Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Cleaning experts tout natural alternatives

Cleaning products found on store shelves often
contain harmful chemicals and toxins.
It’s March, and that means spring cleaning is just around the corner!

But if your arsenal of cleaning products includes a variety of store-bought products, you could be putting your health at risk.

Many household cleaners on store shelves today contain toxic ingredients and volatile organic compounds that have been linked to health problems in humans.

According to the EPA, chemicals in household cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than air pollution. Most people spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors and cleaning is a regular part of household duties.

Thankfully, there are many available alternatives, which are not only safer but also often much less expensive.

However, beware of traditional products jumping onto the green bandwagon and making claims that are suspect or downright false.

Third-party certifications or a look at the manufacturers; data sheets will provide some reliable answers – or homeowners can make their own cleaning solutions.

Homemade cleaners do not have preservatives, so it’s better to make small batches and use them up quickly.

Use sponges or washable rags when cleaning – it’s much more environmentally friendly than paper towels and single-use cleaning pads.

Here are some cleaning agents that are non-toxic, effective and easily available:
  • Baking soda: Fights odors and can be used as a scrubbing paste
  • Vinegar: Natural cleaner and disinfectant; the smell disappears after a few minutes
  • Castile soap: Foaming cleaner
  • Olive oil: Great for polishing wood furniture and picking up dust
  • Lemon juice: Grease fighter, disinfectant, fresh smell

Source: The Journal Sentinel

Reduce airborne chemicals with air purifiers

Toxic cleaning products are not the only sources of potentially harmful chemicals in the home.

Other household items can
contribute to indoor air pollution.
Common building materials, paints, furniture, air fresheners, dry-cleaned clothes and other products can emit chemicals and volatile organic compounds.

A high-quality air purifier with activated carbon and other filters can help keep the air clean and healthy. Activated carbon is the safest and most effective filtration media for the removal of airborne chemicals and VOCs, odors and fumes.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for the home and office contain not only the largest activated carbon filters but also HEPA filters, pre-filters and optional UV germicidal filtration to trap and neutralize particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and mold as well.

Contact AllerAir for more information and more options.