8 Household Cleaning Agents to Avoid
By the Gaiam Staff
A surprising number of the most harmful toxins ever created are found right in our own backyard — indeed, right inside your mop closet. Here are ways you can detoxify your home, make it safe again, and keep it that way.
The air in our homes is filled with fumes from petrochemical solvents added to cleaners to dissolve dirt. The average household contains anywhere from three to 25 gallons of toxic materials, most of which are in cleaners. No law requires manufacturers of cleaning products to list ingredients on their labels or to test their products for safety. It’s up to you to make sure your home is not only clean, but also nontoxic.
Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to identify which products contain these hazardous ingredients. While cleaners are the only household products regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission under the Federal Hazardous Substances Labeling Act, their sellers aren’t required to reveal these products’ ingredients. These ingredients are considered “trade secrets,” so government regulations are actually designed to protect this proprietary information, not to protect human health or the environment.
When it comes to cleaners, the consumer has little to go on beyond the warning labels that manufacturers are required to put on their products. The labels DANGER, WARNING and POISON give only a very general idea about the seriousness of the unknown substances a product contains. In fact, a New York Poison Control Center study found that 85 percent of product warning labels are inadequate.
These warnings apply only to a product’s immediate health effects; they don’t illuminate what happens when we use them over a long period of time. If you’re using common household cleaners, you’re likely to encounter the following chemicals (among many others), and the following effects, while cleaning:
* Chlorinated phenols found in toilet bowl cleaners are toxic to respiratory and circulatory systems.
* Diethylene glycol found in window cleaners depresses the nervous system.
* Phenols found in disinfectants are toxic to respiratory and circulatory systems.
* Nonylphenol ethoxylate, a common surfactant (detergent) found in laundry detergents and all-purpose cleaners, is banned in Europe; it has been shown to biodegradeslowly into even more toxic compounds.
* Formaldehyde found in spray and wick deodorizers is a respiratory irritant and suspected carcinogen.
* Petroleum solvents in floor cleaners damage mucous membranes.
* Perchloroethylene, a spot remover, causes liver and kidney damage.
* Butyl cellosolve, common in all-purpose, window and other types of cleaners, damages bone marrow, the nervous system, kidneys and the liver. The list could fill a book. And it’s a book that would include thousands of other chemicals — some so dangerous that they’re found on lists of chemicals associated with Superfund toxic waste sites and in the toxins section of the U.S. Clean Air and Water Acts.
To detoxify your mop closet, first rid it of cleaners that are toxic or that you suspect may be toxic.You can be sure of this if the label says WARNING, DANGER or POISON.
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably got more than a few rusty, crusty, almost-empty bottles of cleaning products, along with some dried-out sponges and a furniture-polish-soaked T-shirt hanging around in your mop closet.With a little organization and attention to labels, you can transform it into a complete and efficient collection of products that will not only help keep your house spic-and-span, but also help reduce dangerous indoor air pollution created by most conventional household cleaners.
Some cleaners may advertise that they are “environmentally sound” but fail to provide a full list of ingredients.
The manufacturer that gives you the most information about its product is usually the manufacturer you can trust.
Start by pulling everything out and making three piles: one for the things you use every week (laundry detergent, toilet paper, trash bags, paper towels), the second for things you use every once in a while (window cleaner, hardwood floor cleaner, stain and odor removers), and the third for things you can’t remember using and things that look caked on, rusted over or petrified beyond recognition.
Take a close look at the labels on the products in piles 1 and 2. Anything that you know to be toxic,move to pile 3. The items in pile 1 go back into the closet. Store products you only use now and then (pile 2) on an out-of-the-way shelf in the closet. And items in pile 3 get banished from the house forever — but do not dispose of them down the drain or in the garbage; your local department of public works can tell you how to safely dispose of these hazardous household wastes. After this exercise, you might find that you need to do some restocking to meet your cleaning needs with safe and natural products.
When you buy new cleaning products, look for those that list their ingredients on the label, and make sure those ingredients include no petroleum-based surfactants, chlorine or phosphates. Also look for the words “nontoxic” and “biodegradable.” A host of products now available in naturalfood stores and in many supermarkets are designed to clean as effectively as their petrochemical counterparts, but won’t pollute your home or the earth in the process.
If you use sponges to clean any part of your home, make sure they’re pure cellulose sponges that are not treated with a synthetic disinfectant. Most sponges sold in U.S. supermarkets these days are impregnated with triclosan or other synthetic disinfectants. Packaging that claims “kills odors” or “resists odors” makes these sponges easy to distinguish. In reality, a disinfectant-laden sponge is ineffective at sterilizing countertops or other surfaces; the disinfectant simply gives you a “germ-free” sponge. This, in and of itself, is not a bad thing.
Sponges by nature are perfect breeding grounds for germs, since they are a moist, warm habitat and come into close and frequent contact with bacteria when wiping up spills, meat juices, etc. However, the disinfectants used in these sponges may help contribute to the evolution of drugresistant “super” germs. It’s easy to keep a pure cellulose sponge germfree by boiling it in a pot of water for three to five minutes, tossing it in the top rack of the dishwasher, or microwaving it on high for one minute. Pure cellulose sponges can be found in natural-food stores and hardware stores.
Home Made Cleaning Solutions: Nontoxic recipes for effective cleaners.
Furniture Polish: Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in 1 pint of mineral or vegetable oil. Apply a small amount to a clean cotton cloth and wipe wooden parts of furniture.
Rug Deodorizer: Deodorize dry carpets by sprinkling liberally with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum. Repeat if necessary.
Mothballs: Use cedar chips or a sachet with any or all of the following: lavender flowers, rosemary, mint, white peppercorns.
Whitening Scouring Powder: Combine 1 cup baking soda, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1/8 cup borax, 1/4 cup grated lemon, orange or grapefruit peel and mix well. Scrub using a damp sponge.
Glass Cleaner: Combine 1 1/2 cups vinegar, 1/2 cup water and 8 drops citrus essential oil in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray and wipe with a dry cloth or towel.
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Pingback by Blizej Natury » Blog Archive » How to Clean Without Biocides 22 May 2008 @ 9:34 pmIf you’re looking to rid your home of chemical cleaners, we have a great new product out called the Lotus Sanitizing System. It turns tap water into a safe, but effective ozone-based spray cleaner that works on an surface. There are no fumes or residues. Ozone is made by combining 3 oxygen molecules. As the cleaner works, it breaks down into oxygen and water. Check us out at http://www.tersano.com.
Comment by Larry Popelka 22 May 2008 @ 11:44 pmWow! This is an amazing blog that is related to Cleaning Home that When it comes to cleaners, the consumer has little to go on beyond the warning labels that manufacturers are required to put on their products. The labels DANGER, WARNING and POISON give only a very general idea about the seriousness of the unknown substances a product contains. In fact, a New York Poison Control Center study found that 85 percent of product warning labels are inadequate.
Comment by Cleaning Home 23 May 2008 @ 3:59 am[...] http://tlilxochitl.wordpress.com/2008/05/22/how-to-clean-without-biocides/Formaldehyde found in spray and wick deodorizers is a respiratory irritant and suspected carcinogen. * Petroleum solvents in floor cleaners damage mucous membranes. * Perchloroethylene, a spot remover, causes liver and kidney damage. … [...]
Pingback by Deodorizers News » Blog Archive » ‘deodorizer’ on the web 24 May 2008 @ 12:21 pm[...] How to Clean Without BiocidesUnfortunately, it isn’t easy to identify which products contain these hazardous ingredients. While cleaners are the only household products regulated by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission under the Federal Hazardous Substances …Bláskógar – http://tlilxochitl.wordpress.com [...]
Pingback by which of the following household materials is considered hazardous waste | Lasts information 6 June 2008 @ 1:39 am[...] simo13wpress wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptWhile cleaners are the only household products regulated by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission under the Federal Hazardous Substances Labeling Act, their sellers aren’t required to reveal these products’ ingredients. … [...]
Pingback by How to Clean Without Biocides 7 June 2008 @ 5:16 pmGreetings! Since the beginning of history, God has been revealing events to come to His people. On June 19, 2008 the Lord strongly impressed on me the need for His people to educate themselves concerning the products they buy and consume. I am writing this because I believe the Lord is warning His people of days to come. There are certain chemicals found in everyday products that are going to wreak havoc on our environment and well-being. One such chemical is Triclosan. Triclosan is an excellent product when used to protect healthcare providers treating patients with contagious diseases, such as medical professionals who are working in third-world countries during serious disease outbreaks. It can be a lifesaver to medical workers under those circumstances; however, the use of triclosan has not been tightly regulated, and it is now being overused in many products you and I use every day.
The warning cry is that this chemical and similar compounds will end up killing us if we continue to misuse and overuse them. Overuse puts us all at risk at contracting antibiotic-resistant superbugs, and individually, triclosan-based products weaken our immune systems. Please do not use or purchase triclosan-based products.
I hope you will take the time to read this brief message about the dangers of the chemical Triclosan and similar tricloson-like products (such as Triclocarban and quaternary ammonium compounds):
*Triclosan is classified as a pesticide.
*Triclosan is found in hundreds of common everyday products, including nearly half of all commercial soaps.
*It is used so frequently that triclosan has made its way into the human body – a Swedish study found triclosan in human breast milk in three out of five women.
*Numerous studies have found that triclosan promotes the emergence of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
*Dioxin, a highly carcinogenic, endocrine disrupting compound, may be formed during the manufacturing process of triclosan, and thus is a likely contaminant. More alarmingly, researchers found that when sunlight is shined on triclosan in water and on fabric, a portion of triclosan is transformed into dioxin. Because of its ubiquitous nature, the conversion to dioxin is of major concern.
*Triclosan is one of the most frequently detected compounds in rivers, streams, and other bodies of water, often in high concentrations. Triclosan is highly toxic to a number of different types of algae. Since algae are the primary producers in many aquatic ecosystems, high levels of triclosan may have destructive effects on aquatic ecosystems.
*The American Medical Association took an official stance against adding antimicrobials to consumer products in 2000 and has repeatedly urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to better regulate these chemicals.
For more information google.com: “Triclosan.”
Blessings to you,
Rev. K. L. Maines
Duly Ordained Pastor/Evangelist
Visit my blog: http://klmainesministries.blogspot.com/search?q=
For Prayer email me at : RevMaines@aol.com
Triclosan is found in the following products:
Soaps:
* Dial® Liquid Soap* Softsoap® Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap* Tea Tree Therapy™ Liquid Soap* Provon® Soap* Clearasil® Daily Face Wash* Dermatologica® Skin Purifying Wipes* Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser* DermaKleen™ Antibacterial Lotion Soap* Naturade Aloe Vera 80® Antibacterial Soap* CVS Antibacterial Soap* pHisoderm Antibacterial Skin Cleanser
Dental Care:
* Colgate Total®; Breeze™ Triclosan Mouthwash* Reach® Antibacterial Toothbrush* Janina Diamond Whitening Toothpaste
Cosmetics:
* Supre® Café Bronzer™* TotalSkinCare Makeup Kit* Garden Botanika® Powder Foundation* Mavala Lip Base* Jason Natural Cosmetics* Blemish Cover Stick* Movate® Skin Litening Cream HQ* Paul Mitchell Detangler Comb* Revlon ColorStay LipSHINE Lipcolor Plus Gloss* Dazzle
Deodorant:
* Old Spice High Endurance Stick Deodorant* Right Guard Sport Deodorant* Queen Helene® Tea Trea Oil Deodorant and Aloe Deodorant* Nature De France Le Stick Natural Stick Deodorant* DeCleor Deodorant Stick* Epoch® Deodorant with Citrisomes* X Air Maximum Strength Deodorant
Other Personal Care Products:
* Gillette® Complete Skin Care MultiGel Aerosol Shave Gel* Murad Acne Complex® Kit®* Diabet-x™ Cream* T.Taio™ sponges and wipes* Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel
First Aid:
* SyDERMA® Skin Protectant plus First Aid Antiseptic* Solarcaine®* First Aid Medicated Spray;Nexcare™ First Aid* Skin Crack Care* First Aid/Burn Cream* HealWell® Night Splint* 11-1X1: Universal Cervical Collar with Microban
Kitchenware:
* Farberware® Microban Steakknife Set and Cutting Boards* Franklin Machine Products FMP Ice Cream Scoop SZ 20 Microban* Hobart Semi-Automatic Slicer* Chix® Food Service Wipes with Microban* Compact Web Foot® Wet Mop Heads
Computer Equipment:
* Fellowes Cordless Microban Keyboard and Microban Mouse Pad
Clothes:
* Teva® Sandals* Merrell Shoes* Sabatier Chef’s Apron* Dickies Socks* Fruit of the Loom Socks* Biofresh® Socks
Children’s Toys:
* Playskool® :o Stack ‘n Scoop Whaleo Rockin’ Radioo Hourglasso Sounds Around Drivero Roll ‘n’ Rattle Ballo Animal Sounds Phoneo Busy Beads Palo Pop ‘n’ Spin Topo Lights ‘n’ Surprise Laptop
Other:
* Bionare® Cool Mist Humidifier* Microban® All Weather Reinforced Hose* Thomasville® Furniture* Deciguard AB Ear Plugs* Bauer® 5000 Helmet* Aquatic Whirlpools* Miller Paint Interior Paint* QVC® Collapsible 40-Can Cooler* Holmes Foot Buddy™ Foot Warmer* Blue Mountain Wall Coverings* California Paints®* EHC AMRail Escalator Handrails* Dupont™ Air Filters* Durelle™ Carpet Cushions* Advanta One Laminate Floors* San Luis Blankets* J Cloth® towels* JERMEX mops
Source: BeyondPesticides.org
References taken from the CDC website:http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol7no3_supp/levy.htm
1Neu HC. The crisis in antibiotic resistance. Science 1992;257:1064-73.
2.Levy SB. The antibiotic paradox. How miracle drugs are destroying the miracle. New York: Plenum; 1992.
3.McMurry LM, Oethinger M, Levy SB. Triclosan targets lipid synthesis. Nature 1998;394:531-2.
4.McMurry LM, Oethinger M, Levy SB. Overexpression of marA, soxS or acrAB produces resistance to triclosan in Escherichia coli. FEMS Microbiol Lett 1998;166:305-9.
5.Suller MT, Russell AD. Triclosan and antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. J Antimicrob Chemother 2000;46:11-8.
6.Hoang TT, Schweizer HP. Characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI): a target for the antimicrobial triclosan and its role in homoserine lactone synthesis. J Bacteriol 1999;181:5489-97.
7.Russell AD, Tattawasart U, Maillard J-Y, Furr JR. Possible link between bacterial resistance and use of antibiotics and biocides. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1998;42:2151.
8.Mereghetti L, Quentin R, Marquet-van der Mee N, Audurier A. Low sensitivity of Listeria monocytogenes to quaternary ammonium compounds. Appl Environ Microbiol 2000;66:5083-6. 9.*McMurry LM, McDermott PF, Levy SB. Genetic evidence that InhA of Mycobacterium smegmatis is a target for triclosan. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1999;43:711-3.
10.*Heath RJ, Roch CO. A triclosan-resistant bacterial enzyme. Nature 2000;406:145-6.
11.Radosti-Slater C, Aller GV, DeWolf W, Greenwood R, Nicholas R, Payne D, et al. Mode of action of triclosan in S. aureus [abstract]. American Society for Microbiology annual meeting, Los Angeles, California, 2000 May 21-24. Abstract 101, p. 26.
12.Meade MJ, Callahan TM. Unique mechanism of triclosan resistance identified in environmental isolates [abstract]. American Society for Microbiology annual meeting, Los Angeles, California, 2000 May 21-24. Abstract 73, p. 19.
13.Suzangar S, Allison DG, Gilbert P. An evaluation of biocide-containing materials for their surface colonization-resistance and other properties [abstract] American Society for Microbiology annual meeting, Los Angeles, California, 2000 May 21-24. Abstract 53, p. 17.
14.Alekshun MN, Levy SB. The mar regulon: multiple resistance to antibiotics and other toxic insults. Trends Microbiol 1999;7:410-3.
15.Barbosa T, Levy SB. Differential expression of over 60 chromosomal genes in Escherichia coli by constitutive expression of MarA. J Bacteriol 2000;182:3467-74.
16.Chuanchuen R, Beinlich K, Schweizer HP. Multidrug efflux pumps and triclosan resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa [abstract]. American Society for Microbiology annual meeting, Los Angeles, California, 2000 May 21-24. Abstract 31, p. 8.
17.Akimitsu N, Hamamoto H, Inoue R, Shoji M, Akamine A, Takemori K, et al. Increase in resistance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to beta-lactams caused by mutations conferring resistance to benzalkonium chloride, a disinfectant widely used in hospitals. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1999;43:3042-3.
18.*Strachan DP. Hay fever, hygiene, and household size. BMJ 1989;299:1259-60.
19.*Braun-Fahrl*nder CH, Gassner M, Grize L, Neu U, Sennhauser FH, Varonier HS, et al. Prevalence of hay fever and allergic sensitization in farmer’s children and their peers living in the same rural community. Clin Exp Allergy 1999;29:28-34.
20.*Rook GAW, Stanford JL. Give us this day our daily germs. Immunol Today 1998;19:113-6. 21.*Matricardi PM, Rosmini F, Riondino S, Fortini M, Ferrigno L, Rapicetta M, et al. Exposure to foodborne and orofecal microbes versus airbone viruses in relation to atopy and allergic asthma: epidemiological study. BMJ 2000;320:412-7.
22.*Aaby P, Shaheen SO, Heyes CB, Goudiaby A, Hall AJ, Shiell AW, et al. Early BCG vaccination and reduction in atopy in Guinea-Bissau. Clin Exp Allergy 2000;30:644-50.
23.*Folkerts G, Walzl G, Openshaw PJM. Do common childhood infections “teach” the immune system not to be allergic? Immunol Today 2000;21:118-20. }
Blessings to you,
Rev. K. L. Maines
Rev. K. L. Maines
Duly Ordained Pastor/Evangelist
http://www.voiceoffreedom.com/archives/health/soap/Triclosancited.pdf
Comment by Rev. K. L. Maines 4 July 2008 @ 4:52 pm