Spring Cleaning?

​It’s that time of year when people jump on the idea of spring cleaning – getting rid of clutter and thoroughly scrubbing their living spaces.  But it is not easy to know which are safe to use.  

It is essential to avoid exposing yourself or your family to harmful substances, especially children, who are particularly vulnerable to potentially hazardous chemicals that might be in everyday cleaning products.  Conventional cleaning product manufacturers can use almost any ingredient of their choice and do not have to disclose the formulas fully.  Yes, the federal government needs to do more to protect consumers from exposure to harmful cleaning chemicals. 

Spring Cleaning?
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

Cleaning Chemicals to Avoid
Study cleaner ingredient labels carefully and follow instructions for using them.  The following are a few cleaning chemicals to avoid whenever possible:

• Ethylene glycol ethers - including harsh solvents like 2-butyoxyethanol and butyoxydiglycol in soil and stain removers.  They are hazardous air pollutants linked to reproductive and developmental effects.
• Quaternary ammonium compounds, or quats - are found in fabric softeners, disinfectants, and sanitizers.  They are linked to asthma as well as reproductive harm and congenital disabilities in animals.  Avoid distearyldimonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, and other ingredients ending in ‘onium chloride’ and non-specific terms like ‘cationic surfactant.’
• Sodium hypochlorite - is the active ingredient in chlorine bleach and is associated with respiratory damage.
• Sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid - are corrosive chemicals that can cause severe skin and eye damage.  They are typically found in oven cleaners, drain openers, hard water stain removers, and toilet cleaners.

 
Choosing Healthier Cleaners
To get your home to sparkle without introducing toxic chemicals into the mix:

• Steer clear of ambiguous mixtures.  Look for products that disclose all ingredients, including those hidden behind vague terms like fragrance, surfactant, and preservative.  
• Avoid marketing hype by avoiding potential greenwashing with words such as green, natural, and non-toxic.  These terms have no regulatory standards, but reading the labels may help.

Additional ways to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals in cleaning products are:

• Avoid combining products, such as disinfectants, with everyday cleaners because dangerous fumes can result.
• Keep your cleaning area ventilated, or wear an N95 mask to limit exposure.
• Look for products that disclose all ingredients.  Terms like fragrance or surfactant may indicate undisclosed ingredients.
• Read instructions and warnings and use your cleaning products as directed.
• Store all cleaning products safely when they are not in use.
• Take special care with products used for more demanding cleaning, like drain cleaners and clog removers, as harsher solutions can cause severe and permanent injury.
• Wear gloves and other protective equipment.