Fewer than 1,000 of these chemicals have been tested
for acute health effects (immediate adverse effects
such as rashes, asthma or allergy attacks), and only about
500 have been tested for chronic (long-term) health
effects such as cancer, birth defects, or genetic
changes. Furthermore, almost no testing has been done
to determine possible adverse effects that can occur
when combining two or more different chemicals. Many
chemicals can be relatively safe by
themselves, but are extremely harmful
when mixed together.

The average home is filled with many products
made from inadequately-tested synthetic
chemicals. Many household products we
commonly use and may think are safe can actually be very
toxic. Common symptoms such as headaches, nausea,
allergic reactions, and depression can be related to
exposure to toxic household chemicals. For example,
insomnia may be a response to the formaldehyde resin
used on your no-iron bed sheets. developmental and
behavioral problems in children have also been linked to
exposure to household toxic chemicals. The table
provided in the back of this booklet lists many symptoms
and disorders associated with commonly-used chemicals.


 Scientists know very little about the toxic health
effects of almost 80 percent of the more than 48,000
 chemicals listed by the U.S. EPA.