A Healthy Home is a Happy Home

Healthy Home with Natural Cleaning Solutions

Research shows a direct connection between many of our modern day symptoms (such as asthma, chronic fatigue, ADD, some cancers, and birth defects), and the rising number of chemicals approved for household use.

Not only has the quality of our food deteriorated since WWII (decreased soil quality & introduction of fertilizers, chemicals & pollutants) but the number of man-made chemicals for use in our homes and yards has risen sharply in the last fifty years. It has been reported that 4-million chemical compounds have been approved since 1965 with thousands more being introduced each year!

We are aware of the pollutants at our work sites or in the metropolitan area, but we often overlook the hazards in our own homes. Some of the symptoms, or conditions, associated with an unhealthy home escape our attention. Symptoms range from dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sinus problems, fatigue, anxiety, headaches, depression, blurred vision, chest pain, and skin rashes to muscle aches and pain.

The chemical vapors from household products are either inhaled or absorbed through the skin during use. Every year over one million children are poisoned in their own homes by a cleaning solution or a personal care product. These irritants come from many common sources that we often overlook or are unaware of, such as:

automobile exhaust
household cleaning supplies
lawn & garden preparations
heating/air conditioning filters
laundry supplies
bubble bath
cosmetics
furniture
carpet
drapes
upholstery
& more

In our synthetic society, formaldehyde is a common indoor irritant that contributes to many of the previously listed symptoms along with menstrual problems, sore throats and itchy, irritated eyes. Formaldehyde is used in numerous products since it is such an inexpensive preservative.

Common household items (paper towels, milk cartons, particle board, plywood, kitchen cabinet materials, counter tops, paneling, floors and furniture) contain significant amounts of this preservative.

For a healthy approach to removing formaldehyde fumes from your home, add some air-cleaning plants! The rubber plant is an inexpensive yet effective plant in removing toxic particles from the air. Philodendrons, spider plants and chrysanthemums are also beneficial in absorbing formaldehyde, benzene and ammonia from the air. Take care to follow care instructions for each type of plant to get maximum benefits as well as have a healthy attractive plant.

Toxins penetrate our habitats in many unsuspecting ways. Aerosols put out a fine mist of toxic chemicals that are inhaled and absorbed. This mist also leaves a residue on surfaces where babies or pets play, eat or sleep. Consider the number of aerosol products you use - hair spray, colognes, spray paints, disinfectants, deodorants, laundry products, furniture polish and dust sprays - many of which contain formaldehyde but you won't necessarily see that on the ingredient list.

Tobacco smoke is an irritant in any indoor situation. The harmful effects of second-hand smoke has been getting much press recently as studies show up to 5,000 deaths occurring annually from passive smoking.

Faulty gas appliances, fireplaces and heating units may create a risky situation if not checked and maintained frequently. Houses with attached garages allow high amounts of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide to enter the house.

Animal dander, dust and mold are household culprits whith which we are most familiar, so keep heating/cooling vents and filters cleaned regularly to reduce circulation of bacteria.

Plastics (bottles, furniture, containers) cause migraine headaches or stomach aches for some homeowners. The increased number of electrical appliances and gadgets we have in our homes create electromagnetic radiation (computers, microwaves, TV, radio, hair dryers, electric blankets, etc.) which has been shown to produce symptoms in many people.

So, how do we protect ourselves and our families from these home hazards? Our body's defense system is designed to seek and destroy these harmful invaders. The concern is the long term effect of exposure to these environmental toxins. By fortifying the body's immune system, we help the natural defense mechanisms filter out the harmful particles. Also, by purchasing safer, purer products, we reduce the risk of toxic overload on our systems.

Remember that infants, children and the elderly have underdeveloped or weakened immune systems and are more sensitive to the effects of chemical toxins. Spring cleaning should be safe for people and pets, and the environment.

Many manufacturers are producing healthier, safer products with natural, pure ingredients. An example of ingredient exchanges is common glass cleaner. And a healthier solution would be to give up the ammonia and petroleum based solvents for a more natural cleaner of vinegar, essential oils (to cut grease) in a vegetable base with natural fragrances - which do not irritate the eyes, lungs or mucous membranes like their chemical counterpart.

Some plants to consider for a healthier house are:

Peace Lily - a low light plant excellent at removing toxins from glues, nail polish & solvents
Lady Palm - great t removing ammonia
Snake Plant - produces oxygen and removes CO₂

For natural bug repellent, choose natural essential oils. Bugs don't like citronella, peppermint or eucalyptus, so ask your natural products store for products with those ingredients. And remember, some of the safest cleansers are probably in your pantry:

salt
distilled white vinegar
baking soda
lemons
borax

So, take a health tour through your house, garage and yard. Exchange and eliminate what you can. We can't control all the harmful substances in our environment, but we can be health-wise consumers and make safer selections to protect our family and our environment.

Sources:

Natural Health Shopper, August 1996, p. 8
Success Magazine, March 1993, p. 39
Is Your Home A Healthy Home? John K. Beaulieu, RM Barry Publications, Sagebrush Press, CSU Cooperative Extension, Castle Rock, CO
Environmental Illness, L. Toohey, PhD & S. Kruetle, MS, Healthy Quest Publishing 1997

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