Feature stories
Are cleaning products a health hazard?
Why not make your own
A multitude of toxins have made their way into the places where we eat, sleep, bathe and relax. Formaldehyde, for example, is in almost all cleaning products, including laundry detergents, toothpaste and shampoo. Laundry detergents contain phosphorus, enzymes, ammonia, naphthalene, phenol, sodium nitilotriacetate and countless others. We spend billions of dollars per year on common household products that can have serious environmental and health effects over time.
Unfortunately, in Canada, other than providing hazard symbols like ‘poison’ and ‘flammable’ there’s no requirement for product manufacturers to list chemicals ingredients that could cause long-term health effects; although some companies do publish a toll-free phone number that consumers can call to find out exactly what is in their products.
“Exposure to toxic cleaning products from a variety of sources over a long period of time can cause serious health effects so we stress the need for consumers to be mindful and make educated product choices,” says Kelly Ablog-Morrant, Health Education Director for the BC Lung Association.
Many, safer, non-toxic cleansers do exist on store shelves today, but experts suggest consumers be circumspect about any product that doesn’t provide a full list of ingredients on its label. The safest alternative is to set up your own Safe Cleaning Kit with backing soda, pure soap, washing soda, vegetable or olive oil and white vinegar—cheap effective ingredients that only require the addition of a little elbow grease.
Common Product |
The Danger |
Homegrown Alternative |
All-purpose Cleaner |
Many commercial all-purpose cleaners contain chlorine, ammonia and other toxic ingredients. Ammonia fumes are extremely irritating to the eyes and lungs. Chlorine forms compounds that have been linked to cancer when released into the environment. |
Mix 2 parts borax with 1 part baking soda. Sprinkle on surface and rub with damp cloth. Wash with 1 part vinegar and 1 part water. |
Furniture Polish |
Furniture polishes contain toxic ingredients that can be inhaled long after use. |
1 part lemon juice or vinegar with 2 parts vegetable oil. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth. |
Glass Cleaner |
Glass cleaners are simply water, ammonia and colored dye. Ammonia vapors are highly irritating to the lungs and eyes. |
Put 1 part vinegar and 1 part water into a spray bottle. Spray and wipe with a lint-free rag. |
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
|
Most toilet bowl cleaners are strong acids that can burn the skin and eye tissue. The fumes alone can corrode metal—making them hazardous to inhale into the lungs. |
Regularly clean the toilet with pure soap and water. To combat tough stains try putting 2 or 3 envelopes of lemonade crystals into the water. Let the mixture sit—then brush and flush. |
Bleach |
Chlorine bleach is an irritant and vapors can irritate the lungs. |
Boil whites in lemon juice and water. Put lemon juice and salt on organic stains and place in the sun. |
Laundry Detergent
|
Scented cleaning products, such as laundry detergents and fabric softeners, can contain hundreds of chemicals. Many of these chemicals can cause health problems such as shortness of breath, headaches, nausea, and cold-like symptoms. |
Mix 1 cup pure soap flakes with ¼ cup of washing soda. |