OK I'm not trying to overuse the comments but I wanted to add this.
Lastly, and this sucks I know, get rid of your microwave oven. Not only do they ALL have some amount of radiation leakage, but the intense radiation of the microwaves actually causes chemical changes in the food cooked in them. Most people can taste the difference. Vitamins are rendered less absorbable to the body. Proteins and enzymes are morphed into carcinaginic chemicals. The article mentions the issues with plastic cookware. Did you know the Soviet Union OUTLAWED microwave ovens in 1976 ! Russian scientists have done some good research in this area. Here is one of the few links on the Internet regarding this:
http://www.mercola.com/article/microwave/hazards.htm

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One overlooked item I would like to add... electromagnetic fields. Besides disrupting the bodies natural electrical fields, they are proven to cause cancer. This is well documented in linemen and chest cancer. Much data is emerging on cell phones and brain cancer links. Always use your cell with a remote headset, keeping the antenna away from you to the degree possible. Try to limit exposure to household current by turning off what you can, removing extension cords, electric clocks, cell phones, heaters- inculding- electric blankets far from your sleeping area. Try to arrange your house to minimize usage of rooms with strong fields, i.e. close to the breaker box, meter. Avoid using compact flourescent bulbs in desk lamps that are close to your head and body, the high frequency ballasts emit radiation. The number one thing to avoid this electromagnetic radiation is to turn off as much as you can. Whenever A/C current runs through a wire, radiation is emitted. The more current, the higher the radiation. Second is best is distance, keep devices,wires and cords remote as possible and find the areas with the least of them to hang out and especially to sleep. Dry clothes on a line, don't linger by the electric stove while cooking more than necessary. You get the idea. Saves money and pollution too !

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too bad my neighbor's second hand smoke and obsession with barbequing is probably going to kill me despite my efforts.

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Really nice post i must say . I think the chemicals we are using for cleaning and other stuffs are very harsh for our health. This post is very useful for the healthy house.

gift ideas

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Thanks for the suggestions. Hopefully people will follow them and be better off for doing so.

Your article title sucks however - Cancer-Proof Your House. No one will have a cancer-proof house by following these suggestions!

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There are surprisingly few warnings against the radon emitted by the now so fashionable granite kitchen countertops. In most of the HGTV real-estate shows, granite countertops are presented as the must-have if you want to sell your house or even just keep up with the Joneses, but you never hear anyone mentioning the radon they bring into your kitchen. How long will it take for this granite fad to become as obsolete as harvest gold and avocado appliances?

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Number 1 should be do not let anyone smoke in or around your house, car and workplace, ever. Secondhand smoke contains over 4000 chemical compounds; 250 of which are poisonous, and more than 50 of which are carcinogens. The EPA classifies secondhand smoke as a Group A carcinogen. CDC estimates that, "...more than 126 million nonsmoking Americans are exposed to secondhand smoke in homes, vehicles, workplaces, and public places. Most exposure to tobacco smoke occurs in homes and workplaces. Almost 60% of U.S. children aged 3–11 years—or almost 22 million children—are exposed to secondhand smoke." http://www.cdc.gov/DataStatistics/archive/second-hand-smoke.html

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Oxygen bleach does not contain sodium hypochlorite, which is the active ingredient in Clorox. Oxygen bleach uses sodium percarbonate, which according to Wikipedia: "...is, in fact, a carbonate perhydrate.[1] Dissolved in water, it releases hydrogen peroxide and soda ash (sodium carbonate)." So, you're bleaching with hydrogen peroxide, which is a potent oxidant, but safe in a washing machine in the amounts produced. Much better than using regular bleach.

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Jessica B., I think it is the bleach part of Oxygen bleach that makes it dangerous. Since normal bleach itself is dangerous.

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Wait, now oxygen bleach cleansers are dangerous too? Is that a typo or what is wrong with them??

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