A recent study from the University of Washington indicated that many of the household products we use today, including air fresheners and anything with fragrances, contain dangerous chemicals and toxins.
Why are none of the consumers aware of this? Because federal law does not require cleaning product manufacturers to report all of the chemicals they use to make their products.
These chemicals are called Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs. They are used in almost every cleaning product on the market today. One VOC, 1,4 dichlorobenzene, was found to decrease lung function by nearly 4% when used in cleaning products in a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. USA
Another study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that the use of spray cleaners can increase the risk of developing asthma by up to 50%.
What can we do to control these dangerous factors? Most recommend ditching chemical cleaners and switching to “green” alternatives, which can be found at most big box retailers. Using natural cleaning agents is better for your home, your family, and the environment. Also try to avoid scented detergents and cleaning products.
You can even use common household items to take care of your home, including vinegar, baking soda, and lemons.
If you choose to use toxic household cleaners, experts recommend cleaning with a face mask and adequate ventilation.
It is very important to make changes where possible because these dangerous changes in our health happen over time. With new medical findings come new preventive measures, which we can all use to prevent health problems and devastating impacts on our natural environment.
