Cleaning Products & Your Health
You purchase organic cotton bedding and pesticide-free fruits and vegetables. At home, you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and make sure that your children wash their hands before eating. But are you hiding skeletons under the sink or in the closet? I’m referring to chemical-based, conventional cleaning products – those bottles usually marked, per federal regulation, with a skull-and-crossbones logo.
In the US, accidental ingestion of chemical-based cleaning products accounts for many trips to the emergency room and calls to the Poison Control Center. Bleach is a strong corrosive and may cause pulmonary edema or coma if ingested, while ammonia can damage the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin. These aren’t the only harmful ingredients in conventional cleaning products, but manufacturers purposely omit many dangerous ingredients from labels. Additionally, chemical cleaning products end up in our waterways, soil, and landfills, where they contribute to oxygen-depleted ocean dead-zones, release harmful gases into our air, and poison both humans and wildlife.
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Considering the negative consequences of conventional cleaning products and the wide availability of natural and effective alternatives, it is astounding that chemical-based cleaners still crowd the shelves of most supermarkets and drugstores. Natural cleaning products from brands such as Seventh Generation, Method and Mrs. Meyers are formulated without toxic chemicals and additives. In place of perfumes derived in a test tube, Seventh Generation’s products are scented with natural essential oils. Recent research suggests that common chemicals in air fresheners, including formaldehyde and phenol, are neuro-toxic. Skip the toxic sprays – and extra step of making your home smell “good” through artificial and toxic scents – by cleaning and freshening with one natural product.
Still not convinced you need to ditch the chemicals? Consider the science: ingredients in many conventional household cleaners have been linked to a number of serious childhood diseases and disorders, including asthma, ADD, and cancer. Additionally, a lack of long-term studies that analyze the effects of chemical-based cleaning products on human and environmental health arouses suspicion as to these formulas’ safety.
Purchasing natural cleaning products is an important step in ensuring the health of our families and environment. If you do use chemical-based products – or want to dispose of them – be sure to discard them properly. Check with local waste or recycling authorities to see if your community sponsors a household hazardous waste pick-up. With a few simple changes, you’ll be on your way to a greener and healthier home – for your family and for the environment.
[...] Cleaning Products & Your Health [...]