I love libraries! You probably enjoy the library as much as I do, or more. So, for whatever reason, the health of library spaces doesn't usually appear on your family's list of things to be wary about. Especially not the non- organic library products that are used to maintain your local library. Things like cleaning and dusting products. And waxes or polishes, things like that.

Maybe you should put your library on your wary list, though. I'll explain why. You visit and spend time at the library, cruising the book shelves, reading the news, either in print or online via the Internet. You might even work there.

Watching videos. Planning a trip. Researching for a term paper or a subject of great interest to you and your family. Possibly, you taught your kids a love for books and language, as you were taught. They too want to check-out books or games to take home. All wonderful things for the improvement of your minds--and bodies.

It's In The Air

The human breathing cycle is automatic--you don't have to make yourself breathe. It probably never enters your mind, though, that there might be something wrong with the air. Only when it's really obvious, like smoke from a fire, or you've been warned away from a gas leak.

But, there's more to it than that, and it should raise a question: Who's minding the health of the air you breathe at the library?

Caution: Contents may be toxic!

To become completely aware of all the chemicals used in the manufacturing of non- organic library products such as books is a nearly impossible task. One that I will not attempt except to say that any increase in our awareness of our world and environments is a good thing.

Libraries are no exception to examination, revered as they are by many.

The glues, the cover material treatments, even the paper that composes the body of the books. All are points of consideration when investigating the names and types of chemicals that make up those particular manufacturing ingredients.

Be aware that some of those chemicals contain toxins. Toxins that are known to be cancer-causing or even deadly in well-documented laboratory tests. Whether new or aging, books give off odors. Unseen for the most part, those odors--or gases--are in the air in every part of a library. The central A/C or heating systems insures that the air keeps cycling to all parts of the building.

The Electronics Highway

While certainly a blessing in so many productive ways, computers and peripherals such as printers and scanners present their own particular kinds of challenges. I worked behind the scenes as an electronics technology specialist for many years.

As either an assembly line electronics technician or as a field service engineer, I became intimately familiar with the manufacturing process. The parts, such as components, printed circuit boards or power supplies, all have their own problems with regard to pollutions, also know as emissions.

Electronics in general produce both chemical and magnetic emissions. Both kinds can be toxic in their respective categories: chemicals produce air pollutants, magnetics produce electrical patterns.

Electrical patterns that have the ability to alter cellular structures in humans when exposure is long-term. For most of us in modern society that means, with our televisons, our computers, our appliances, our electronic toys, we all are exposed long-term.

Change Is On The Way

Organic library products can become a reality, but only if we get involved. Only if we are willing to make demands of our librarians. To ask questions, to establish accountability at all levels of the library products manufacturing processes, including sales, warehousing and end user institutions such as libraries.

To protect ourselves, our families, and especially our environment.

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