I think we would all agree that none of us want to bring unnecessary toxins into our homes. After all, that is the one place that should be comfortable and safe for ourselves and our families. But I have found that it’s not always that easy to decipher ingredient labels on regular, everyday products, or even figure out where these hidden toxins can be lurking (plastic shower curtain, I’m looking at you). Some of the cleaning products we use can make a big difference to the amount of irritants and chemicals we are using on a daily basis, but that doesn’t mean toxic chemicals can’t be found in other, less obvious places.
According to Dr Amy Myers, we should be concerned about things like flooring, furniture and even taking our clothes to the dry cleaners. “Conventional carpet is made from synthetic, petroleum-based fibres that can emit up to 120 hazardous chemicals linked to asthma, allergies, neurological problems, hormone disruption and cancer. Upholstered furniture can be filled with polyurethane foams that are petroleum-based and full of chemicals and fire retardants. Dry cleaners are some of the most chemical-laden establishments around. Look for a clean and green or eco-cleaners in your area. If you must use a traditional dry cleaners, remove your garments from the plastic bag and air them outside for several hours before hanging them in your wardrobe.” She says that one of the best things we can do for the health of our homes is to get fresh air flowing throughout, on a daily basis. Studies done by the US Environmental Protection Agency have found that human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2–5 times, and on occasion more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. "These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern because it is estimated that most people spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors.” So opening those windows and doors can do wonders for the quality of air in our homes, and let’s face it, we want to know that we’re breathing in fresh air rather than a whole lot of toxic by-products.
We all like a clean house, even if we don’t always enjoy the actual cleaning part, and it makes sense that the products we use should be as safe as possible. Unfortunately, most supermarket detergents are formulated from petrochemicals, and may contain bleaches, synthetic whiteners, and artificial fragrances, all of which can cause skin irritations and respiratory problems. Using baking soda and vinegar can be an effective, non-toxic solution to home cleaning, but it’s also more time-consuming and can be messy. Fortunately, it is now possible to buy plant-based, natural cleaning formulations that are effective and free of synthetic chemicals. Use fewer products and look for those that are multi-purpose, rather than purchasing several specific cleaners (really, we just want things clean, we don’t need an arsenal of different bottles to do so). And it may seem straightforward, but those labels on products can be a minefield of misleading marketing claims. Anything with ‘danger’, ‘warning’ and ‘poison’ on the label should be avoided - and if disinfection is really needed (as sometimes it is), dilute the disinfectant solution - a little goes a long way, and you don’t want to be breathing in those fumes for days afterwards.
So where to start? As someone who’s always had skin sensitivities and allergies to various things, I have found that switching from supermarket cleaning products to plant-based, natural formulations has made a big difference. With four kids, I’m always washing something or cleaning up someone’s mess, and I prefer to use brands such as Real World and Murchison-Hume. These two brands use plant-based ingredients and avoid synthetic chemicals, and their formulations are kind to your skin and don’t leave behind nasty irritants. They also smell amazing due to their natural essential oils and they really work, without making your eyes water or your hands dry and scaly (maybe that was just me). I also like that they can be washed down the drains without harming the environment and are actually gentler on your plumbing (I don’t spend a lot of my time thinking about plumbing, but I think that has to be good thing). Find Real World and Murchison-Hume here.
According to Dr Amy Myers, we should be concerned about things like flooring, furniture and even taking our clothes to the dry cleaners. “Conventional carpet is made from synthetic, petroleum-based fibres that can emit up to 120 hazardous chemicals linked to asthma, allergies, neurological problems, hormone disruption and cancer. Upholstered furniture can be filled with polyurethane foams that are petroleum-based and full of chemicals and fire retardants. Dry cleaners are some of the most chemical-laden establishments around. Look for a clean and green or eco-cleaners in your area. If you must use a traditional dry cleaners, remove your garments from the plastic bag and air them outside for several hours before hanging them in your wardrobe.” She says that one of the best things we can do for the health of our homes is to get fresh air flowing throughout, on a daily basis. Studies done by the US Environmental Protection Agency have found that human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2–5 times, and on occasion more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. "These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern because it is estimated that most people spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors.” So opening those windows and doors can do wonders for the quality of air in our homes, and let’s face it, we want to know that we’re breathing in fresh air rather than a whole lot of toxic by-products.
We all like a clean house, even if we don’t always enjoy the actual cleaning part, and it makes sense that the products we use should be as safe as possible. Unfortunately, most supermarket detergents are formulated from petrochemicals, and may contain bleaches, synthetic whiteners, and artificial fragrances, all of which can cause skin irritations and respiratory problems. Using baking soda and vinegar can be an effective, non-toxic solution to home cleaning, but it’s also more time-consuming and can be messy. Fortunately, it is now possible to buy plant-based, natural cleaning formulations that are effective and free of synthetic chemicals. Use fewer products and look for those that are multi-purpose, rather than purchasing several specific cleaners (really, we just want things clean, we don’t need an arsenal of different bottles to do so). And it may seem straightforward, but those labels on products can be a minefield of misleading marketing claims. Anything with ‘danger’, ‘warning’ and ‘poison’ on the label should be avoided - and if disinfection is really needed (as sometimes it is), dilute the disinfectant solution - a little goes a long way, and you don’t want to be breathing in those fumes for days afterwards.
So where to start? As someone who’s always had skin sensitivities and allergies to various things, I have found that switching from supermarket cleaning products to plant-based, natural formulations has made a big difference. With four kids, I’m always washing something or cleaning up someone’s mess, and I prefer to use brands such as Real World and Murchison-Hume. These two brands use plant-based ingredients and avoid synthetic chemicals, and their formulations are kind to your skin and don’t leave behind nasty irritants. They also smell amazing due to their natural essential oils and they really work, without making your eyes water or your hands dry and scaly (maybe that was just me). I also like that they can be washed down the drains without harming the environment and are actually gentler on your plumbing (I don’t spend a lot of my time thinking about plumbing, but I think that has to be good thing). Find Real World and Murchison-Hume here.