The Sierra Club has asked the EPA to ban various detergent chemicals that have been linked to sex changes in fish. The problem chemicals are nonylphenol ethoxylates, or NPEs. Intersex fish have been documented in southern Great Lakes, the Potomac River watershed and the Southern California coast.

This is why it is important to consider what is in the chemicals you use. I’ve been trying to cut back on chemical cleansers in my home. So many things can be replaced with less toxic or even nontoxic homemade cleansers that do a wonderful job. Fortunately, there are also more environmentally friendly brands appearing in stores as well. Seventh Generation is pretty easy for me to find.

I am glad to see that the EPA has been asked to review the use of some chemicals. Changes aren’t likely to happen easily, but an EPA ban or ruling on where these chemicals could be used would be quite a help. Until then, I’m taking this as a reminder to work on banning these chemicals in my own home.

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