We tend to be concerned with what products and foods we put
in our bodies but what about the products we surround ourselves by in our
homes? On a typical cleaning day in a
typical Canadian home, levels of chemicals in the indoor air can be hundreds,
even thousands of times higher than the outdoor air in the most polluted of
cities. Our families are breathing in
dozens of chemicals mixed together that have negative effects on our
bodies, especially when you think of little ones with allergies and asthma!
Here are a few examples of what is found in chemical
solutions;
Acetone - A neurotoxin, acetone may cause liver and kidney
damage, and damage a developing fetus. It is a skin and eye
irritant. Found in spot treatment cleaners and mark and scuff removers.
Aerosol products- Aerosol propellants contain
propane,
formaldehyde,
a carcinogen, neurotoxin and central nervous system depressant,
methylene
chloride, a carcinogen, neurotoxin and reproductive toxin, and
nitrous oxide . Products applied with aeresol sprays are broken into minute
particles, which can be more deeply inhaled than larger particles, which may
increase their toxic effect.
Parabens - Parabens are hormone disruptors. Used in
cleaning products as preservatives, paraben is usually preceded by the prefixes
methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, or propyl.
Bleach- The main ingredient in chlorine bleach is sodium hypochlorite (chlorine added to lye). Chlorine is toxis as a skin irritant, and by inhalation. Workplace safety sheets warm that sodium hypochlorite may be a neurotoxin and cause liver damage.
Alternatives!! There are several natural options
out there. The first would be making
your own solutions with common household products like vinegar, lemon and
baking soda (some recipes below). There
are also plenty of “greener” alternatives now widely available from
manufacturers like Citra-Solv (my fav!), Ecover, Mrs. Meyers, and Seventh Generation, among many others. They work well, leave your home smelling
fresh, are environmentally friendly and do not emit toxic particles into our
air.
Home Solutions:
All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup
vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2
liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on
shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
Chopping block cleaner: Rub a slice
of lemon across a chopping block to disinfect the surface. For tougher stains,
squeeze some of the lemon juice onto the spot and let sit for 10 minutes, then
wipe.
Oven Cleaner: Moisten oven
surfaces with sponge and water. Use 3/4cup baking soda, 1/4cup salt and 1/4cup
water to make a thick paste, and spread throughout oven interior. (avoid bare metal
and any openings) Let sit overnight. Remove with spatula and wipe clean.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup
baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few
minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse.
