By Penny Wolfe
Most of you probably have heard of the dangers associated with cleaning chemicals. But did you know the EPA warns these chemicals are capable of causing cancer, brain and nervous system damage, birth defects and immune system problems? The national Cancer Prevention Coalition lists Lysol disinfectants as one of the top ten!
The EPA has shown indoor air contains 2-5 more times pollutants per cubic foot than outdoor air and in extreme cases can be 100 times more polluted. The New York Times wrote in an article on Jan. 6, 2001, that an EPA study revealed some toxic levels in homes were ‘greater than the levels that qualify as a chemical waste site for Superfund status.?
It is very important to know what chemicals are being used when cleaning your home, and what chemicals are being used to clean your office. Most office buildings have to rely on ventilation systems ? are they removing all contaminants? Most do not have windows that open.
Then there are the chemicals on the surfaces that you touch. People who already suffer from respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis should not ever be exposed to bleach or around where bleach has been used. And yes, bleach has been the ‘old standard? for years as the disinfectant cleaner. Many cleaning products contain bleach.
But studies show that bleach is effective at killing mold and bacteria, although it is far less effective than most people think. When it comes to mold, it kills most surface mold on hard non-porous surfaces, but on porous surfaces, it is far less effective. Warning labels on products only address issues caused by ingestion. Ninety percent of health problems are caused by inhalation.
Bleach can cause respiratory difficulties, headaches, skin burns, loss of consciousness, and vomiting. Many of the harsh chemicals in cleaning products can have serious adverse effects on janitorial staff, building occupants, and the environment.
Is this going overboard? Is there really a way to get around using harsh chemicals and still get things cleaned and disinfected? The answer is yes. If you found a non-chemical cleaner that worked as well as the harsh chemical cleaners, would you use it?
Vinegar is great for killing germs, bacteria, and most mold, due to high levels of acidity. There are essential oils that are known to be antibacterial and antimicrobial. Research also shows antibacterial plant oils may not cause drug resistance, as could common disinfectants. Don’t like the smell of vinegar? The smell evaporates after a short time, but you can also use scented oil to eliminate the vinegar smell and get the antibacterial benefits from the oil too!
A few tips on usage for cleaning in your home:
To clean a grease splattered oven door window ? saturate it with full-strength white distilled vinegar, keep the door open for 15 minutes before wiping with sponge.
Clean counter tops ? make them smell sweet again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
To kill germs ? spray full-strength white distilled vinegar on doorknobs and then wipe dry.
To clean and disinfect baby toys ? add a good-sized splash of white distilled vinegar to soapy water.
Many people are being more conscious of what is being used in their home. But what is being used in the office where you work? Do you know what your cleaning staff is using? This can be a very important question that could affect your health. What indoor pollutants are contaminating your indoor working environment?
Not everyone is going to switch from their old standard cleaners they have used for years. But by making even a few switches, it can lead you on a path to a healthier home and indoor air working environment.
Penny Wolfe is the owner of Clarkston’s ‘Finest? Cleaning LLC. For more information, call 248-240-4907, or email clarkstonsfinestcleaningllc@yahoo.com. Clarkston’s Finest Cleaning has been in business in the Clarkston area for more than 18 years. Licensed, bonded, and insured. Great references. Offers very economical prices in these economic times, all with great quality of cleaning. Offers ‘green cleaning? for those interested, part of all green, for the same great price as standard cleaning. Enter to win a free cleaning. Enter by submitting your business card to Clarkstonfinestcleaning@yahoo.com.