The Dangers of Regular Household Cleaners

     Using conventional chemical cleaners never seemed like a good idea to me.  I remember as a young person being very concerned about the chemicals I needed to use to clean my home.  I had a strong aversion to cleaning since I didn't want to use Windex, Lysol or Soft scrub.  Comet to clean my bathroom didn't sound appealing either.  I kept thinking that using those products could make me very sick.  Toilet bowl cleaning was the worst since those chemicals had a child protection cap and could be fatal if swallowed.  Years passed by until I realized that I didn't need caustic cleaning products to clean my house and home...I just needed DIFFERENT products.  As the years went by, more and more companies provided safer alternatives that didn't require child proof caps.  Many companies adopted a greener and safer way to clean that didn't rely on ammonia or bleach, but rather on plant based ingredients.  This was great news for me since cleaning is actually also essential to protecting our health in our homes, schools and work places.  Now, thanks to the newer cleaning products I use, my house is cleaner and safer than in years past. 
     Yet in those early years, it seems that I was right about conventional cleaning products.  Many cleaning products can cause lasting damage to our health and wellness and this needs to be taken seriously.  Many cleaning products can irritate the eyes or throat, or cause headaches and other health problems, including cancer.  Some products release dangerous chemicals including volatile organic compounds  that can contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions and headaches.  Cleaning supplies that can contain VOCs and other toxic chemicals include: aerosol spray products, air fresheners, chlorine bleach, detergent and dish washing liquid, dry cleaning chemicals, rug and upholstery cleaners, furniture and floor polish and oven cleaners.  You need to read the labels to make sure that what you are using are free from toxic chemicals so you can begin to clean the natural way, with plant based, biodegradable ingredients.
     Another tip...you never want to mix bleach or any bleach-containing ingredient with any cleaner containing ammonia.  This is a fatal combination and the gases created that lead to chronic breathing problems and even death.  Recent research has found that even natural fragrances in cleaning products, particularly air fresheners, may react with high levels of ozone from indoor sources (air cleaning devices) or from outdoor air to form formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, and dangerous fine particles indoors.  My advice is to stay away from all air fresheners and opt for diffusion of essential oils instead. 
     It is very important to read the labels on cleaning supplies and household products before you purchase them.  Choose products that do not contain or have reduced amounts of VOCs, fragrances, irritants and flammable ingredients.  You can and should make safer choices for your home and your family.