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Indoor Allergins: Household Cleaners

posted by Veronica, selected from Organic Spa magazine May 27, 2009 11:18 am
Indoor Allergins: Household Cleaners
23 comments

Household Chemicals
There are a host of countless common household chemicals that create havoc when it comes to our indoor air quality. Formaldehyde, solvents, alcohols, dyes, and even artificial fragrances are just some of the main culprits off gassing in homes on a daily basis. Reduce the impact on your health, and prevent allergic reactions by following the tips below.

Tips on Chemical-Free Air
• Switch to safe, natural cleaning products that fully disclose all ingredients.
• If you must store a noxious chemical, make sure it is an airtight container, safely away from children and pets.
• Open the windows when you clean to allow the draft to remove contaminants from the air.
• When buying any new item for your home consider the adhesives, plastics, and materials that the item is made from.

By following these simple measures you can feel relief from indoor allergens and enjoy the cold months safely at home.

Check our other tips on dealing with Mold, Dust Mites and Pet Dander.

Organic Spa Magazine is a national consumer lifestyle magazine about bringing spa wisdom into the modern green lifestyle. For a free digital subscription, click here.

More on Allergies (30 articles available)
More from Veronica, selected from Organic Spa magazine (7 articles available)

23 comments

23 comments

add your comment »
23 comments add your comment
Simon Hahessy

These are all very good tips. What many people don't realize is how dangerous the chemical cleaning products are that you use to clean your home. Why put your family at risk? No one should have to suffer health effects of headaches, skin irritation, coughing or dry skin from the chemical vapors and ingredients in their cleaners.

I use PURE AirMD, an all-natural, purely botanical-based line of cleaning solutions that effectively clean and also promote well being. PURE AirMD™ products are non-toxic, organic, biodegradable and human friendly.

The unique soap formula, a natural antibacterial agent, uses enzymatic reactions to break down dirt and grease. PURE AirMD™ is safe and effective for all health-conscious individuals, especially those chemically sensitive, immuno-compromised and hyper allergenic.

Most importantly, PURE AirMD™ ingredients are found on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) list. Therefore, no warning label is required to be placed on PURE AirMD™ by any Federal, State or Municipal agency.

You can order PureAirMD at www.airmd.com/products. Enjoy!

Ecodiva Green

For years I suffered from migraines caused by chemicals in the household products until I found a company that uses tea tree oil, citric acid and thyme oil. These products are just as effective as the leading brands if not better, because they're concentrated there is less plastic waste and there is no more headaches.

I also received $120 in free products as a new customer.

If this is something that interests you then email me at nicolemillercosmetics@gmail.com

Cheers ;)

Elizabeth Koeppe

It is so true and so sad that so many of our house hold cleaners are toxic. Not only are we poisoning our environment, but we are poisoning ourselves as well. It's even worse for children, as they are close to the floor and are constantly putting their hands in their mouths. If anyone is looking for a SOLUTION, I have it for you! I work for a company that's been around for over 50 years and uses only natural products that do not contain any harmful ingredients. Plus, they work better than anything else out there! If you are interested, email me: ekoeppe@care2.com

Julie Foutch

I agree as i make my own cleaners,it's better for my pugs also who have breathing issues already.I use the baking soda and vinegar and lemon juice,the peroxide and also cream of tarter as you mix in a little with your solution cleans great.It feels good to have a home cleaned naturally and it's all safe.

Vural K.

thanks...
Kabin
Konteyner

Ammy G.
  • Ammy G. says
  • Jun 6, 2009 12:56 PM

The US should stop having its stuff made in China and importing Chinese goods. Sure, it's cheap and all that, but is it really worth the risk?

Singapore is a large importer of Chinese goods (we have close relations with China) and there have been so many health scares involving food and other products (just google "China milk scare", "China fake eggs" and "China luncheon meat" to name a few) that I no longer buy anything made or grown in China. We have fully lost our trust in anything Chinese.

To further illustrate my point:
Many Chinese have come from China to settle in Singapore, and set up restaurants here. Many of these Chinese-operated eateries serve fake eggs, fake sliced fish, and even fake noodles. We wonder if even the rice is fake. The fake food is usually made from factory waste products, if not cheap plant fibre which contains almost no nutrition. To an undiscerning eater or someone not familiar with Chinese food, he/she would not be able to tell the difference. However, eating such a meal would obviously not only have the potential to harm your body, but also deprive it of nutrients it thinks it is getting.

Kajsa G.

to avoid asthma triggers and lung problems do not spray on cleaners. apply to cloth or pour on surface to avoid inhaling small particles. even natural products should not be breathed in.

Gloria Wood

One negative opinion of GSE here:
http://www.terressentials.com/truthaboutgse.html

Meredith H.

Ammy, My daughter had a new shirt on from a younger generation (un-named) popular clothing store and it made me dizzy and ill. The cargo containers from China may use pesticides before we get them, plus the formaldehyde to make cheap material look nice for a day. That's why they never look the same after you wash them.
Good idea Samme about the cleaner, I may get one. Some peopl=le believe if it's not cleaned with bleach it's not clean.
The pesticides that can be used in China are not even legal here, nor used properly.

Samme P.

Avoid indoor allergies, chemical sensitivities and toxins and purify your environment by cleaning with steam. It kills bacteria, mold, mildew and dust mites just to name a few and there is nothing you can't clean with steam. I will never go back. Check out www.sargentsteam.com it's one of the best investments I've ever made.

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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