Toxic Household Cleaners
POP QUIZ QUESTION: What are researchers, toxicologist and scientists reporting about chemical cleaning products such as Clorox wipes, Lysol Disinfecting Spray and Pledge Furniture Polish?
a) That these products are potentially toxic on their own and even more toxic when combined with each other and other cleaning agents found in our air, on our carpets, and within our home.
b) That our children are even more susceptible than adults to these toxins as they crawl, play on the carpet or floor, and chew on their toys.
c) That our children are even more at risk because their nervous systems are still developing.
d) That Moms who work in the factories that produce these chemicals are having babies with vision and breathing (asthma) problems early on.
e) That if you can’t pronounce the ingredients, many toxicologists and scientists are recommending you don’t use the product.
(source)
CORRECT ANSWER: All of the above
Contrary to what the media and big business want you to believe, just because something looks clean or smells fresh, doesn’t mean it is clean. Bacteria free, germ free, and dirt free doesn’t mean safe. In fact, household cleaners are among the most toxic products we are exposed to in our homes.
Consider this; You’ve seen those TV commercials that show the bad germs and odours being surrounded by a bubble of product, then disappearing. Where does this new combination of germ and cleaning agent go to? What does it become? Is that really healthy to us and our families?
According to the National Research Council, "no toxic information is available for more than 80% of the chemicals in everyday-use products. Less than 20% have been tested for acute effects and less than 10% have been tested for chronic, reproductive or mutagenic effects." (source)
What is even more concerning is that safety tests are often only conducted on the individual ingredients, not the product as a whole. Although some combinations are obviously dangerous (ammonia and bleach combinations can be fatal), others are not obvious until it’s too late…
So, what can you use?
There are a variety of products on the market all claiming to be ‘green’ and eco-conscious. I still have a problem with many of them a) because often their full list of ingredients aren’t provided and b) because of the packaging. Even a recyclable plastic bottle that some cleaners come in still takes a lot of resources to produce and to recycle. So, I tend to make my own products and reuse existing spray bottles and jars.
If you prefer a ‘brand name’ recommendation, I have a resource listed in the Related Links section which highlights and reviews popular ‘eco-safe’ natural products. However, if you are feeling adventurous and want to go as natural and non-toxic as possible, here are some great recipes for making your own.
Non-Toxic Soap Box
Once again, if you choose to use a store-bought product, do your homework, or contact me and I’ll be happy to give you some pointers on how to do your own research. Even ‘natural’ products and those at the health food stores are not necessarily the safest for you and your family. Please please PLEASE don’t leave your safety in the hands of the companies that are focused on profit, not necessarily on your health. Share this information with your friends, neighbours and loved ones. It’s your responsibility to be informed and to pass that information on. What you don’t know can cause serious harm, and even kill you.
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