This page focuses on a product called zeolite, with which I have had a bit of experience but should not be considered an endorsement of zeolite as replacement for getting necessary testing or installing necessary filtration systems in the event of having anyone in the home with MCS or respiratory concerns.
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....Liquid Zeolite and Zeolite Pebbles
Help for detoxing the home and the body
Information about Zeolite products and uses
There are many expensive filtration systems out there which promise to clean your air. However, with an existing toxic situation that keeps on giving, like carpet outgassing, I definitely think a carpet sealer is in order, particularly if someone in your home is very chemically sensitive, if you have any young children or if you have anyone in the family with asthma, allergies or other respiratory conditions.
In addition to a good filtration system and carpet sealer, you might consider zeolite. The zeolite pebbles are sold as a renewable way to clear toxins and odor from indoor spaces.
I ordered zeolite for my basement and my newly remodeled bedroom. What I liked about zeolite, as compared to using baking soda for example, is that it's reusable. You just sit the bag out in the sun for a day and then it reactivates and you can place it back in any toxic room and it will work once more to soak up formaldehyde and other toxins.
There are lots of websites that sell zeolite so please be careful and compare prices and sizes. I used a 1-pound bag of zeolite for each of my rooms that needed detoxing but even more may be needed, per room, if you have very serious toxicity.
Detoxing your home with zeolite can be an expensive option at first but remember that you can reuse the bags indefinitely.
I believe they work but I think it would take quite a few to quickly detox a big area, and that could get expensive. I only bought two small paks and, while I did smell a decrease in odor, it took a while. I had to take the bags out, sun them, and put them back quite a few times. I'd say, for a big room, you'd need at least a half dozen of the bags and if you were truly concerned about toxicity, I'd even use more. The bags I bought cost about $20 each but there may be companies that sell bulk pebbles too. Check it out online if interested in this approach.
Liquid Zeolite for internal detoxing:
However, the only liquid zeolite I could find was through a multilevel marketing company so if that structure bothers you (it bothers me), try ebay. I was able to order direct from someone who buys in bulk and sells it. Otherwise, you have to buy four bottles at a time I think. I'll post my feelings about the liquid zeolite as well as the zeolite I bought for detoxing my basement and bedroom, after I've had time to evaluate both.
Update on liquid zeolite (Feb, 2007):
After using the liquid zeolite for a few months, I'm impressed with it. I feel better. Of course, I have no before and after heavy metal toxicity reports so I can't prove it removed anything. Whether it's a placebo effect or not, I do feel better.
I believe I did have harmful heavy metals in my system, from the varnish and paint and construction work. I had to live in my house while the work was being done and even did some of it myself, so I think my being impacted was unavoidable. I was also beginning to experience some of the symptoms of heavy metal poisoning as well and those symptoms have abated.
Cautions about Healby Metal Cleanse Products, including Zeolite:
Anything that detoxes out heavy metals may also detox some minerals and also may detox out medications. I always take any cleanse first thing in the morning and then, after about two hours, take health supplements that I might need.
Talk to the company from which you buy your detox formulas about any supplementation that might be needed, such as calcium, potassium or magnesium when doing heavy metal cleanses. Also, check with your doctor about how long it takes any prescription meds to fully do their job so as to allow time for that before using any heavy metal detox. If you are on timed-release meds, your doctor may veto any cleanse at all that might interfere with continued release of your medicines over time.
Special caution if you have kidney or liver challenges: It is my personal opinion, as an herbalist and wellness counselor of many years, that any effective detox product that promotes the removal of heavy metals could have an impact on kidneys or liver, depending on how that product is processed. In the case of zeolite, I'd check with my doctor if there are any known kidney problems, before taking it.
If you are looking for liquid zeolite, I took Natural Cellular Defense by Waiora and I personally felt it stressed my kidneys. With at least one company I work with, it's been replaced with ZNatural Zeolites. I've never taken this brand so all previously mentioned cautions apply.
More About Heavy Metals Detoxing
Health Disclaimer: The information contained in this detoxing article about liquid zeolite and zeolite pebbles is not intended to take the place of personal medical help you may need, if you have been harmed by toxins in your home. Respiratory concerns should be addressed with your doctor. If you experience chemical sensitivities soon after moving into a new residence, it's very important to take steps to discover the cause and correct it because some sources could be very toxic. Please consult with green building suppliers in your area for the best approach to detoxing your own home.