Terpenes + Ozone = FormaldehydePart 4: Conclusion

In parts one, two and three we discussed terpenes, ozone and formaldehyde. What does it all mean? If you use any household cleaner that contains terpene you are going to raise the levels of formaldehyde in your home especially when combined with an ozone generator. Proper ventilation is required when using hazardous chemicals in your home. Ozone generators cannot clean the air in a home environment at levels that are safe for human occupancy and may be helping to increase the levels of formaldehyde in your air. Ozone generators are not regulated and have been found to produce dangerous levels of ozone in indoor environments.

We recommend looking for cleaning products that don’t contain terpene to replace the ones you may currently be using. If you have an ozone generator, do some research to see how much ozone it produces. The California Air Resources Board has a list of approved air cleaning devices that don’t emit dangerous levels of ozone AND a list of dangerous ozone generators. If you have dangerous ozone emitting device please consider not using it in occupied living spaces.


Resources:
1.  Common household cleaners and air fresheners may lead to health risks.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2006/05/24/18127.aspx
News Medical. May 24, 2006.
2.  Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airclean.html#Ozone%20generators
US EPA. May 2008.
3. Fact Sheet: Beware of Ozone-generating Indoor “Air Purifiers”.
http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/ozone_gen_fact_sheet-a.pdf
California Air Resources Board. March, 2006.

Terpenes + Ozone = FormaldehydePart 3: Making Formaldehyde

In part two we discussed how ozone can become elevated in the home and the dangers of using ozone generators in closed areas. Even though the EPA danced around the immediate danger, that of having too high of an ozone content in poorly ventilated spaces, they don’t even mention that when ozone and terpenes are mixed they produce formaldehyde which may be at high levels already.

“...formaldehyde is...released from other sources such as plywood and pressed wood products that are found in most buildings, any increase in formaldehyde emissions is undesirable.”

“When the researchers tested the terpene-containing products in the presence of ozone, they found that reactions produced very small particles with properties like those found in smog and haze; other oxidation products; and formaldehyde, a respiratory irritant that is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. (This designation by the International Agency for Cancer Research is reserved for substances for which there is sufficient evidence to conclude that they cause cancer in humans.) The amounts of terpenes that were converted into these pollutants was dependent on the amount of ozone present.”
Common household cleaners and air fresheners may lead to health risks.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2006/05/24/18127.aspx
News Medical. May 24, 2006.

In part 4 we will summarize and give our recommendations to improve your indoor air quality and reduce toxins related to terpenes and ozone.

Part 4: Conclusion

Resources:
1.  Common household cleaners and air fresheners may lead to health risks.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2006/05/24/18127.aspx
News Medical. May 24, 2006.
2.  Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airclean.html#Ozone%20generators
US EPA. May 2008.
3. Fact Sheet: Beware of Ozone-generating Indoor “Air Purifiers”.
http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/ozone_gen_fact_sheet-a.pdf
California Air Resources Board. March, 2006.

Terpenes + Ozone = FormaldehydePart 2: Ozone

In part 1 we introduced you to Terpenes, a class of chemicals found in pine, lemon and orange oils. Terpenes are found in many household cleaners and air fresheners and are not dangerous on their own, but when mixed with ozone in the air will produce toxic compounds.

Why should we worry about Terpenes if they require ozone to produce toxic compounds? Two reasons. Ozone Generators are sold as home air cleaners and indoor ozone levels are not regulated.
Ozone, a lung irritant, is all around us and many of the electronic products we use produce it as a byproduct like TV’s and computers. Manufacturers have even marketed ozone producing devices as air purifiers. Many are labeled ionic or electro-static and usually don’t include a filter or fan. The EPA has written a paper specifically addressing the problem of ozone generators and in-door environments http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html and so has the California EPA Air Resources Board http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/ozone_gen_fact_sheet-a.pdf

“Ozone generators use UV light or an electrical discharge to intentionally produce ozone. Ozone is a lung irritant that can cause adverse health effects. At concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone has little effect in removing most indoor air contaminants. Thus, ozone generators are not always safe and effective in controlling indoor air pollutants.”
(Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airclean.html#Ozone%20generators
US EPA. May 2008.)

Why would the EPA say that ozone generators are not always safe?

Ozone generators are not regulated by any government agency and can produce varying levels of ozone depending on factors like room size, ventilation and power setting. Indoor ozone is not regulated as a pollutant because under normal circumstances it doesn’t accumulate to the point of becoming a health hazard.

“Studies have shown that ozone generators can produce indoor ozone levels several times the state outdoor health standard...equal to, or worse than, a first stage smog alert. It is clear that the ozone concentrations produced by these devices can easily exceed health-protective standards.”
(Fact Sheet: Beware of Ozone-generating Indoor “Air Purifiers”.
http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/ozone_gen_fact_sheet-a.pdf
California Air Resources Board. March, 2006.)

We recently heard a rumor that hospitals use ozone to clean the air which is why they smell so clean. After a couple minutes searching online we found a few articles detailing how ozone has a cleansing effect on air quality at exceptionally high levels which is why it is used in hospital rooms around the world to sterilize the air. Manufacturers of ozone generators use that fact as marketing to sell their products. Sounds great but they don’t tell you that the levels of ozone that are needed to clean the air is so high it is toxic to humans. This is the reason rooms are emptied between patients, sealed air tight and filled with ozone for a period of time before all the air is exchanged and reoccupied. Since the development of this technology new reports have said that ozone may be ineffective at killing biological organisms that are attached to textiles and needs more research. The air may be clean but the contents of the room may not be any more clean than when they last wiped them down or washed them.

In part 1 we mentioned that terpenes can produce some nasty chemicals when exposed to ozone. Now we know that ozone is all around us and can be artificially elevated in the home by using ozone generators. In part 3 we will explain how ozone breaks down terpenes in the air into formaldehyde.

Part 3: Making Formaldehyde

Resources:
1.  Common household cleaners and air fresheners may lead to health risks.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2006/05/24/18127.aspx
News Medical. May 24, 2006.
2.  Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airclean.html#Ozone%20generators
US EPA. May 2008.
3. Fact Sheet: Beware of Ozone-generating Indoor “Air Purifiers”.
http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/ozone_gen_fact_sheet-a.pdf
California Air Resources Board. March, 2006.

Value of the Dollar Part 2

Giving Back : Making Waves
Clean Water = Healthy Communities
Giving Back : Grants & Wishes
Sharing 10% of our profits: Our giving for Goodness Grant Program
Interested in submitting a grant proposal?






A supply of clean water positively impacts community health, business, recreation opportunities, and overall quality of life. That’s why Tom’s of Maine is dedicated to improving water quality and supporting those who work to achieve this in their own towns.


Since the very first product our cofounders Tom and Kate made in 1970 – a non-polluting phosphate-free laundry detergent called Clearlake – Tom's of Maine has advocated for clean water. Today, we're working with River Network and American Rivers, the two largest nonprofit rivers organizations in the United States, and their thousands of dedicated volunteers. Their efforts large and small add up to one huge positive impact on the health and safety of our nation’s rivers. Last year alone, over 100,000 volunteers at events across the U.S. (sponsored by our partners and the grassroots organizations with whom they work) removed over 700 tons of trash from our nation’s rivers.


Learn more about our partnership and how you can help.


We know there are a lot of people out there helping our nation's rivers, and we want to share their stories and inspire others to help, too. Our 2008 River Stories Video Contest encouraged people to share how they’re helping the rivers in their community, and we received some pretty great stuff.






We know an awful lot about how to make great natural products in a sustainable way — but we certainly can't claim to always know what's best for our communities down to every last detail. That's why we donate 10% of our profits each year to charitable organizations: because they know best how to serve their own communities.


We believe that people are the critical element in the success of a mission, so we focus our grants on core mission and leadership development goals and then get out of the way!


Because we've committed to multiyear projects with our current grantees, we won't be accepting any new grant applications. We'll update this page when we are ready to begin accepting applications again, so please check back regularly! You may also want to visit our Project Sponsorship page to see if we're currently offering any sponsorship opportunities.

Terpenes + Ozone = FormaldehydePart 1: Introducing Terpenes

Many people use household cleaners and air fresheners that contain terpenes and may not know the dangers they put themselves and everyone in their household in. A 2006 study by the researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory defines terpenes as such.

“Terpenes are a class of chemicals found in pine, lemon and orange oils that are used in many consumer products either as solvents or to provide a distinctive scent. Although terpenes themselves are not considered toxic, some recent studies have shown that they may react with ozone to produce a number of toxic compounds.”
(Common household cleaners and air fresheners may lead to health risks.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2006/05/24/18127.aspx
News Medical. May 24, 2006.)

Why should we worry about Terpenes if they require ozone to produce toxic compounds? Two reasons. Ozone Generators are sold as home air cleaners and indoor ozone levels are not regulated.

Part 2: Ozone

Resources:
1.  Common household cleaners and air fresheners may lead to health risks.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2006/05/24/18127.aspx
News Medical. May 24, 2006.
2.  Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airclean.html#Ozone%20generators
US EPA. May 2008.
3. Fact Sheet: Beware of Ozone-generating Indoor “Air Purifiers”.
http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/ozone_gen_fact_sheet-a.pdf
California Air Resources Board. March, 2006.

The Value of the Dollar

B

                                  

Jim Rimer founded Biokleen in 1989. As a previous sales representative of cleaning chemicals in the commercial and industrial industry he became more and more aware of the dangers of the products he was selling and the ingredients they contained.He saw first hand his chemicals were creating health problems for his customers, causing negative effects - including cancer - on families and pets in the homes and businesses where these supplies were being used. Jim was selling poison and this realization shook him to the core. Jim's drive to take a stand and make a difference helped motivate him to study chemistry. With his newfound knowledge and driven passion he formulated his first cleaner using natural, non-toxic ingredients. Today Biokleen continues to develop and create innovative products, which still measure up to Jim's beliefs and standards:

• Effectiveness

• Concentration

• Non-Toxic

• Environmentally Safe

Biokleen has just launched four $1-off coupons on http://www.CommonKindness.com, joining the effort to help create a new source of funding for America’s favorite nonprofit organizations. Biokleen’s essential oil and fruit extract-based products are gentle on the skin while being nontoxic, biodegradable, nonflammable, and free of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Now consumers can save money and help support their favorite charities when they purchase Biokleen products using coupons from CommonKindness.“The prolonged economic downturn has people trying to do more with less, and they are increasingly turning to coupons,” said James Mannion of Biokleen. “We chose to post our coupons on CommonKindness because we like the company’s reach and the exposure they bring us through their coupon site, public relations channels, and relationship with the online coupon community. We also love being part of giving back to the community.”
Giving to the community is nothing new to Biokleen. An active promoter of a healthy lifestyle, Biokleen celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2009 by contributing to 20 charitable groups and events. These included EarthShare California, The Chicago Wetlands Initiative, Keep Austin Beautiful, Seattle EarthCorps, and youth soccer clubs and other youth outreach programs.
“Biokleen’s leadership in natural cleaning products is very impressive, and we are very excited that we are able to offer their coupons on the CommonKindness site,” said CommonKindness presidentSarah Schloemer. “I also found inspiration in the story of BioKleen founder Jim Rimer’s entrepreneurial spirit, ingenuity, and tenacity that started the company on the road to becoming the success it is today.”
Rimer was a sales rep for a chemical-rich cleaning supply company in the 1980s. After hearing complaints of negative side-effects from his customers after they used these products, Rimer conducted research and found that the products he was selling were poisonous. After a fruitless attempt to convince his employer to change course, he was asked to leave.While cleaning carpets to pay the bills, Rimer spent his nights developing Biokleen’s first natural cleaning supplies in his garage in a large drum using a wooden oar for a mixing spoon. He filled bottles by hand and sold his product door-to-door to the natural food stores that were sprouting up around town. Through the leadership of his daughter Cindy, Biokleen has grown quickly and responsibly.
Family-owned and -operated, Biokleen employs green manufacturing principles. One-hundred percent of the energy and water used in its plant is offset through the BEF’s Renewable Energy and Water Restoration program. The CommonKindness partnership is yet another way Biokleen is helping make the world a better place.To get Biokleen coupons, shoppers simply go to http://www.CommonKindness.com, quickly register, and designate their favorite nonprofit from the user-friendly directory. They then select Biokleen coupons and printable grocery coupons for other product coupons they typically use or want to try, and head to the store. For each coupon redeemed, CommonKindness donates 20% of the distribution fee it receives from the Biokleen or other brand to the shopper’s designated nonprofit.


                  

Soup Nuts A Greener and Eco-Friendly Soap In The Raw.

Going green and eco-friendly can't get any better than this when it comes to doing loads of laundry. Soap nuts are a great way to clean, and have no negative impacts on your health of the environment. They have been used in India for over 3,000 years. The soap nuts are taken from the trees and once the seeds are removed you can use the shells or the skins as soap. The actual soap nuts can be placed in little bags and thrown in with your laundry with 4 or 5 nuts in the bags you can get about 4 to 5 loads of laundry done. You can also purchase the liquid soap nut detergent or even powder. You have even purchase bars of soap, great stuff fragrance free and eliminate body odor the natural way. Also soap nuts are great for allergy relief and even skin diseases. 

I have yet to try just the soap nut shells, but we have tried a liquid form. I have a little have a little 4.2 FL OZ bottle and did about 4 large loads of laundry. This stuff is great and completely natural. I like my clothes to smell fresh, but I also am not a fan of the chemical fresh smell. It just has a simple clean smell Soap nuts are great and take clean to another level. 

Check out these site about available products and additional information:
http://www.laundrytree.com/about-soapnuts.html
http://www.buysoapnuts.com/