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?
“\u00a2 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.
“\u00a2 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.
“\u00a2 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.
“\u00a2 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.
“\u00a2 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
“\u00a2 Use alcohol as a sanitizer in place of antibacterial products.
“\u00a2 Pine oil or citrus-based solvents make great renewable resources, and they will not damage your lungs or cause cancer.
“\u00a2 Full-fat mayonnaise works great as a furniture cleaner.
“\u00a2 Buy biodegradable sponges than can break down or be composted when their useful life is through.
“\u00a2 Indoor air can be up to 90 percent more polluted than outdoor air. Open your windows whenever possible.
“\u00a2 You can also use things in your pantry to create homemade cleansers.
10 tips for making natural cleansers
“\u00a2 Use olive oil mixed with lemon juice to bring out furniture shine.
“\u00a2 White vinegar and baking soda will keep your toilet bowl clean.
“\u00a2 Baking soda absorbs odors, so place a bowl near smelly areas, and\/or open a window.
“\u00a2 Lemon slices placed down the garbage disposal will keep your sink smelling fresh.
“\u00a2 Spray vinegar and warm water on glass and then wipe off with crumpled newspaper.
“\u00a2 To clean stainless steel, use baking soda as a paste, and leave on for a while to remove tough stains.
“\u00a2 Silver can be cleaned with toothpaste. Copper can be cleaned with vinegar and lemon juice.
“\u00a2 Use hot soapy water to disinfect cutting boards.
“\u00a2 Tea tree oil makes a great disinfectant, which can be used to eliminate mold and mildew.
“\u00a2 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.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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