There's Danger In The Air

Eliminate pollution with natural cleaning products

Ever hold your breath as you scrub the bathtub? Or blink back the tears from your burning eyes cleaning the kitchen? Most of us have experienced some form of irritation from the cleaning products that we use. Bud did you realize that many of the ingredients in these products can be harmful and some downright dangerous?

According to expert estimates, Americans use up to 25 gallons of household cleaning products every year. Toxic substances are hiding in dishwashing detergent, laundry soap, window cleaner, and scouring powder. Only about 2,000 of the chemicals for commercial use have been evaluated by the National Toxicology program, and presently 200 are considered carcinogenic. This is pretty scary considering that these harmful toxins can soak through your skin and lungs, and our homes often contain higher levels of toxic exposure than what would be allowed at an occupational work site.

Our greatest exposure to harmful chemicals is in our kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms. Whether we're cooking dinner for our family or relaxing after a long day, it would be nice to know that the air we breathe at home is not polluted. One way to minimize toxic chemicals from household cleaning solutions is to add green plants in your home. Also, opening windows for at least 15 minutes a day is a good way to ensure that fresh, clean air is circulating throughout the house.

The safest solution to eliminating the pollution that comes from cleaning chemicals is using products that are natural and safe. Vinegar, borax, and baking soda are nontoxic alternatives that can be used when diluted with water or in paste form. Baking soda or salt and a few drops of lime or orange oil make a slightly abrasive kitchen scrub. Also look for household cleaners with oxygen bleach and hydrogen peroxide (instead of chlorine bleach), calcium carbonate, or soda ash at the store that gives you Taste for Life.

Essential oils can also be an effective addition to a natural cleaning solution. Lavender and eucalyptus oils are disinfectants, and pine oil is a degreaser. Tea tree oil fights bacteria, fungus, and some viruses. Many stores carry natural oils, so it's easy to avoid synthetics. Synthetic oils are not derived from plants so they don't offer the same cleaning benefits. As a bonus, essential (aromatherapy) oils are therapeutic as well.

To make your own cleaning solutions, gather an assortment of spray bottles and shakers with flip-tops (like an old Parmesan cheese container). Also, use stainless steel or glass bowls rather than plastic or ceramic ones when you are using essential oils. Otherwise, the oil may leach unwanted substances into your homemade cleansers.

Selected Sources

*How to Stay Young and Healthy in a Toxic World by Ann Louise Gittleman MS, CNS

*Herbal Homekeeping by Snady Main

*The Living Beauty Detox Program by Ann Louise Gittleman, MS, CNS

*Hormone Deception by D. Lindsey Berkson

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE YOUR OWN CLEANING SOLUTION, here is a multi-purpose recipe that will work on stoves, countertops, and any other place you normally use a conventional spray.

1 c. liquid Castile soap

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. tea tree extract

2 Tbsp. witch hazel extract

4 drops essential oil of your choice

Mix the ingredients together in a spray bottle and shake gently. This solutions is safe for both you and the environment. For a growing variety of natural cleaning products check out your favorite natural products store.