You don’t normally think of your house as being toxic, but if you’re like the average person, your house could be one of the most chemically toxic places that your family is exposed to. I don’t think of myself as a totally “green” or an obsessively natural-living kind of person, but in the last few years since I’ve been pregnant and figuring out what is healthiest for my family, it seems I’ve learned a lot on how to keep my family as safe as reasonably possible from toxic household chemicals.

How Bad Could It Really Be?

Well, if you use many popular household cleaning products like Tide, Ajax, Clorox, Tilex, Lime-Away, Windex, Dawn Dish Soap… and wash with some of the common soaps and beauty products, you have been exposing your family to dangerous toxic chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer and hormonal problems. The thing is that you might not attribute these health problems to the products you use or foods you eat because it is a collective process over time that these chemicals can eventually cause seriously altering changes to your system.

A survey by the Environmental Working Group in 2007 found that children are on the average exposed to 61 different chemicals a day, 27 of those not considered safe by the government or a cosmetic’s industry safety panel.

Here’s Some Real Proof– Dateline NBC found out just how much household toxins we ingest into our bodies!

Just to show you how the average family is actually ingesting hundreds of chemicals, Dateline NBC’s Josh Mankiewicz’s report tested the blood levels of two different families. One family he called “The Greens” were the “conscious” family who would use biodegradable products, ate what they considered a healthy vegetarian diet and bought mostly organic foods. The other family, the “Browns” who are maybe more like your average family, live a life of convenience– using teflon pans, quick and efficient household products and eating whatever is fast and convenient. The lab results showed that both families had roughly the same number of chemicals in their bloodstream (close to 50 different chemicals), but more important than the number of chemicals is the amount of each chemical in the body. The “Browns” had up to 4 times the amount of those chemicals than the “Greens” in their system! The chemical culprits–
•Perfluorochemicals, or PFCs which are found mostly in non-stick cookware, furniture, clothing and fast food containers.
•Parabens used as preservatives in cosmetics and products like moisturizers, shampoos, shave gel and toothpaste. Both women had higher levels of parabens from using cosmetics.
•Phthalates used to make plastic products from water bottles to children’s toys to shower curtains, and are also a key ingredient in paint, cosmetics, and anything with fragrance.
The “Browns” kids who admit to drinking a lot of bottled water and microwaving in plastic containers had the highest level of phthalates.  The “Greens” who had lower levels of phthalates said they consciously bought mostly wooden toys for their children and it was only at other kids homes that their kids played with plastic.
•Triclosan, a pesticide found in most anti-bacterial liquid hand soap. The “Greens” showed barely a trace because they’ve always avoided using anti-bacterial soap.
•Bisphenol A, a toxin and possible carcinogen found in recycled and reusable plastics like baby bottles and the inner lining of most canned goods.  The “Greens” had higher levels of BPA, possibly because they eat a lot of canned beans in their vegetarian diet.

So what is a family to do about all these toxic chemicals in our homes?

Newsweek magazine ran an article called Nine Ways to Avoid Household Toxins. Here’s a shortened version of that article:
1. Filter Your Water. A simple water filter can capture a lot of pollutants.
2. Know What ‘ s in Your Grooming Products. Shampoos, lotions and makeup can contain a number of toxins like parabens and phthalates, which have been identified as hormone disruptors and may be linked to certain cancers.
3. Don’t Eat Microwave Popcorn. The inside of a microwave popcorn bag is usually coated with a chemical that can break down to form perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOA has been linked to cancer and birth defects in animals and preliminary epidemiological studies suggest that a pregnant woman’s exposure to PFOA may reduce her baby’s birth weight.
4. Don’t Get Stain-Protection Treatment. These treatments usually contain perfluorinated chemicals.
5. Limit Use of Canned Food and Plastic Containers. Most canned goods are coated with a resin lining derived from Bisphenol-A (BPA).
6. Use PBDE-Free Electronics. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE) are a family of flame retardants.
7. Don’t Use Paint Made With Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC).
8. Patronize a Perc-Free Dry Cleaner. Perchloroethylene (perc) is also a VOC and is most commonly used in dry cleaning.
9. Dust and Vacuum Weekly. Toxins like PBDE can settle into the dust in your house
For more information here’s the link to the Newsweek article: http://www.newsweek.com/id/161841

Now you must be wondering, what can I buy for my family that isn’t loaded with chemicals?

Here’s Some Non-Toxic Solutions For Cleaning Your House:

For household cleaning there are a few all natural, environmentally friendly alternatives that I use that are inexpensive, easy to use and really work. You can use the following ingredients alone or in combined formulas instead of commercial household cleaners.  I haven’t tried using all these formulas myself.  I found these cleaning formulas from an online site called Eartheasy.

You can make your own cleaning products using the following:
•Baking Soda- cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
•White Vinegar- cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.
•Soap- unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.
•Borax- (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.
•Washing Soda- or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.
•Cornstarch- can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
•Citrus Solvent- cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains. (Citrus solvent may cause skin, lung or eye irritations for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.)
•Trisodium phosphate (TSP)- a mixture of soda ash and phosphoric acid. TSP is toxic if swallowed, but it can be used on many jobs, such as cleaning drains or removing old paint, that would normally require much more caustic and poisonous chemicals, and it does not create any fumes.

Cleaning Formulas:
All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
Another alternative is microfiber cloths which lift off dirt, grease and dust without the need for cleaning chemicals, because they are formulated to penetrate and trap dirt. There are a number of different brands. A good quality cloth can last for several years.

Air Freshener: Commercial air fresheners mask smells and coat nasal passages to diminish the sense of smell.
• Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house.
• Having houseplants helps reduce odors in the home.
• Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.
• Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove.
• Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room.
•Use a diffuser to diffuse essential oils into the air. The essential oil company Young Living makes different blends, just to name a few– Thieves blend reduces airborne bacteria and mold, Immune Power blend helps boost your family’s immune system, Purification helps with respiratory symptoms, emotional balance and skin and hair, Citrus Fresh blend helps to boost the immune system and fight infections as well as balance your emotions.

Bathroom mold: Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common problem and can be a health concern. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using shower.

Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.
For a heavy duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.

Dishwasher Soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but increase the washing soda if your water is hard.

Dishwashing Soap: Commercial low-phosphate detergents are not themselves harmful, but phosphates nourish algae which use up oxygen in waterways. A detergent substitution is to use liquid soap. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar to the warm, soapy water for tough jobs.

Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray bottle.

Drain Cleaner: Pour about 1/2 cup baking soda and a 1/2 cup of salt down the drain, then 1/2 cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear residue. Caution: only use this method with metal plumbing. Plastic pipes can melt if excess boiling water is used. Also, do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener–the vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.

Fabric softener: To reduce static cling, dampen your hands, then shake out your clothes as you remove them from the drier. Line-drying clothing is another alternative. You can also purchase dryer balls to use as a chemical-free option. Dryer balls tumble in the dryer to lift and separate your laundry, allowing the air to flow more efficiently. As a result, your clothes dry faster and feel fluffier. The soft tips on our dryer balls massage fabrics to naturally fluff and soften them without the use of chemical-laden dryer sheets or liquid fabric softeners. They are completely reusable and safe for use on all fabrics. The unique design causes the fibers to relax, leaving clothes softer and towels more absorbent. You’ll save hundreds of dollars on fabric softeners, dryer sheets and energy. The two reusable balls can be used over and over again and cost about $12.
Here’s a link to an online site where you can buy them: www.simplygoodstuff.com/dryer_magic-dryerballs.htm

Floor Cleaner and Polish:
vinyl and linoleum: add a capful of baby oil to the cleaning water to preserve and polish.
wood: apply a thin coat of 1:1 oil and vinegar and rub in well.
painted wood: mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon (4L) hot water.
brick and stone tiles: mix 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon (4L) water; rinse with clear water.
Most floor surfaces can be easily cleaned using a solution of vinegar and water. For damp-mopping wood floors: mix equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water. Add 15 drops of pure peppermint oil; shake to mix.

Furniture Polish: For varnished wood, add a few drops of lemon oil into a 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft cotton cloth. Cloth should only be slightly damp. Wipe furniture with the cloth, and finish by wiping once more using a dry soft cotton cloth.
For unvarnished wood, mix two teaspoons each of olive oil and lemon juice and apply a small amount to a soft cotton cloth. Wring the cloth to spread the mixture further into the material and apply to the furniture using wide strokes. This helps distribute the oil evenly.

Lime Deposits: You can reduce lime deposits in your teakettle by putting in 1/2 cup (125ml) white vinegar and 2 cups water, and gently boiling for a few minutes. Rinse well with fresh water while kettle is still warm.

Metal Cleaners and Polishes:
aluminum: using a soft cloth, clean with a solution of cream of tartar and water.
brass or bronze: polish with a soft cloth dipped in lemon and baking-soda solution, or vinegar and salt solution.
chrome: polish with baby oil, vinegar, or aluminum foil shiny side out.
copper: soak a cotton rag in a pot of boiling water with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup white vinegar. Apply to copper while hot; let cool, then wipe clean. For tougher jobs, sprinkle baking soda or lemon juice on the cloth before wiping.
gold: clean with toothpaste, or a paste of salt, vinegar, and flour.
silver: line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water; add a teaspoon each of baking soda and salt. Bring to a boil and immerse silver. Polish with soft cloth.
stainless steel: clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar.

Mold and Mildew: Use white vinegar or lemon juice full strength, with small amount of salt. Apply using a sponge or a spray bottle, and do not rinse.

Mothballs: The common mothball is made of paradichlorobenzene, which is harmful to liver and kidneys. Cedar chips in a cheesecloth square, or cedar oil in an absorbant cloth will repel moths. The cedar should be ‘aromatic cedar’, also referred to as juniper in some areas. Cedar chips are available at many craft supply stores, or make your own using a plane and a block of cedar from the lumberyard.
Homemade moth-repelling sachets can also be made with lavender, rosemary, vetiver and rose petals.
Dried lemon peels are also a natural moth deterrent – simply toss into clothes chest, or tie in cheesecloth and hang in the closet.

Oven Cleaner: Moisten oven surfaces with sponge and water. Use 3/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup salt and 1/4 cup water to make a thick paste, and spread throughout oven interior. (avoid bare metal and any openings) Let sit overnight. Remove with spatula and wipe clean. Rub gently with fine steel wool for tough spots. Or use Arm & Hammer Oven Cleaner, declared nontoxic by Consumers Union.

Paint Brush Cleaner: Non-toxic, citrus oil based solvents are now available commercially under several brand names. Citra-Solve is one brand. This works well for cleaning brushes of oil-based paints. Paint brushes and rollers used for an on-going project can be saved overnight, or even up to a week, without cleaning at all. Simply wrap the brush or roller snugly in a plastic bag, such as a used bread or produce bag. Squeeze out air pockets and store away from light. The paint won’t dry because air can’t get to it. Simply unwrap the brush or roller the next day and continue with the job.
Fresh paint odors can be reduced by placing a small dish of white vinegar in the room.

Rust Remover: Sprinkle a little salt on the rust, squeeze a lime over the salt until it is well soaked. Leave the mixture on for 2 – 3 hours. Use leftover rind to scrub residue.

Scouring Powder: For top of stove, refrigerator and other such surfaces that should not be scratched, use baking soda. Apply baking soda directly with a damp sponge.

Shoe Polish: Olive oil with a few drops of lemon juice can be applied to shoes with a thick cotton or terry rag. Leave for a few minutes; wipe and buff with a clean, dry rag.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse. A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.

Tub and Tile Cleaner: For simple cleaning, rub in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water. For tougher jobs, wipe surfaces with vinegar first and follow with baking soda as a scouring powder. (Vinegar can break down tile grout, so use sparingly.)

Wallpaper Remover: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and hot water, apply with sponge over the old wallpaper to soften the adhesive. Open room windows or use a fan to dissipate the pungent vinegar smell.

Water Rings on Wood: Water rings on a wooden table or counter are the result of moisture that is trapped under the topcoat, but not the finish. Try applying toothpaste or mayonnaise to a damp cloth and rub into the ring. Once the ring is removed, buff the entire wood surface.

Window Cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter (qt) warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Don’t clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying. The All-Purpose Cleaner (above) also works well on windows.

What If I Want The Convenience Of A Store Bought Product, What Can I Buy?

If you’re not into making your own formula cleaning products, here’s an all natural, non-toxic all-purpose cleaner that you can buy called Thieves Household Cleaner. This cleaner uses a pure essential oils (clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary) as its active ingredient. It is made by a company called Young Living which is known for it’s high quality therapeutic grade essential oils. The anti-microbial power of Thieves’ essential oils combined with a non-toxic coconut oil based cleaning solution is safe for your whole family. You can dilute this concentrate to clean almost everything in your household and use Thieves Household Cleaner in place of: all laundry detergents, bleach, dish washer detergents, spot/stain/grease removers, carpet shampoo, tub/tile/toilet cleaners, oven cleaner, floor cleaner, glass/mirror cleaners, cleaning and preventing mold and much more! It is a great stain remover, yet gentle on surfaces including leather, upholstery, painted furniture and clothing. I’ve read that professional cleaning services are using Thieves Cleaner and receiving feedback from their clients that they are experiencing fewer allergies at homes and at work. And employees of cleaning services are ill less often because using Thieves Cleaner helps prevent colds and flus and is effective in clearing up allergies and sinus issues. Thieves Cleaner is very gentle on the skin and safe for children and pets. It is economical to use because you use just a small amount diluted with water in a spray bottle or bucket.

Here are the Dilution Ratios:
Light Degreasing 60:1
Medium Degreasing 30:1
Heavy Degreasing 15:1
Floors 100:1
Walls 30:1
Upholstery, Fabrics, Carpet Spotting 40:1
Carpet 100:1
Glass 320:1
Pots and Pans 100:1
Hand Cleaner 1:1

How Do I Know What’s Safe To Buy For Shampoos, Soaps, Lotions and Cosmetics?

So now that you can be sure to clean your house with non-toxic products, what kinds of personal care products and cosmetics can your family use safely?
Here to help is a non-profit public health organization called Environmental Working Group (EWG). They have a great website that offers a safety guide database for children’s personal care products. You can either type any brand name product into their search engine to see its “hazard score” or you can click on a type of product, like shampoo– and the site provides a list ranked from least hazardous to most hazardous. Here’s the link: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/parentsguide

What Are The Main Chemical Ingredients To Avoid?

EWG also offer a list of the main ingredients to avoid that are “linked to significant, well-documented health effects, or have been found unsafe for use in children’s products”. Below is a short list. For the full list go to: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/parentsguide/ingredients.php

Ingredients to avoid always:
* 2-BROMO-2-NITROPROPANE-1,3-DIOL
Allergen that forms cancer-causing chemicals
* BHA
Causes skin depigmentation
* DMDM HYDANTOIN
Allergen that forms cancer-causing chemicals
* OXYBENZONE
Allergen; forms free radicals to damage skin
* TRICLOSAN
May disrupt growth hormones from the thyroid
* BORIC ACID & SODIUM BORATE
Unsafe for infants according to industry experts
* DIBUTYL PHTHALATE & TOLUENE
Found in nail polish/play makeup; hormone disruption, cancer concerns

Personal Care Products:
Ingredients to avoid when possible:
(Info from The Environmental Working Group)

* FRAGRANCE
Allergen; neurotoxic, hormone disruption concerns
* DYES
Some cause cancer and are banned outside the U.S.
* FLUORIDE
Teeth stains; neurotoxic when swallowed
* CETEARETH & PEG compounds
Can contain cancer-causing impurities
* PARABENS
Hormone disruption, cancer concerns
* TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA)
Allergen that forms cancer-causing chemicals
* BENZYL & ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
Skin irritation and neurotoxicity concerns
* METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE & METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE
Allergens with neurotoxicity concerns
* IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE
Chemically similar to neurotoxic pesticides

Why Do We Have To Worry About All Of These Chemicals?
The Environmental Working Group reports that “due to gaping loopholes in federal law, cosmetics companies can put almost any ingredient they choose into their products, with no requirement to safety test. Companies can also claim that their products are gentle and natural even when they contain artificial chemical ingredients or harsh skin irritants.” The EWG says that children are even more vulnerable because they have thinner skin than adults which absorbs more chemicals into they system. They also breath in more air contaminants without the acquired protection that adults have to the bloodstream and the brain. The EWG says these chemicals have been linked to “allergies, nervous system problems, cancer, reproductive risks, and hormone disruption.”
For more information on this see: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/parentsguide/summary.php

Why Doesn’t The Government Protect Us?

The EWG found that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no authority to require premarket testing of personal care product ingredients for safety. Also the FDA does not have the power to require the recall of a harmful product. Instead they rely on the personal care industry to police itself. An EWG investigation found that “the panel chooses criteria regarding sensitivity and irritation for 80 percent of its safety recommendations, ignoring more serious health concerns such as cancer, birth defects, and hormone disruption, and as a result finds more than 99 percent of ingredients reviewed safe as used.” In addition they found that “products made and marketed especially for babies and children are not required to meet any additional health and safety standards.” So again, before you buy, make sure you check with EWG’s Parent’s Safety Guide To Children’s Personal Products at : http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/parentsguide

What Can You Do About Harmful Chemicals In Plastics?

The harmful chemicals in plastics, Bisphenol-A (BPA) or Phthalates are found in food storage containers, water bottles, baby bottles and children’s toys.  Here’s how to keep your family safe:
•Look for bottles made with polypropelene or polyethelene or glass which do not contain BPA or phthalates.
•Buy a polypropelene water bottle and fill it with filtered water rather than using store bought bottled water.
• Look for BPA/Phthalates-free alternative for baby bottles and sippy cups now on the market. Brand names are Born-Free, Kleen Kanteen, Medela just to name a few. The website called Safe Mama has a long list you can check out: http://safemama.com/2007/11/22/bpa-free-bottle-and-sippy-cup-cheat-sheet/
•Avoid bottles made from polycarbonate plastic– Avent, Dr. Brown’s, Evenflo clear, First Years, Playtex, Sassy, Tuppercare and the plastic in most store bought bottled water.
•Also avoid using plastic containers in the microwave
•Use waxed paper or a paper towel over food instead of plastic wrap
•Use glass food storage containers (pyrex) instead of plastic (tupperware)
•Avoid eating canned foods– most cans are lined with BPA
•Avoid using infant formula– cans are also lined with BPA, Breastfeed whenever possible, or chose powder over liquid for lower amount of BPA leaching
•Buy children’s toys made from natural wood, organic cotton, wool, stainless steel or silver.
For more information about BPA go to: http://www.bisphenolafree.org/

Where Can I Buy Safe Toys For My Children?

Here are some of my favorite toy websites that sell either natural toys or toys that inspire the imagination:
•novanatural.com
•The Playstore
•finewoodentoys.com
•oompatoys.com
•Magic Cabin
•North Star Toys

What About The Toys I Already Have; How Can I Tell If They Are Safe?

If you want to check out the possible toxic dangers of a specific toy or brand here’s a link to HealthyToys.org’s search engine:
http://www.healthytoys.org/product.searchbrand.php

Disposable Diapers Contain Toxic Chemicals Too!

One more thing I have to mention is the toxic chemicals in disposable diapers.
The super absorbent chemical, sodium polyacrylate which absorbs and holds fluids in the diaper has been linked to toxic shock syndrome, can cause allergic reactions, and is lethal to cats if inhaled. Death has occurred from ingestion of just 5 grams of this chemical. Pediatric journals contain reports of this chemical sticking to babies’ genitals. When the baby’s skin gets wet, this super absorber can pull fluids form baby’s skin. Dioxin, the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a byproduct of bleaching paper. Even in the smallest detectable quantities, dioxin has been known to cause liver disease, immune system suppression, and genetic damage in lab animals. Dyes found in some disposables are known to damage the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver. There are some disposable diapers that are somewhat safer because they are dioxin-free, like Seventh Generation.
For more information about chemicals in disposable diapers go to: http://www.ecobaby.com/cloth.htm

An Easy Alternative To Disposable Diapers– The New Generation Of Cloth Diapers!

Here’s another alternative to disposable diapers:
You may not be aware that there are now easy to use cloth diapers that work similarly to disposables. They are much easier to use than the old fashioned diapers and pins our grandmothers used to use.
My vote for the “ease of use” catagory is a brand called Dream-eze. The inner fabric is organic cotton and the outside fabric is a breathable waterproof fabric that keeps wetness contained inside. What sold me on them is that they are known to be one of the only leak-proof diapers out there on the market. Make sure you buy the Dream-eze “All-In-One” (AIO) diaper with the waterproof outer lining rather than the cotton-only version.

Here are some sites where you can purchase them online: www.heinyking.com/store/c/124-Dream-Eze-AIO.html
www.diaperco.com/store/c/2-All-In-Ones.html
www.dapperdiaperstore.com/catalog.php?category=83
https://www.kellyscloset.com/Dream-Eze-All-In-One-Diapers_p_753-3346.html

Keeping Your Family Toxin-Free–The Bottom Line

Okay, so now that you’re armed with all this information, I hope you feel that you have some doable options to keep your family safe. That said, the reality is that we are surrounded by chemicals and for most of us living in a modern society, we won’t be able to avoid them altogether. The key is to remember to focus and act on the things that you do have control over… and with just that alone, your family will be healthier and safer than the majority of people around you.