Are Your Cleaning Chemicals Making You Sick?

A recent article in Canadian CBC News stated that doctors at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto have noticed marked increases in the number of children treated for vision, respiratory illnesses and cancer, which can be traced back to the use of cleaning agents. The U.S. Center for Disease Control reported a 75 percent increase of asthma in children in the past 20 years. Tests conducted by the U.S. Environmental Agency indicate a two to five time higher level of a dozen common pollutants inside the home, which persist in the air for long periods of time. The thick insulation built into the walls of a home meant to increase heating and cooling efficiency also acts like a barrier preventing indoor pollutants from escaping.

Are your cleaners really safe? Consumers assume because a product is sold in their local stores that it can be safely used in their home. However, the makers of household cleaners are not required by law to state the contents of a product unless they contain poison or are flammable. While short-term use of a product may not be a concern, continual exposure to various chemicals over time carries the potential for causing health problems. Environmental engineer Dr. Richard Corsi points out, "some chemicals are better than others, and we can make educated choices about their risks versus their benefits." He further warns of long-term use of:

? Sodium hypochlorite used in chlorine bleach
? Formaldehyde ? a preservative in many household products
? Perchloroethylene ? a suspected human carcinogen found in spot removers and carpet cleaners
? Phenol and cresol in some disinfectants have been linked to diarrhea, fainting, kidney and liver damage.

And the list continues to grow. Many common household cleaners contain alcohol, ammonia, bleach, and lye, substances that can cause nausea, vomiting, inflammation and burning of the eyes and throat. Environmentalists have linked these ingredients with neurological, liver and kidney damage, asthma and cancer. They also warn about consistent use of products containing:

? Petroleum distillates
? Limonene common in citrus oils
? Acetone or glycol ethers
? Solvents
? Aerosol sprays and air fresheners
? Wood preservatives
? Cleansers and disinfectants
? Moth repellants and especially solvents used in dry cleaning.

The single use of one of these chemicals may not be a cause for alarm. However when used with other chemicals in a poorly ventilated area over a long period of time they can be problematic. Precautions do make a difference. Here are a few guidelines to follow when using a cleanser containing any of these chemicals:

? Remove the plastic bag from dry cleaning clothes outside. Allow the clothing to air for a while before taking them inside. Open windows if you find you must use a strong detergent or paint. Leave them open for a period to air the room as effectively as possible. Ventilate the room with a fan.
? Never mix cleaning products together.
? Reduce the amount of cleaner used by spraying just enough cleaner on the surface to clean. People mistakenly think that if a little is good then a lot works even faster. Give your product time to work rather than spraying on additional cleanser. Spray and wait several minutes before
cleaning.
? Purchase only fragrance free cleaners and laundry detergents.
?Follow the experts. Many janitors are now turning to hydrogenated orange cleaners like Bio Ox as a safe yet effective alternative to hazardous cleaning compounds. Here are a few other effective, safe alternatives to help you "green up" your home:
? Purchase three to four brand new spray bottles at the hardware store. Mark each bottle with a permanent magic marker and mix the following:
? Window cleaner: Add one-third cup distilled white vinegar and one-quarter cup of rubbing alcohol to a 32 oz spray bottle. Fill with distilled water.
? All purpose cleaner: Fill the bottle nearly full with water adding a good squirt of Ivory liquid dish washing detergent. Shake just a bit. It is safe to use on Corion, tile and marble counters.
? Toilet bowl cleaner: Pour one-fourth cup of white vinegar into the toilet. Then spray the sides of the bowl with vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda in the toilet wait 15 minutes and scrub with a bit of baking soda sprinkled on a non-metal toilet bowl brush.
? Tub and Tile Cleaner: Two to three caps of Bio Ox in a 32 oz bottle of water. (Bio Ox may be purchased by calling 800-345-3934.)
? Drain Opener: Use a live enzyme product such as Nature's Miracle found at pet stores. Live enzymes "eat" the bacterial matter that clings to the drains. It is safe to use in disposal drains as well. Alternative: pour one cup of baking soda followed by one cup of hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar down the drain. Wait a couple of hours and flush with hot water. Do not use in disposal drains.
? Scouring powder: Baking soda.
? Furniture polish: Mix olive oil and vinegar together for an excellent cleaner and polish.
? Oven Cleaner: Mix concentrated Bio Ox and baking soda together into a paste. Scrape off what residue you can with a scouring pad then scrub with the Bio Ox mixture.
? Air Freshener: To remove kitchen odors boil a 50/50 solution of white vinegar to water for several minutes. One capful of Bio Ox per mixed in a quart of water makes an excellent room freshener.
? Mildew Remover: Mix a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide to water.
? Keep a box of Borax in your closet for those extra tough cleaning jobs. It is a natural product made of sodium, boron, oxygen and water and is unbeatable as a carpet deodorizer, bleach substitute or mixed with water for a disinfectant.

Author Mary Findley is a veteran cleaning expert and President of the Mary Moppins Cleaning Systems. Her website ? www.goclean.com - also offers a wealth of cleaning tips and advice to help consumers make the most of their cleaning time.

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