The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says levels of indoor air pollution can be between two and five times higher — and occasionally as much as 100 times higher — than outdoor air. Indoor air pollution can be such a problem that the EPA ranks poor indoor air quality among the top five environmental risks to public health. These statistics are particularly eye-opening, given that we spend upwards of 90 percent of our day indoors.

There are a number of common misconceptions about indoor air quality. For instance, many consumers believe that because their homes are clean, their indoor air is clean, too. The truth is that airborne particulates such as dust, smoke, mold spores and pet dander can be widespread in even the cleanest homes. And as many consumers are sealing their homes more tightly to conserve energy, they’re reducing natural circulation and sealing in those airborne pollutants.

Another common misconception is that healthy adults aren’t susceptible to the effects of poor indoor air quality. While poor indoor air poses particular risks for children, the elderly and those affected by asthma and allergies, everyone’s health can suffer by breathing polluted air. Effects from exposure to poor indoor air may include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue.

Think about it: Many people drink purified water and use hand sanitizers, but they aren’t doing anything to help purify the air that they are breathing because they don’t believe anything can be done to help improve indoor air quality problems.

The truth is that effective, affordable portable air purifiers, such as Honeywell air purifiers, eliminate up to 95 to 99.97 percent of microscopic airborne pollutants (0.3 microns or larger) that pass through their filters. Some air purifiers are even effective at fighting certain viruses and other germs. Portable air purifiers also help circulate the air in a room, usually several times per hour, to reduce airborne allergens and stale air. Consumers should use an air purifier in the rooms where they spend the most time, such as the bedroom and living areas.

Honeywell air purifier products, manufactured by Kaz, Inc., are available at major retailers including Target, Wal-Mart, Sears, Amazon.com and The Home Depot. To find out which type of air purifier is best for your needs, visit http://www.honeywellcleanair.com.

LEED is a third-party certification program through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings. During design and construction of the 18,500 square-foot facility, Crystal Mountain has worked to meet a list of criterion provided by the USGBC that demonstrates the building to be environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work.

Throughout construction, crews have separated excess wood and cement materials for recycling. An environmentally-friendly foam insulation (Icynene) creates a seal throughout the building that maximizes energy efficiency for heating and cooling. Other features integrated into the design such as compact fluorescent lighting, motion sensors on restroom fixtures, ground water heat pump and an automated power control system will only further enhance the Crystal Spa’s energy efficiency.

“We believe in promoting healthy lifestyles at Crystal Mountain and the facility we construct is just as central to that philosophy as the spa services and fitness activities we will provide,” said Jim MacInnes, president & general manager of Crystal Mountain.

Crystal Mountain has long been committed to serving as a leader in environmental stewardship. Crystal was the first Michigan ski resort to use renewable energy to power its high-speed chairlift, the Crystal Clipper. In 2007, Crystal became the first four-season golf and ski resort to earn Leader certification within the Green Lodging Michigan program. In that same year the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club recognized the resort’s environmental efforts with the White Pine Award given to one non-member group or organization that has shown extraordinary dedication to protection of the environment.

The Crystal Spa is scheduled to open winter 2008/09 and will include 12 treatment rooms, a manicure and pedicure area, men’s and women’s locker rooms, steam rooms, infrared saunas, and a private meditation garden with hot tub. In addition, the facility will include an indoor pool, fitness and strength-training equipment as well as indoor and outdoor motion studios for classes such as yoga and Pilates.

“The addition of the Crystal Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center will uniquely position Crystal Mountain as the Midwest’s premier four-season resort destination to relax, renew, and revitalize,” said Chris MacInnes, vice president of Crystal Mountain.

Celebrating over 50 years, Crystal is a family-owned resort featuring 45 downhill slopes, 40km cross-country trails, 36 holes of championship golf, the Michigan Legacy Art Park, one-acre outdoor water playground, Michigan’s only alpine slide, lodging, dining, skiing, and IACC-approved conference facilities.Crystal Mountain’s gardens have been nationally recognized by the Perennial Plant Association while SKI Magazine rated Crystal the #1 Resort in the Midwest in 2005. For more information visit http://www.crystalmountain.com.

Although shoppers are more aware of which foods and supplements contain natural ingredients, they may not read labels quite as carefully when it comes to choosing personal care products.

In a recent assessment of ingredients in 15,000 selected cosmetics and personal care products, the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit focused on threats to public health and the environment, found that 22 percent of all conventional products may be contaminated with harmful ingredients. That’s 3,300 commonly purchased items.

According to Natural Solutions magazine and the retailer Whole Foods, five of the top toxic ingredients most commonly found in personal care products are parabens, polyethylene glycol (PEG), petrochemicals, sulfates and synthetic fragrances.

Side effects caused by these chemicals may include hormone disruption, pore clogging, skin rashes, eye irritation or damage to the reproductive system.

Many times a product may be marketed as “natural” on the front label, but this can be misleading. That’s why it’s important to also read the list of ingredients.

An example of a safe personal care alternative is Glimpse Intuitive Skin Care by XanGo. The product is made from select botanical ingredients that are free from harmful ingredients.

The cold process used to create this product preserves the mangosteen fruit and other active ingredients, optimizing the antioxidant power while minimizing the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process.

The Compact for Safe Cosmetics, a national coalition striving to phase out the use of chemicals in health care products, now sets the standard in the personal care products industry. Members of the Compact pledge that their products meet European Union (EU) formulation standards, which are much stricter than U.S. regulations concerning the use of chemicals in health care products.

XanGo has signed the Compact as all their products are free of harsh chemicals. You can also find the company listed among phthalates-free cosmetic organizations on ThinkBeforeYouPink.org. The Web site is a project of Breast Cancer Action that encourages the use of products free of chemicals known or strongly suspected of causing adverse health conditions.

In addition, Glimpse Skin Care carries the Natural Products Association seal of approval on its packaging. To learn more, visit http://www. glimpseskincare.com.

Are You Dying to Look Good?
Cancer-causing ingredients have been found in make-up, shampoo, deodorant, hair dye, nail polish, sunscreen and more.

If you buy cosmetics or personal care products without reading and understanding the ingredients on the label, you are most likely using products with ingredients that cause cancer, and are skin irritants. Learn how to protect yourself from the many harmful ingredients in the products you use every day.

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Reader Reviews:
“I was shocked at what some of the ingredients in my shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and sunscreen can do to my health. Now, I’ve got a list of safe and healthy personal care products. Do your health a favor; read and use this book.” - Larry Gibbs

“In this well-researched and well-presented book we learn of some of the limitations of the Food and Drug Administration in protecting our health…” - Jack Samuels, President, Truth In Labeling Campaign

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