12 March 2010

Spring Cleaning: A Green Issue

As the snow melts, many of us are reveling in the days where the sun greets us at 7am as opposed to driving to work in the dark. So as nature thaws and begins to renew itself, it's time for...

SPRING CLEANING! 

The arsenal of cleaning products we grew up with definitely aided moms in scouring EVERY surface in the home, but as we evolve, grow, and learn (as every species should) so does our awareness and methodology. 
So I'll keep this statement sweet and simple: the cleaning products we use today are (1) bad for the environment and (2) our health. 







Don't believe me? Take a look at the back label of your cleaning products.The one pictured says: "Hazardous to Humans & Domestic Animals" AND there's a First Aid section. If I get this product on my clothes, I'm suggested to take them off immediately. If I get the product on my skin, I'm supposed to rinse it for 15-20 mins AND call the Poison Control Center. 


But I clean my toilet seat with Lysol All Purpose Cleaner??

The harsh chemicals in our cleaners do not totally wash away. Many of them leave chemical traces. That means the cutting board I cleaned with bleach water still contains traces of bleach, which can be transferred to my food. Speaking of Bleach, aka Chlorine aka Hydrogen Chloride aka HYDROCHLORIC ACID, recent studies have found that women with Breast Cancer had 50-60% higher levels of organichlorines (chlorination byproducts) in their breast tissues than women without breast cancer. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is 2 to 5 times more contaminated than outdoor air. Check out the chart below: 






Product type
Harmful Ingredients
Potential hazards
Air Freshener & Deodorizer
Formaldehyde
Toxic; carcinogen; irritant- 
eyes, nose, throat, skin
may cause nausea, 
headaches, nosebleeds, 
dizziness, memory loss; 
shortness of breath.
Disinfectant
Sodium hypochlorite
Corrosive; irritates/burns 
skin, eyes; may cause 
pulmonary edema or 
vomiting and coma
if ingested.
Phenols
Flammable; very toxic; 
respiratory, 
circulatory, 
or cardiac damage.
Ammonia
Vapor irritating to eyes, 
respiratory tract, 
and skin; possible
chronic irritation.
Drain Cleaner
Sodium or potassium hydroxide (lye)
Caustic; irritant; 
inhibits reflexes;
burns to skin, 
eyes; poisonous 
if swallowed. 
Floor Cleaner Wax
Diethylene glycol
Toxic; causes central 
nervous system  
depression & kidney 
and liver lesions.
Petroleum solvents
Highly flammable; 
associated with skin
and lung cancer; 
irritant to skin, eyes, nose, 
throat, lungs.
Ammonia
Vapor irritation to 
eyes, respiratory
tract, and skin; 
possible chronic 
irritation.
Furniture Polish
Petroleum distillates or mineral spirits
Highly flammable; 
moderately toxic;
associated with skin 
and lung cancer; irritant 
to skin, eyes, nose, 
throat, lungs; entry
into lungs may cause
pulmonary edema.
Oven Cleaner
Sodium or potassium hydroxide (lye)
Caustic; irritant; 
inhibits reflexes; 
burns to skin, 
eyes; poisonous 
if swallowed due 
to severe tissue
damage.
Spot Remover
Perchlorethylene or trichloroethane
Slow decomposition; 
liver and kidney 
damage; 
perchlorethylene 
is suspected 
carcinogen.
Ammonium hydroxide
Corrosive; vapor 
extremely irritable
to skin, eyes, and
respiratory passages; 
ingestion causes tissue 
burns.
Sodium hypochlorite
Corrosive; irritates 
skin, eyes, respiratory 
tract; may cause
pulmonary edema 
and skin burns.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Sodium acid sulfate or oxalate or hypochloric acid
Corrosive; burns 
from skin contact
or inhalation; ingestion
may be fatal.
Chlorinated phenols
Flammable; very 
toxic; respiratory
circulatory,or
cardiac damage.
Window Cleaner
Diethylene glycol
Toxic; causes central
nervous system 
depression and
degenerative lesions 
in liver and kidneys.
Ammonia
Vapor irritating to 
eyes, respiratory
tract, and skin;
possible chronic 
irritation.

So does this mean I can't clean my home anymore? Of course not! There are MANY eco/health conscious products you can use to clean your home. From the research I've done, there are two ways to clean your home the "green way": (1) make your own cleaning solvents or (2) purchase green brands.

Here are some of the "green brands" I suggest (click the name to visit their websites): 
2. Planet  (they specialize in detergents and washing liquid) 

If any of you use other green cleaning products, do share. 

You can find many of these products at major grocery chains, Trader Joes, or online for purchase. 

I know some of these products cost much more than your regular cleaners, but keep in mind how much you are saving on medical bills and sick days by switching to products that are not as disruptive to your health or the environment. 

Stay tuned for the next blog, I will give you recipes to create your own cleaners! 

Until next time...STAY ORGANIZED (and healthy!), 

~Lauren 

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