While a good scrubbing of the home creates a healthful environment, it’s crucial to know how certain cleaning products can actually be harmful to your family’s health. It’s also equally important to explore safer, earth-friendly alternatives.
Cleaning often involves the use of potentially harmful products, which can be toxic, corrosive, irritating and flammable. Every time you use a cleaning product, you are absorbing its contents into your skin and breathing it into your lungs. Your kids and pets are also at risk.
What are in some cleansers?
“¢ Phosphates: Found in dishwasher tablets, phosphates in waterways cause algae to bloom. Algae consume oxygen and block the sunlight from reaching other aquatic organisms. As a result, the other organisms die from a lack of much-needed nutrients.
“¢ Phthalates: These come from phthalic acid, which is used to make dyes and perfumes and has been related to health effects such as organ system toxicity and reproduction and fertility issues. It can also harm the endocrine system, the brain, nervous system ” even the immune system.
“¢ Ethoxylated alcohols: Found in washing liquids, these can be harmful because they consist of chemicals such as sodium laureth sulfate, which helps create foaming but is also a possible carcinogen.
“¢ Chlorine: Chlorine, a poisonous gas, is a very corrosive chemical used in bleaches and creates toxins in waterways. It is crucial to never mix chlorine with other products such as ammonia, as this can create highly toxic fumes. It also creates organochlorines, compounds that pose an adverse human health risk. Some are even carcinogens. Exposure to chlorine gas can produce chest pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing and excess fluid in the lungs.
“¢ Triclosan: Antimicrobial agent found in antibacterial liquid hand soap, detergents and other sanitizing/cleansing products. The popularity of antibacterial products has led to increased consumer use of triclosan. However, the American Medical Association has advanced an official recommendation against using antibacterial products in the home due to concerns about antimicrobial resistance.
Avoiding toxic chemicals
Any product carrying the words “caution,” “warning,” “danger” or “poison” is harmful to living things and should be avoided. It is important to choose household products that do not contain hormone-disrupting chemicals that may hurt your health and the health of your family.
People can avoid exposure to harsh chemicals by buying natural, nontoxic household cleaning products at natural foods stores. Eco-friendly cleaners help reduce the level of toxicity and hazardous waste around your house. Natural cleaning products are made with biodegradable materials and do not contain harmful chemicals.
Tips for green cleaning
“¢ Use alcohol as a sanitizer in place of antibacterial products.
“¢ Pine oil or citrus-based solvents make great renewable resources, and they will not damage your lungs or cause cancer.
“¢ Full-fat mayonnaise works great as a furniture cleaner.
“¢ Buy biodegradable sponges than can break down or be composted when their useful life is through.
“¢ Indoor air can be up to 90 percent more polluted than outdoor air. Open your windows whenever possible.
“¢ You can also use things in your pantry to create homemade cleansers.
10 tips for making natural cleansers
“¢ Use olive oil mixed with lemon juice to bring out furniture shine.
“¢ White vinegar and baking soda will keep your toilet bowl clean.
“¢ Baking soda absorbs odors, so place a bowl near smelly areas, and/or open a window.
“¢ Lemon slices placed down the garbage disposal will keep your sink smelling fresh.
“¢ Spray vinegar and warm water on glass and then wipe off with crumpled newspaper.
“¢ To clean stainless steel, use baking soda as a paste, and leave on for a while to remove tough stains.
“¢ Silver can be cleaned with toothpaste. Copper can be cleaned with vinegar and lemon juice.
“¢ Use hot soapy water to disinfect cutting boards.
“¢ Tea tree oil makes a great disinfectant, which can be used to eliminate mold and mildew.
“¢ A drop of lemon essential oil in rinsing water makes a great disinfectant when cleaning out the fridge, freezer or kitchen surfaces.
” Janet Little is a certified nutritionist with Henry’s Farmers Markets. For more information, visit www.henrysmar-kets.com.