Indoor Air Pollutants

According to the U.S. EPA, the level of pollutants in indoor air can range from two to over 100 times higher than outdoors. Indoor pollution is due, in large part, to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that evaporate from home decorating and cleaning products.

Walk around your home and try to identify possible indoor pollutants. From synthetic room fresheners to fragrant cleaning products, the majority of us use these products in abundance. Although convenient to use, non-green-products make indoor air unhealthy, cause respiratory reactions, skin and eye irritations, and are harmful to the environment.

According to a New Scientist study, in homes where aerosol sprays and air fresheners were used frequently, mothers experienced 25 percent more headaches and were almost 20 percent more likely to suffer from depression. In the same homes, infants under six months of age had 30 percent more ear infections and a 20 percent higher incidence of diarrhea. The first step in cleaning should be to open a window to let the pollutants out!

What is Green Cleaning?

Green cleaning involves using products that won’t endanger you, your children, or the environment. It means selecting alternative products, using the new products properly, and taking other steps to reduce risks while maintaining a level of cleanliness and disinfection.

In choosing alternatives, be aware that seeing “natural” on labels doesn’t mean “nontoxic.” There are no government standards for claims such as “nontoxic,” “eco-safe” and “environmentally-friendly.” According to the Consumer Union’s Eco-labels web site, these terms are meaningless.

Following are green cleaning items:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Murphy’s liquid soap
• Scouring pad
• Cotton washcloth or sponge
• Cotton rag with minimal lint
• 16 ounce spray bottle

Try green cleaning practices to reduce health, safety and environmental risks.