon.
Choose non-bleached products such as coffee filters, paper, napkins, toilet tissue, tampons, etc. The EPA has determined that using bleached coffee filters alone can result in a lifetime exposure to dioxin exceeding acceptable risks. Ask for office paper products whitened without chlorine.
Do not use chlorine bleach for household cleaning or laundry. Bleaches made from hydrogen peroxide are a safe alternative and can be found in Health Food stores.

Intake of certain foods that may contain high levels of PCBs and dioxins should be limited, especially for pregnant women and children. PCBs can be highly concentrated in predator fish at the top of the food chain. If eating fish, eat smaller varieties such as bluegill, pumpkinseed, small and largemouth bass, white and black crappie, and yellow steelhead, and all salmon species. These latter species are more likely to be contaminated with chemicals — epa.gov.
In order to reduce the amount of PCBs consumed, filet fish by removing as much fat as possible. Also cook using methods such as baking or broiling.
Choose fish from lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water that are known to have lower levels of contamination.
To limit the exposure of dioxin from food sources contaminated with the chemical such as meat and dairy products, eat less animal fat by choosing low-fat meats, such as chicken and turkey, and choosing low-fat or no-fat dairy products.

Ask your dry cleaner what kind of solvents they use. If they use PERC (also known as PCE, tetrachloroethylene, or perchloroethylene), try to find a cleaner that uses a healthier process such as wet-cleaning, liquid CO₂, or silicone.
If you get your clothes dry cleaned with PERC, be sure to remove the plastic packaging from your clothes and air them out, preferably outside of your home.
Also, many fabrics that say, "dry clean only" don't require it. Manufacturers often put this on the label to prevent liability because they must accept the return if a garment shrinks or loses its shape — breastcanceroptions.org
Avoid spot removers or carpet cleaners that contain perchloroethylene and see the note in the section on avoiding chlorine above about hydrogen peroxide bleach.

Hobby, craft, and art supplies, especially glues and paints often contain organic solvents. Choose water-based art supplies and ventilate the room well while using them.