Experts Warn Of Dangers To Health Of Toxic Household Products
15th April 2020
The UK is one of the top three countries in the world for the highest incidents of allergy and each year the number of allergy sufferers increases by 5%, half of those being children. Today we have chemicals in our bodies that simply did not exist just a few decades ago, as a result of the ever-increasing use of chemicals and products that are polluting our homes and environments.
The average household now contains over 60 toxic chemicals, many of which have been linked to allergies, asthma, cancer and neurotoxicity. In small doses these toxins may not cause any problems but when they are continuously ingested and inhaled they build up in the body and can trigger reactions.
What’s Under your Sink?
Rachel Ray (MD Bright & Beautiful) is launching the Clean Up Cleaning campaign to raise awareness of the deadly poisons and toxins that lurk in our kitchens and cupboards.
With the launch of the new Clean Up Cleaning campaign Rachel Ray is asking households to explore under the sink and sort through the kitchen cupboards to find and ditch the toxic cleaning sprays and liquids in favour of eco-friendly products and natural store-cupboard basics.
Melting Pot of Chemicals?
Manchester based mum of two Rachel launched Bright & Beautiful in 2007 after having suffered the ill-effects of using toxic products herself while pregnant.
Rachel says: “Cleaning product advertisers and manufacturers have been telling us for years that we need to eliminate dirt, annihilate dust and exterminate germs. As a result our homes have become a melting pot of chemicals and toxins that can cause asthma, autoimmune diseases, eczema and allergies.
“Over the past couple of years people have really embraced clean eating and healthy food but we still fill our homes with a ridiculous amount of dangerous chemicals, and we have no idea of what the long term effects of exposure to them will be. If you look at the cleaning products under your sink a good many or them will be labeled as poisons or as hazardous to humans. These are what we’re spraying near our children, into our respiratory systems and onto our food. We want people to get rid of them and replace them with more natural products that won’t harm them or the environment.”
5 Top Tips – How to Clean Up Cleaning
Change your Air Freshener – fragranced products such as air fresheners contain phalates which been shown to cause headaches, to trigger asthma and have been linked to reduced sperm counts. Replace with natural air detoxifiers such as plants to purify the air and essential oils and soy or beeswax candles.
Use Natural Oil based Polish – furniture and wood polish may irritate skin, eyes and the respiratory tract with chemicals including petroleum distallates, nitrobenzene and phenol. Replace aerosols and liquid polishes with natural oil based products.
Use Natural Surface cleaners – most surface cleaners contain alcohol as well as fragrances designed to mimic fresh smells. However, natural substances such as citrus and ex-tract of coconut are very effective cleansers.
Ditch Dishwashing detergents and antibacterial soaps – these may contain triclosan, which can encourage the growth of drug-resistant bacteria. Cleaning often and thoroughly using plain soap and hot water will be just as effective at reducing germs. Research published in The Lancet reported that simple hand washing with soap and water produced health benefits over three years that included having fewer colds, flu and gastroenteric infections.
Change your Glass cleaner – these can contain ammonia, which evaporates and doesn’t leave streaks. The very strong smell of ammonia can make you feel ill immediately and regular exposure can lead to lung issues and asthma. If mixed with bleach it can also create a poisonous gas. Eco-friendly products containing acetic acid (vinegar) are a good substitute.
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