Since chemicals are often the cause of problems, try to stay away from as many as possible. Note your reaction when you get exposed to them.

AVOIDING ALLERGY-CAUSING SUBSTANCES

Common sensitivities are caused by tobacco smoke, perfume and sponge rubber.

Avoid sprays. Try baking soda for deodorant.

Check children's toys for odours. Their markers, Playdough, etc. may be creating problems for them.

The following are found to be used safely by many sensitive individuals: Baking soda: 2% solution can be used as an air freshener, chrome cleaner, windshield and windshield wiper cleaner, plastic pants for babies, sole plates of irons. It can be used in place of toothpaste. For the very sensitive, use 2 tablespoons as a replacement for detergent for washing clothes.

Vinegar: Use for washing tile; cuts mold, cleans brass, chrome and steel. To unplug drains, pour a handful of baking soda and 1/2 glass of vinegar down the drain and cover it tightly [may have to repeat], 1/2-cup vinegar in the rinse cycle will neutralize the odor of cleaning agents in the laundry.

Soap: Ivory, Bon Ami cake soap. For clothing, grate or flake Ivory.

Bleach: Miracle White, Borax, Arm and Hammer Washing Soda.

TSP: Effective for washing walls. Use 1/2 cup per laundry load. Wear gloves when using. KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN.

Adding 1-teaspon of sodium thiosulphate in your bath water precipitates the chlorine.

To avoid molds, check baths, showers, basements and furnace humidifiers. Mold can also grow on cotton clothing overnight so change after wearing.

If you suspect chemical sensitivities, try setting up a dust-free room: Remove synthetic rugs and underlay. Use cotton curtains and avoid sponge rubber mattresses or pillows. A cotton blanket or flannel blanket should be used...no electric blankets. Clean the room using water. Avoid permanent-press sheets.

With foods, read labels! Use organically grown fruit and vegetables whenever possible. Fresh is preferable to frozen - and canned foods should be avoided as much as possible.

Use spring water stored in glass containers with cork tops. Sterilize the bottles regularly to prevent mold growth. Wash food with regular water but do the final rinse in spring water. Use spring water for drinking and brushing your teeth.

Use salt or a mixture of salt and baking soda as a toothpaste. Avoid commercially prepared mouthwashes and toothpastes.

It is preferable to use sea salt in place of regular salt, which may contain chemicals acquired during the processing and to prevent lumping.

Nuts should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent rancidity. This would include peanut or other nut butters.

Use cold-pressed vegetable and nut oils. Once the bottle is opened, store in the refrigerator.

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