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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Spring is almost here (just one month away!), and as the term spring cleaning suggests, spring is the time for a little extra cleaning. “Going Green” is important for our earth and for our health, so let’s go natural when we clean! According to the World Health Organization, environmental and lifestyle factors contribute up to 80% of all known cancers. Environmental pollutants, which we breathe in, are a major and a main source of carcinogens that contribute between 1-10% of all known cancers. “Breathe in” is key, because we’re not just breathing in smells when we use synthetic cleaners, we are inhaling toxic vapors into our lungs, which sends these chemicals throughout our entire body.
What can we do to reduce our risk? Go Natural in our home!
Environmental pollutants in our home is one area that we can control to lower our exposure easily. I’m referring to switching from toxic chemical household cleaners to natural ones. Natural cleaners are chemicals too, but they are not toxic to our health.
Toxic substances include:
Chemicals that are irritating or damaging to our skin and/or our lungs and airways.
Chemicals that can induce an allergic reaction and/or cause an increased sensitivity, especially to those of us that suffer from respiratory diseases including asthma.
Chemicals that emit chemical molecules in the form of invisible gas, which we inhale, thus entering our lungs, bloodstream, and cells that are considered toxic and carcinogenic.
What are some common household toxic substances?
Disinfectants
Drain, toilet and window cleaners
Oven cleaners (These are among the most toxic)
Bleach and ammonia
What can we do?
Never mix cleaners such as bleach and ammonia. Mixing chemicals can create toxic fumes that can pose a fatal risk!
Ventilate the area when using any of the above to disperse the chemicals being emitted (open windows etc.) making them less potent.
Avoid direct inhaling as much as possible when using chemical cleaners.
Non-toxic natural alternatives to consider (I’m not suggesting we do all of these of course):
Deodorant: baking soda on a damp wash cloth.
Oven Cleaner: Baking soda and water as a paste; use with a plain scouring pad.
Drain Cleaner: 1/2 cup salt down drain, followed by boiling water.
Window Cleaner: 2 teaspoons white vinegar to 1 quart warm water.
Toilet bowl and tub and tile cleaner: Make a paste of borax and water, rub on area and scrub off 1 hour later. Baking soda may be added as well.
Floor cleaner: 1/2 cup vinegar to 1 bucket of water. Use a little borax for tough spots.
Shoe polish (this is a good one for those of us crazies!) Use the inside of a banana peel, rub and then wipe off well.
Bleach: Baking soda or borax
General surface cleaner: vinegar, salt, and water or borax, soap, lemon juice, and water.
Carpet cleaner/deodorizer: cornstarch, baking soda or borax then vacuum.
Mildew/mold remover: 1/2 c vinegar, 1/2 c borax, and warm water and/or add grapefruit seed extract in a spray bottle.
Grease remover: Lemon juice can be used to remove grease and it can also be used as a substitute for bleach on our clothing. For a great smelling natural furniture polish, add a couple of tablespoons to a dozen or so drops of lemon oil.
The important thing for us to remember is that toxic chemicals have side effects whether we feel any at the moment or not. We can try to protect ourselves and not take commonly sold household cleaners’ safety for granted, and when possible let’s try even one or two of the non-toxic methods above. This is especially important for those of us at additional risk with allergies, respiratory diseases and cancer history. Let’s also not forget how vulnerable our children and our pets are as well!
Want an added plus? The above safe non-toxic natural choices cost a lot less too!
Go Natural, it’s for our Health!
June M. Lay M.S.
JuneFit
Source: Environmental Science, G. Tyler Miller Jr.7th ed.
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