By Susan Nusink
Many consumers are unaware of the health risks contained in their household cleaning products. If you read the labels you will find the words, “caution,” “warning,” or “danger” on most of them. These words are mandated by law because the ingredients in the products pose a hazard. Many of the chemicals used in cleaning products are known to be carcinogenic, toxic, corrosive, and flammable. Is that really what you want to use and store in your home? The majority of the calls made to poison control centers in the United States are a result of cleaning products.
Some of the health problems that can be traced back to household cleaners include behavioral disorders, asthma, allergies, kidney and liver disorders, and blood and bone marrow problems. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the air inside our homes is 2-5 times more polluted than the outside air and much of this indoor pollution is from cleaning products.
Millions of pounds of cleaning products end up going down the drain. Many of the chemicals in them cannot be processed by sewer or water treatment plants. That means they end up in the environment, causing more hazards.
Because of the health and environmental risks, many people are turning to organic cleaning products. Unfortunately manufacturers of organic cleaning products are not regulated like the USDA regulates organic food. Many products carry the term “natural” or “organic” on their label, yet still contain hazardous chemicals.
For a chemical product to be labeled organic, it should contain at least 95% organic materials. If the label states “made with organic materials,” it should be made of at least 70% organic materials. The word “natural” is one to be aware of when choosing cleaning products because its use is not regulated. Always read the ingredient label to see if you recognize the ingredients. If there are chemical sounding ingredients in there, they probably aren’t natural or organic.
There are many manufacturers of organic cleaners that meet the organic requirements. These products include: Organic Services, Tree Huggers R Us, Merlin’s Organic Cleaning Products, Green Nest, Gaiam, Seventh Generation, Mrs. Myer’s Clean Day, Aubrey Organics, Ecover, Ecos, Method, J.R. Watkins, Nature Clean, Simple Green, and Biokleen. If you are unsure of a product, read the label and research the company to ensure they meet your organic specifications. You should only buy from manufacturers that you trust.
You can also make your own organic cleaning solutions. Making your own ensures the product is fully organic. When making your own cleaning products, there are many ingredients to choose from. Vinegar is a disinfectant and deodorizer. Baking soda is also a natural cleaner and deodorizer. If you add sea salt to the baking soda, the cleaning power is increased. Other natural cleaning ingredients are borax, cornstarch, and salt.
Whether you make your own, or buy one of many commercially available organic cleaning products you will have peace of mind knowing that you are protecting your family, your home, and the environment.
Many consumers are unaware of the health risks contained in their household cleaning products. If you read the labels you will find the words, “caution,” “warning,” or “danger” on most of them. These words are mandated by law because the ingredients in the products pose a hazard. Many of the chemicals used in cleaning products are known to be carcinogenic, toxic, corrosive, and flammable. Is that really what you want to use and store in your home? The majority of the calls made to poison control centers in the United States are a result of cleaning products.
Some of the health problems that can be traced back to household cleaners include behavioral disorders, asthma, allergies, kidney and liver disorders, and blood and bone marrow problems. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the air inside our homes is 2-5 times more polluted than the outside air and much of this indoor pollution is from cleaning products.
Millions of pounds of cleaning products end up going down the drain. Many of the chemicals in them cannot be processed by sewer or water treatment plants. That means they end up in the environment, causing more hazards.
Because of the health and environmental risks, many people are turning to organic cleaning products. Unfortunately manufacturers of organic cleaning products are not regulated like the USDA regulates organic food. Many products carry the term “natural” or “organic” on their label, yet still contain hazardous chemicals.
For a chemical product to be labeled organic, it should contain at least 95% organic materials. If the label states “made with organic materials,” it should be made of at least 70% organic materials. The word “natural” is one to be aware of when choosing cleaning products because its use is not regulated. Always read the ingredient label to see if you recognize the ingredients. If there are chemical sounding ingredients in there, they probably aren’t natural or organic.
There are many manufacturers of organic cleaners that meet the organic requirements. These products include: Organic Services, Tree Huggers R Us, Merlin’s Organic Cleaning Products, Green Nest, Gaiam, Seventh Generation, Mrs. Myer’s Clean Day, Aubrey Organics, Ecover, Ecos, Method, J.R. Watkins, Nature Clean, Simple Green, and Biokleen. If you are unsure of a product, read the label and research the company to ensure they meet your organic specifications. You should only buy from manufacturers that you trust.
You can also make your own organic cleaning solutions. Making your own ensures the product is fully organic. When making your own cleaning products, there are many ingredients to choose from. Vinegar is a disinfectant and deodorizer. Baking soda is also a natural cleaner and deodorizer. If you add sea salt to the baking soda, the cleaning power is increased. Other natural cleaning ingredients are borax, cornstarch, and salt.
Whether you make your own, or buy one of many commercially available organic cleaning products you will have peace of mind knowing that you are protecting your family, your home, and the environment.
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