Episode #61: Flame Retardants, Formaldehyde & Your Indoor Air with Lara Adler

Avoiding toxic chemicals in today’s world takes intentional effort, but your health is worth it. So how can you prevent synthetic chemicals from making their way into your home’s indoor air? Lara Adler shares how to protect the air you breathe from chemicals such as formaldehyde and flame retardants that leach from items like couches, mattresses, and dry-cleaned clothing. She provides guidance on how to choose healthier product alternatives over chemical-laden furnishings and materials. Lara also shares the history and science behind chemical regulation in the United States as well as practical, budget-friendly strategies to clean up your home’s indoor air quality. Whether you're dealing with allergies, chemical sensitivities, or just want cleaner indoor air, this episode is packed with tips to help you breathe easier.

Episode Highlights:

• Which events led to the passage of the EPA’s 1976 Toxic Substance Control Act, and how did this law shape which synthetic chemicals are permitted in our indoor environment? (3:46)
• What do socioeconomic differences have to do with exposures to synthetic chemicals in our environment? (25:05)
• How can taking action help manage feelings of overwhelm about synthetic chemicals in our environment? (27:23)
• Where can you find flame retardants in our homes, how do they get into our body, and how can we reduce exposure to them? (32:13)
• Which synthetic chemicals enter our indoor air from mattresses? Which certifications can help us choose healthier mattresses? (49:06)
• How do chemicals from dry cleaned clothing affect indoor air quality? (59:15)
• What are some things you can do today to reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals in your indoor air? (1:09:14)
• Which type of vacuums help clean your indoor air best? (1:15:26)
• What is chemical tort law and in what circumstances can it be successfully used to protect you as a consumer?  (1:20:34)

Links mentioned in interview:

• Interview with Andy Pace: https://changetheairfoundation.org/the-truth-about-vocs-greenwashing-and-healthy-homes-part-1/
• Interview with Ashley Spanovich: https://changetheairfoundation.org/healthy-home-makeover/ 
• CertiPUR-US: https://certipur.us
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): https://global-standard.org
• Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): https://www.controlunion.com/certification-program/gols-global-organic-latex-standard/ 
• Greenguard and Greenguard Gold certification: https://www.ul.com/services/ul-greenguard-certification
• Made Safe certification: https://madesafe.org

Get in touch with our guest:

Website: https://www.laraadler.com Instagram: @environmentaltoxinsnerd

Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.  Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.