Bante Design LLC specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (ILD): healthy design solutions for the home, office or retail space. Integrative Lifestyle Design is a fusion of Eastern (Feng Shui) and Western (eco-friendly, healthy home) design philosophies while taking into account our client's needs, goals and lifestyle requirements. We take pride in designing spaces that are beautiful, healthy and supportive to all of the space's uses.
Bante Design LLC/3E Products brings Integrative Lifestyle Design into our client's spaces through Design, Education and Products. We offer Design hourly consultations or complete remodel/re-design of a space. Education on healthy home design, feng shui and variety of other topics is offered through workshops/seminars for adults, teens, businesses, and our newest addition, healthcare organizations (spas, hospitals, physician offices) and/or client's who suffer from mental/physical ailments that require special care. Our media division, Eden Place Productions, has developed TV shows/segments to promote healthy design, healthy travel and "feel good" TV on people doing good works in the community. Our product line, 3E Products, proud of our eco-friendly cleaners, environment sprays, books and Feng Shui Chocolates. We invite you to visit the specific pages and Portfolio page to see what Bante Design LLC/3E Products can offer you and/or your company. We have nation-wide availability (our clients range from Alaska to Florida) and we are happy to custom any of the workshops to your organization's needs.
Holiday Specials (click on 3E Products link to view photos and product descriptions):
Bante Design LLC/3E Products is getting ready for the holidays!! Thinking of a different type of corporate gift to "WOW" your clients? How about a gift that even the "person who has everything" won't have? Got a teenager who has "gone GREEN?" Here are some great gift ideas from 3E Products, the products division of Bante Design LLC:
Our EXCLUSIVE line of Feng Shui Chocolates are back for the holidays!! As show at last year's International Chocolate Show in NYC they are offered in Regular French and Belgian chocolates, or for the Vegans out there (or those watching their weight-you can still partake in the goodness!) Belgian chocolates:
9 piece boxed assortments of hand-picked, gourmet French and Belgian chocolates for you. Regular and VEGAN boxes are available in all assortments (flavors may vary). Price is $22/box. Due to the nature of this product, we do not keep chocolates on hand. They are ordered direct from chocolatiers upon receipt of order. PLEASE keep this in mind when ordering and allow 2 weeks for shipping to your shipping address. Any questions, do not hesitate to call us at 414-403-8174.
FEATURED "Pick 3" of the 3E Products Environment Sprays for the HOLIDAYS: This month we are featuring: Grapefruit/Helpful People-Travel, Ylang Ylang for Relationships and Lemongrass for Family. These 3 scents were picked to enhance these highlighted areas for December as we travel, holiday shop (and who doesn't need helpful people then?), and join with family and friends to celebrate the past year and look forward to a new year beginning. 3E Products Environment Sprays are: all natural, eco-friendly, biodegradable and scented w/essential oils to the almond oil base. .
Our line of Environment Room/Linen Sprays are offered in 9 scents that correspond to the 9 Life Areas of the Bagua Board-however-you don't have to be "into Feng Shui" to appreciate these sprays. Scents can be used anywhere you need a change in energy, bring about a different "mood" into the space or to use with Feng Shui intent.
Scents and corresponding Life Areas are: Lavender/Health, Geranium/Career-Life Path, Eucalyptus/Knowledge, Lemongrass/Family, Bergamot/Wealth-Abundance, Clary Sage/Success-Luck, Ylang Ylang/Relationships, Orange/Creativity-Kids, Grapefruit/Helpful People-Travel. The sprays come in 8 oz bottles and are $8.99 a piece. You can also "pick your favorite 3" for $24.99. All 9 (1 or each scent) can be purchased for $64.99.
Holiday Consultations: If you need some help or want some ideas for getting your home ready for the holidays OR just a "tweaking" before guests arrive, please contact us at 414-403-8174 to schedule your appointment! We are already booking for 2009 so it's never too early to start thinking ahead to SPRING projects!!
Orders MUST be received by December 5th to ensure delivery by December 23rd!!
Contact us at Bante Design LLC at info@bantedesign.com or at 414-403-8174 for ordering info. We are pleased to accept VS/MC as well as checks and cash.
3E Products Monthly Recommendations for November: Featured special includes 1 of each of the following 8oz Environment Sprays for $20! (Sprays are normally $8.99/pc. This is a saving of $6.97): Call us at 414-403-8174 or at 3eproducts@bantedesign.com to order. This ABUNDANCE PICK 3 special includes the following Bergamot, Lemongrass & Ylang Ylang. Bergamot-this wonderful spray is coordinated for the Wealth and Abundance areas (perfect for the home office/bathroom/business). Since Fall is a time of harvest and ABUNDANCE this spray will help bring that energy to your space! Lemongrass- is for Families (think of all the family get togethers fast approaching!! Use this spray to help make Thanksgiving dinner and other festivities go without a hitch. Ylang Ylang-this spray is for Relationships (business, friendship, romantic). With all of the stress, trauma and chaos in the world right now, it is imperitive that we all remember who is important to us. ***Shipping is $5.00. We accept cash, check and MC/VS***
Weekly columns now available in 2 web design sites: Harmony2Share is available on the Design2Share site and in the words of Jay Johnson, editor/publisher, "We love working with noted feng shui author/expert and Wisconsin designer DeAnna Radaj, and now we're proud to roll out a new D2S column devoted to her great advice and practical tips for energizing your design projects, indoors and out. In her first Harmony2Share piece, DeAnna will give you acres of her sure-to-work Harmony Tips to make the best possible outdoor rooms for your home." Hey -- everyone can use a little more harmony in their lives!" Sign up to get weekly updates!!
Just announced-CasaGuru, a Canadian-based web site for homeowners, designers, contractors and architects, DeAnna will be part of their Casa"Gurus" and offer GREEN and eco-friendly design tips on the "Blue+Yellow=Green" blog. This is a new site but you can visit www.casaguru.com/start to visit.
Bante Design LLC and DeAnna are featured on the Flash of Light magazine this month and on DivaTool Box!
Bante Design LLC/3E Products can be found as a "virtual merchant" on the GoGreen Expo site. Upcoming shows to be held in LA and in Atlanta. Click here to be directed to Bante Design LLC/3E Products site.
Coming soon: the CLEAN Kitchen cleaners CLEANSE Bathroom cleaners and WASH liquid soaps for body/hair and hands! Stay tuned for release dates and product reviews!!
***Feng Shui Chocolates will only be available during the HOLIDAY season and for Valentine's Day. Orders of 12+ boxes can be ordered upon request. Please contact us at 414-403-8174 for more information We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.***
With all of the changes to Bante Design LLC and its offerings, we will also be updating the website to offer a Shopping Cart option (easier purchasing option) to our Products page, and video clips of TV and workshop appearances. Please bear with us as we go through these growing pains. For the moment, if you'd like more info on available products and are unable to attend a scheduled workshop or product launch, please email us at 3Eproducts@bantedesign.com or 414-403-8174 and we will be happy to answer any questions.
"DeAnna is an energetic and enthusiastic instructor who inspires her students to 'go forth and be creative.' Her classes are extremely popular, and she consistently gets rave reviews." Debra Pass, Director, Telesis Institute, Alverno College
Do you want to BUY or SELL a "green", eco-friendly home? Check out Greenbuilder.com or Greenhomesforsale.com for listings of sustainable, environmentally friendly homes. Bante Design LLC is also pleased to be listed with Arkadia homes for sale by owner. This company is an international real estate classified ads from homeowners or brokers to buy, sell or rent your property, house, apartment, business, land. Worldwide directory of vacation rentals by owner There is some great information on this site. Check them out.
Nation's first Feng Shui inspired McDonald's Restaurant opened in Hacienda Heights, CA The nation's first, one-of-a-kind, Feng Shui-inspired restaurant opened 2/08. This recently renovated restaurant also features a coffee bar adjacent to the front counter.
Crate & Barrel has just introduced a line of eco-friendly furniture for Spring. it's the Lockport collection and features a variety of colors to match your decor! While you are there, check out their line of outdoor furniture that is made from wood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Tables can also be found throughout made from reclaimed wood.UPS has orderd 50 new-generation hybrid electric trucks!
The US Postal Service unveiled a new delivery truck that conserves fuel by 30-50%. The USPS operates the largest alternative-fuel fleet in the nation!
Starwood Capital Group, a world-wide luxury hotel/resort chain (Steraton, Westin, W among others), has announced the launching of "1" hotel and residences-the 1st luxury, eco-friendly global hotel brand. "1" will adhere to green construction and operating principles and commit to environmentally sensitive consumption of natural resources...Look for "1" to open in 2008 in the US in Seattle, Mammoth Mtn, Scottsdale and Ft Lauderdale.
VOCs-or Volatile Organic Compounds, are a group of chemicals that offgas into the air-possibly contributing to sick building syndrome. The work organic here refers to something made up of linked carbon atoms. There are thousands of products that emit VOCs, such as cleaning supplies, paints and other finishes, disinfectants, glues, copiers, dry-cleaned clothing, air "fresheners," hobby products, furniture and carpets.
Formaldehyde-is one chemical in the group of VOCs since it is an organic chemical nad because it offgasses into the air. it is commonly found in adhesives for fiberboard and fiberglass, paint, foam insulation, permanent-press fabrics, tobacco smoke, cleaning products, smog, fabric dyes and fireplaces. It occurs naturally in humans, animals and plants in very small amounts. The Occupational health and Safety Administration and several states set limits on the amount of formaldehyde that can be emitted into indoor air from those sources because it is a respiratory irritant and a human carcinogen.
Offgassing/Emitting/Volatilizing-are terms used to describe gaseous forms of chemicals coming out of an items, such as VOCs being emitted from paints. Offgassing is typically strongest when a product is new-gradually decreasing with time-and best avoided via good ventilation and/or airing out the product before use.
Synthetic Chemicals-are the wide variety of chemical compounds created in labs-usually from petroleum products-that are common in our society today. These can include pharmaceuticals, pesticides, plastics, dyes and most cosmetics.
Organic-refers to a group of chemicals made of linked carbon atoms with other chemicals attached, and it is imprecisely used in the term "organic food" (where it means free of synthetic chemicals). All life forms are made of linked carbon, including those that were alive millions of years ago and becam petroleum. The term organic applies to products made of chemicals synthesized from petroleum. The other class of chemicals is inorganic, which includes metals and other chemicals that aren't from life forms.
PPM and PPB-are abbreviations for the measurement of very small amounts of one material (usually a chemical contaminant) in another material (often water, air or soil). The abbreviations stand for "parts per million" and "parts per billiion."
Sick Building Syndrom (SBS)-according to the EPA, is a term used to "describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified." The symptoms may include coughing, irritated eyes and throat, headaches, dizziness and nausea. The causes are usually linked to inadequate ventilation in a building that is tightly sealed (for energy conservation) and furnished with products that offgas. Ironically, one of the first recognized cases was in the 1980s when EPA employees had problems (linked to carpet offgassing) in a newly renovated office building and won a lawsuit against the building's owner.
PAINT “Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is a variety of solvents or VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) which, until recently, were essential to the performance of the paint. Some of these VOCs are benzene, toluene, naphthalene, and formaldehyde which serve as “spreadability” enhancers, biocides, and fungicides. During and after painting, these VOCs outgas and can cause adverse health effects such as headache, nausea, dizziness and eye, throat, and lung irritation. Exposure to airborne formaldehyde, for example can cause eyes to water and burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat. It can cause chest tightness and wheezing. The EPA has classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen.
Oil-based paints release more VOCs than water-based (latex) paints, but even latex paints still emit vapors that can cause adverse effects. It is unsafe to be exposed to these compounds in large quantities or over extended periods of time.”
Proper surface preparation when working with low VOC paint products, or “eco-safe” products, is essential whether you are applying products to a previously painted or a new surface. To avoid peeling on walls it is imperative that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application explicitly unless the painter is very familiar with the product and can guarantee a good outcome.
Reducing exposure to harmful VOCs from indoor paint products: Read labels and product literature thoroughly. Look for low levels of VOCs and high solids content. Seek products that do not have registration numbers with the EPA, OHSA or DOT. If they do have registration numbers with one of these agencies, it means that they contain toxic ingredients that must be monitored. Avoid cleaning rollers and brushes. Paint brushes and rollers can be saved overnight or even up to a week without cleaning at all. Place them in a plastic bag and squeeze out excess air and store in a dark place. (This will work for water and oil-based paints and stains, but not for lacquers and varnishes). Circulate fresh air through your home as frequently as possible. Buy no more paint than you need. Ask your retailer for help assessing how much product you will need. Use up all the product you buy. Give leftovers to a neighbor or community organization. Dispose of leftovers in a safe responsible manner.
Lead Paint: Lead has long been recognized as a harmful environmental pollutant. In late 1991, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services called lead the “number one environmental threat to the health of children in the United States”. Old lead-based paint is the most significant source of lead exposure in the U.S. today.
Lead levels in paint for interior use have been increasingly restricted since the 1950s, and many paints are now virtually lead free. But older homes and furnishings may still be coated with leaded paint, sometimes surfacing only after layers of later, non-leaded, paint have flaked away or have been stripped away in the course of restoration or renovation. In these circumstances, lead dust and fumes can permeate the air breathed by both adults and children.
Lead has the ability to affect all systems within the body. At high levels it can cause convulsions, coma, and even death. Lower levels of lead can adversely affect the brain, central nervous system, blood cells, and kidneys. Exposure of lead to young children and fetuses can be severe as they are more susceptible to the absorption and ingestion of lead; they are more likely than adults to get lead dust on their hands and then put their fingers or other lead contaminated objects in their mouth.
Reducing exposure to lead in paint products: Keep areas where children play as dust-free and clean as possible. Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition – do not sand or burn off paint that may contain lead. Do not remove lead-based paint yourself. Have a professional with special training for correcting lead paint problems remove lead-based paint for you. Occupants, especially children and pregnant women, should leave the building until all work is finished and clean-up is completed. Do not bring lead dust into the home. Work in construction, demolition, painting, with batteries, in a radiator repair shop or lead factory, or hobbies involving lead can bring lead into the home, unknowingly on clothes, hands and shoes. If you work with lead in your job or hobby, change your clothes before you go home and wash these clothes separately from your family’s clothing. Find out about lead in drinking water. Most city and well water does not contain lead. Usually lead is picked up inside the home from plumbing that is made with lead materials. Lead levels can be tested by contacting your local health department or the water supplier. Eat right. A child who gets enough iron and calcium will absorb less lead. Do not store food or liquid in lead crystal glassware or imported or old pottery. If you reuse plastic bags to store or carry food, keep the printing on the outside of the bag.
FORMALDEHYDE Formaldehyde is a toxin we don’t commonly associate with our window treatments, but we should be aware of the fact that many of our permanent pressed draperies and clothing garments are treated with this harsh chemical.
A pungent smelling gas, formaldehyde, can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing. High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can develop sensitivity to this chemical. It has also been shown to cause nasal cancer in some animals and may cause cancer in humans.
Ways to decrease formaldehyde exposure from fabrics: Increasing air ventilation inside the home will decrease the concentration of formaldehyde emitted into the air you breathe. Additionally, with increased humidity in the home, emissions of formaldehyde also increase, so reducing humidity levels will also reduce formaldehyde. Purchase drapes and clothing without permanent press qualities.
CARPET While carpet provides a visually pleasing floor covering and often comfortable cushion underfoot, it can act as a contaminant sink, collecting dust and solids from foot traffic, as well as trapping chemical and biological pollutants from the indoor air. Several factors can contribute to the growth of biological agents and their release into the air in your home. Damp carpet is a breeding ground for fungus and dust mites. Carpet laid over poorly ventilated concrete floors is also a biological agents’ heaven.
If you must have carpet in your home: Keep carpet free from leaks and seepage from equipment using water. Keep humidity levels below 50 percent. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens and vent clothes dryers outside. Control exposure to pets. Vacuum carpet and upholstered furniture regularly.
Additionally, new indoor carpet can be a source of toxic chemical emissions to the indoor air. Not only does new carpet itself emit harmful gases, but the adhesives, backing and sub-flooring associated with the installation of new carpet can emit volatile organic compounds including toluene, xylene, benzene, and formaldehyde. The characteristic “new carpet” odor is caused by emissions of the chemical 4-phenycyclohexene (4-PC), a chemical by-product of latex backing material. Air emissions or “off-gassing” from new carpet are commonly highest during the first few months following installation but may continue for as long as three years. Symptoms associated with new carpet installation can include eye, nose and throat irritations, headaches, skin irritations, shortness of breath or cough and fatigue.
Reducing health risks associated with new carpet installation: Obtain information on emissions from carpets you are considering from your retailer. Ask the retailer to unroll and air out the carpet in a well ventilated area before installation. Ask for low-emitting adhesives if adhesives are needed at all. Consider leaving the premises during and immediately after carpet installation. You may wish to schedule the installation when most family members are away. Be sure the retailer requires the installer to follow the Carpet and Rug Institute’s installation guidelines. Open doors and windows. Increasing the amount of fresh air in the home will reduce exposure to most chemicals released from carpet. During and after installation, use window fans, room air conditioners, or other mechanical ventilation equipment you may have installed in your house, to exhaust fumes to the outdoors. Keep them running for 48 to 72 hours after the new carpet is installed.
When making plans to purchase new carpet take these qualities into consideration that distinguish a potentially healthier option (Greener Carpet), from the more conventional breeding ground for biological contaminants and VOCs (Conventional Carpet). “Greener Carpet” Natural fibers Low VOCs Natural stain resistance Natural jute backing Lower toxicity “Conventional Carpet” Synthetic fibers High VOC’s Spray-on stain resistant chemicals Synthetic rubber backing Potential high toxicity
HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS “Buying organic” isn’t always as straight forward as it sounds. Just because something is “organic”, doesn’t mean it is good for you in terms of household cleaners and other products such as paints, paint strippers, solvents, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, cleansers, disinfectants, moth repellents, air-fresheners, stored fuels, automotive products, hobby supplies, and dry-cleaned clothing. It is important to know the ingredients of your cleaners, fuels, air-fresheners and solvents because some of them could cause harm to you and your family. In some cases, threats to health may occur simply from storing unused portions of product in your home, not just during use of them. Several of the most common toxins found in these items are volatile organic chemicals such as methylene chloride, benzene and perchloroethylene. So keep a look-out for these items when reading your household chemical ingredient lists. Methylene chloride, known to cause cancer in animals, is found in paint strippers, adhesive removers, and aerosol spray paints. Benzene, a known human carcinogen, is commonly found in stored fuels and paint supplies. Perchloroethylene is an organic compound used in dry cleaning. Although dry cleaners take steps to remove and recapture perchlorethylene, the chemical may persist on dry-cleaned clothes if not adequately removed. Storing clothes that have been dry cleaned indoors may contribute to low levels of perchlorethylene to the indoor air. Perchlorethylene has been linked to cancer, birth defects and damage to the central nervous system.
Key symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue, and dizziness.
Reducing Exposure to Household VOC’s Follow label instructions carefully. Provide plenty of fresh air/ventilation while using these types of household products. Throw away partially full containers of old or unneeded chemicals safely. Because gases can leak even from closed containers, this single step could help lower concentrations of organic chemicals in your home. DO NOT SIMPLY TOSS THESE UNWANTED PRODUCTS IN THE GARBAGE CAN. Find out if your local government or any organization in your community sponsors special days for the collection of toxic household wastes and dispose of your items then. If there is no such collection day already in place, think about organizing one in your community. Buy small quantities. Purchase only as much as you will use right away. This is especially easy with seasonal items such as kerosene for space heaters or gasoline for lawn mowers. Keep exposure to emissions from products such as paint strippers, adhesive removers and aerosol spray paints, which contain methylene chloride, to a minimum by using them outdoors when possible. Keep exposure to benzene, a known human carcinogen, to a minimum. The main indoor sources of this toxic chemical include tobacco smoke, stored fuels, paint supplies and automobile emissions in attached garages. Eliminate indoor smoking. Provide maximum ventilation during painting. Discard paint supplies and special fuels not used immediately. Keep exposure to perchloroethylene emissions from newly dry-cleaned materials to a minimum. If dry-cleaned goods have a strong chemical odor when you pick them up, do not accept them until they have been properly dried. If goods with a chemical odor are returned to you on subsequent visits, try a different dry-cleaner.
If you would like to view a listing of safe household products and recipes that you can easily find in your local grocery or hardware stores see the following link to “Fact Sheet: Safe Substitutes at Home: Non-toxic Household Products” at: http://es.epa.gov/techinfo/facts/safe-fs.html .
MOLD The most common biological contaminants are fungi, mold, animal dander, dust mites and cockroaches as well as infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses and pollen. The health effects of these biological pollutants vary depending on the individual and the type and amount of exposure, but may include allergic and toxic reactions, and infectious diseases. The EPA states in its online publication Biological Pollutants in Your Home, that 30 to 50 percent of all structures in the United States and Canada have damp conditions that may permit the growth and buildup of biological pollutants.
Some toxic “black” molds, such as penicillium, aspergillus, and stachybotrys, for example, may be quite hazardous to human health. Exposure to pollutants from these molds have been associated with respiratory problems, nasal congestion, watery eyes, hacking cough and sore throat, shortness of breath and lung disease, chronic fatigue, fever, headache, central nervous system problems, and immune suppression.
Biological growth depends largely on two essential factors, moisture and nutrients. These conditions are commonly found in bathrooms, damp or flooded basements, around damp or wet appliances, and in some carpet. Modern building construction commonly reduces the flow of outside air through the home, which may contribute to high moisture levels. Additional sources of moisture are unvented heaters, humidifiers, and air conditioners.
Reducing Exposure to Biological Pollutants: Controlling the humidity level of your home can reduce growth of some biological pollutants. A relative humidity level of 30 to 50 percent is generally recommended for residential homes. Eliminate standing water, water-damaged materials or any generally wet surfaces because these environments are breeding grounds for molds, mildews, bacteria, and insects. Install and use exhaust fans that are vented to the outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms. Vent clothes dryers to the outdoors. Ventilate attics and crawl spaces to prevent moisture build-up. If using cool mist or an ultrasonic humidifier, clean appliances according to the manufacturer’s instructions and refill with fresh water daily. Repair leaks and seepage. Thoroughly clean and dry water-damaged carpets and building materials (within 24 hours if possible) or consider removal and replacement. Keep your home clean. House dust mites, pollens, animal dander, and other allergy causing agents can be reduced, although not eliminated, through regular cleaning. Take steps to minimize biological pollutants in basements. Clean and disinfect the basement floor drain regularly. Operate a dehumidifier in the basement if needed to keep relative humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture regularly. Note: While it is important to keep an area as dust-free as possible, cleaning activities often re-suspend fine particles during and immediately after the activity. Sensitive individuals should be cautioned to avoid such exposure, and have others perform the vacuuming, or use a commercially available HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtering system. Cover mattresses. Wash bedding and soft toys frequently in water at a temperature above 130 degrees Fahrenheit to kill dust mites. Clean refrigerator drip pans regularly according the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure refrigerator doors seal well and remove any mold on door gaskets and replace faulty gaskets. Keep mold clear of showers and kitchen counters. Replace moldy shower curtains or remove them and scrub well with a household cleaner and rinse before re-hanging them
CANDLES While candles can provide a relaxing atmosphere, many may be causing more harm than good depending on the composition of the wick and the wax you are burning. Some candles made with metal wicks emit lead into the air when burned which is then deposited on walls, furniture and floors. These deposits increase the likelihood that children may be contaminated through hand-to-mouth activities. The central nervous system of children is particularly sensitive to lead poisoning. Chronic low levels of lead exposure cause learning disabilities, lack of coordination, and behavioral disorders. Lead also damages the heart, red blood cells, and digestive system. Overall, lead poisoning remains one of the most serious environmental health problems worldwide, especially among children.
In 1973 the US Consumer Product Safety Commission asked candle manufacturers to replace lead wicks with zinc, but compliance is totally voluntary and imported candles are not checked. While pure zinc is not threatening to your health, commercial-grade zinc and zinc alloys used in wicks contain lead. Although lead has been removed from gasoline, paint, plumbing and pottery, the manufacturing of lead wicks in candles has been a largely unrecognized source of lead. Australia succeeded in banning lead wicks as a result of a study published in December of 1999 in the Science of the Total Environment. While awareness seems to moving in the right direction, until the US succeeds in banning the marketing of lead wicks in candles, it is important for consumers to protect themselves by purchasing candles with cotton wicks.
According to Fiona Fragrance’s website “Paraffin is a petroleum product - a byproduct of oil refining”. They also say that according to the State of California’s Proposition 65 (Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986), “there are at least seven toxins in paraffin candle waxes, including benzene, a carcinogen.”
“Most fragrance oils used for candle making are petroleum-based synthetics. The soot from these materials can contain carcinogens neurotoxins, and reproductive toxins. Testing and air chamber analysis by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found the following compounds, in significant quantity, in a random group of over 30 candles tested: Acetone; benzene; trichlorofluoromethane; carbon disulfide; butanone; trichloroethane; carbon tetrachloride carbon black (soot) particulate matter; trichloroe tetrachloroethene; tolulene; chlorobenzene; ethylbenzene; styrene; sylene; phenol; cresol; cyclopentene; and lead.”
(all information was found and provided by the Anna Sova website www.annasova.com. Check out all of their organic and recycled items for the home)
Bante Design LLC specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (ILD): healthy design solutions for the home, office or retail space. Integrative Lifestyle Design is a fusion of Eastern (Feng Shui) and Western (eco-friendly, healthy home) design philosophies while taking into account our client's needs, goals and lifestyle requirements. We take pride in designing spaces that are beautiful, healthy and supportive to all of the space's uses.
3E Products Monthly Recommendations for November: Featured special includes 1 of each of the following 8oz Environment Sprays for $20! (Sprays are normally $8.99/pc. This is a saving of $6.97): Call us at 414-403-8174 or at