HEALTH

Environmental pollutants in our home is one area that we may be able lower our exposure easily. I'm referring to toxic chemical cleaners. This week, we address the most common ones that many of us have in our home.
These toxic substances include:

• Chemicals that are irritating or damaging to the skin and/or lungs and airways
• Chemicals that can induce an allergic reaction and/or cause an increased sensitivity and this includes heightened sensitivities in those that suffer from respiratory diseases.
• Chemicals which emit chemical molecules in the form of unvisible gas which we inhale, that enter our lungs and thus bloodstream that are considered toxic.

What are some common household toxic substances?

• Disinfectants
• Drain, toilet and window cleaners
• oven cleaners
• Bleach and ammonia

What can we do?

• Never mix cleaners such as bleach and ammonia. Mixing chemicals can create toxic fumes that can pose a fatal risk!
• Ventilate the area when using any of the above to disperse the chemicals being emitted (open windows etc.) making them less potent.
• Avoid direct inhaling as much as possible when using chemical cleaners.

Some non-toxic alternatives we can consider ( I'm not suggesting we do all of these of course):

• Deodorant: baking soda on a damp wash cloth
• Oven Cleaner: Baking soda and water as a paste, used with a plain scouring pad
• Drain Cleaner: 1/2 cup salt down drain, followed by boiling water
• Window Cleaner: 2 teaspoons white vinegar to 1 quart warm water
• Toliet bowl and tub and tile cleaner: Make a paste of borax and water, rub on area and scrub off 1 hour later. Baking soda may be added as well.
• Floor cleaner: 1/2 cup vinegar to 1 bucket of water. Use a litle borax for tough spots.
• Shoe polish (this is a good one for those of us crazies!) Use the inside of a banana peel, rub and then wipe off well.
• Bleach: Baking soda or borax
• General surface cleaner: vinegar, salt, and water or borax, soap, lemon juice, and water.
• Carpet cleaner/deodorizer: cornstarch, baking soda or borax then vacuum.
• Mildew remover: 1/2 c vinegar, 1/2 c borax, and warm water

The important thing I like to remember is that chemicals have side effects. We can try to protect ourselves and not take their safety for granted, and when possible maybe we can try one or two of the non-toxic methods above. This is especially important for those of us at risk with allergies, respiratory disease and cancer history. Let's also not forget how vulnerable our children and pets are as well!