The Importance of Non-Toxic Household Cleaners
By Emily Lindholm
Your home is your fortress. It's the place where you get to create your world and live in it. The air in your fortress should be the cleanest air you breathe outside of being in nature. With that said, many people are filling their homes with toxic chemicals and don't even know it. Many products that claim to be "natural" or "green" still contain hidden agents that can be harmful to our systems.
What's the Harm in Using Generic Cleaning Products?
Generic cleaning products are often cheaper than buying higher quality, toxin-free products, but what is the cost to your health? Conventional, store-bought cleaning products contain toxins that can cause the following:
- Carcinogenic effects - Can lead to cancer
- Endocrine disruption - Disrupt the endocrine system, leading to nervous system imbalances, ADHD, infertility, mood disorders, menstrual issues, miscarriage, and even premature puberty
- Neurotoxicity - Affects brain activity and can lead to memory issues and headaches
Household Cleaners to Avoid
The dangers of household cleaners can be alarming; here is a guide so that you know what to leave on the shelf at the store and what to keep stocked at home. The first thing you should do is read the labels on anything you buy. Long lists of things you can't pronounce are often a red flag. When in doubt, look for products made of pure essential oils. You don't need to create an account with an expensive essential oils company or anything like that to find good essential oil-based products. Plenty are now available at the store, especially health food stores.
Artificial Fragrances
It's always nice to freshen up the air in your home, but it's best to do it with a non-toxic essential oil-based solution instead of anything with artificial fragrances. Synthetic fragrances can trigger asthma and allergies. Also, watch out for fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Avoid any product that contains fragrances unless they come from a natural source.
Antibacterial Products
Many antibacterial products do their job well but try using "soft" antibacterial products instead of harsh ones. When the harsh antibacterial products make their way to your skin, they're stripping your skin of its natural oils and feeding it chemicals instead. Anything made of pure tea tree oil will work great.
Bleach and Ammonia
These products, although widely used, can create damage to the lungs. These should especially be avoided by people with asthma or lung issues. Bleach is often used as an antibacterial cleaner. Unless absolutely necessary, go for something gentle and safe to breathe into your lungs.
Learn More About Safe Cleaning Products
If you're concerned about the products you're using at home or aren't sure about their safety, you could try seeing if there's a waste-free store in your area. These places often have the cleanest solutions, and one thing you'll find is that each product has only a few ingredients. If anything, read the labels and get ideas on how to make these yourself at home!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Plantation, Fla.