Cleaning our homes & work environments is important to protecting our own health and that of our families & people we associate with each day . But could the very products we use to protect our health actually be doing us more harm than good?

The truth is, that shampoos, body wash, soaps, and common household cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that we are not aware of. 

If you are still using conventional store-bought cleaning products, know what you are buying. (Even some "Green" products contain ingredients that can cause a variety of serious health concerns). 

About 53 percent of cleaning products reviewed by the EWG, (Environmental Working Group) contained ingredients that were harmful to humans-especially the lungs, and potentially fatal if inhaled or swallowed. In addition, several well-known carcinogens were found in many of the tested cleaning products, and others are reportedly made with highly toxic ingredients such as formaldehyde, toluene, ammonia, bleach and chloroform.  Still others were found to contain elements and ingredients that have been banned in other countries. 

These chemicals most commonly irritate eyes, skin, lungs and mucous membranes, but can also cause headaches, asthma, nosebleeds, burns, hormonal interruptions, cancer and a variety of other illnesses and conditions. Even "natural" ingredients such as citrus oil, can be irritating to the lungs and cause air quality issues if used improperly or without proper ventilation.

According to a press release by the EWG:

"Just 7 percent of cleaning products adequately disclosed their contents. To uncover what’s in common household cleaners, EWG’s staff scientists spent 14 months scouring product labels and digging through company websites and technical documents. EWG staff reviewed each ingredient against 15 U.S. and international toxicity databases and numerous scientific and medical journals."

As a general rule of thumb, and to limit exposure & damage, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Manufacturers are not obligated by U.S. law to list all ingredients in consumer products. Products that are labeled "green" do not necessarily mean they are safer. Read labels, and use all products with caution.
• Avoid using any kind of air fresheners, solid, pump or aerosol.
  
• When using cleaning products, wear gloves to limit skin contact.
• Never use cleaning products in a small, enclosed space (such as as an enclosed  shower or vehicle).
  
• Be sure to keep the area well ventilated at all times by opening windows and doors, and using exhaust fans. 
• Never mix cleaning products, (Especially bleach and ammonia) 
• NEVER use products in a quantity or in a manner which they were not intended for. (Example: using toilet bowl cleaner to clean grout.) 
• Research more natural, less toxic cleaning solutions to reduce exposure to pets, humans and the environment.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has compiled a list of cleaning and bath products that meet its Safer Choice standards. The list also includes cleaning products used in the home and motor vehicles.

To view EWG's "Hall of Shame" list, click here.

For Green Cleaning Services in your area, visit: http://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services