This week our guest blogger is health and lifestyle blogger Jenny McDee.

What Are the Health Benefits of Switching to Green Cleaning Products?

“The air quality in any given home can range between 2 to 100 times worse than the air quality found outdoors. Although there are multiple factors that contribute to this startling fact, conventional cleaning products are on contributor.

Common brands of air fresheners, candles, general purpose cleaners, oven cleaners and laundry products have an array of toxins that can impact upon the health of your family.

Discover three important reasons for making the switch to green cleaning products.

Improve allergy and asthma symptoms

Studies have proven that poor indoor air quality can lead to or worsen the symptoms of allergies and asthma. Since cleaning products directly contribute to the quality of your home’s air, it is necessary for individuals with these conditions to change their habits.

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology states that the harsh blend of chemicals used in nearly all conventional cleaners can trigger symptoms. Thankfully, natural cleaning products help those with allergies, as well as those with asthma. In addition to buying pre-made natural cleaners, you can also use ingredients such as soda ash, baking soda, and double strength white vinegar to make your own non toxic cleaners.

Of course it’s always a good idea to air your home on a daily basis, there’s nothing like fresh air!

Reduce risk of developing certain diseases

Aside from their effects on allergies and asthma, conventional cleaning products can put you at a much higher risk for developing serious medical conditions. In fact, one recent study that was completed at the University of Bergen in Norway found that “using [harsh] cleaning products can be as harmful as smoking 20 cigarettes a day.”  

Additionally, the frequent use of toxic cleaning ingredients is associated with a higher risk of developing lung disease, and some types of cancer. To eliminate this risk completely, ensure that you know what is in every cleaning product that you buy. If you are not able to verify that the ingredients are pure and all-natural, you may be exposing yourself to harmful chemicals each day.

This statement is from EWG “Common cleaning ingredients can be laced with the carcinogenic impurity 1,4-dioxane. Independent tests have detected the presence of 1,4-dioxane in numerous name-brand cleaning supplies. Other products contain preservatives that release low levels of cancer-causing formaldehyde.”

Protect the health of your unborn baby

Your health isn’t the only thing that could be compromised when using conventional cleaning products. If you are expecting a child, or plan to become pregnant in the near future check what products you are using around your home.

Some ingredients to look out for are alcohol, ammonia, chlorine, glycol and glycol-ethylene, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), acrylic polymers, and terpenes.

Oven cleaner is particularly worrying, opt for baking soda and vinegar instead, it does a great job without all the fumes.

Conventional air fresheners and spray cleaners can also be of concern due to fragrance and other toxins, read labels and look for natural products or make your own from natural ingredients.

The New York State Department of Health did a study in 2010 and found that children born to women who held cleaning jobs while pregnant have an elevated risk of birth defects.

If we all make a few simple changes in our cleaning routines, we can create a lasting impact for ourselves and our families that could last for generations to come.”

Jenny.

Photo credits: Kelly Sikkema  Oliver Hale and Arteida MjESHTRI 

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