What You Can Do: Steps to Reduce Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
1. Make your own non-toxic cleaning products.
1. Make your own non-toxic cleaning products.For instance, simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and olive oil can be used in many different ways for effective cleaning. Of course, you can add lavender or other essential oils to safely get the fresh smell you are looking for! But never use a vinegar solution on a wood floor!
2. Use fewer toxic products. Reduce Toxic Chemicals
*Avoid products marked “Danger” & “Poison,” and reduce your use of products marked “Caution.”
*Reduce your use of products containing Volatile Organic Compounds, especially if you or someone in your home has asthma. Aerosol sprays, disinfectants, and air fresheners are likely to contain Volatile Organic Compounds .
*Avoid chemicals that are linked to reproductive harm. Products that contain endocrine disrupting chemicals. These include: all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, tub/tile cleaners and degreasers.
*Use fewer products. An all-purpose cleaner can handle a lot of cleaning jobs around the house. Therefor, It is not always necessary to have a different product for each room.
3. Buy products from manufacturers that disclose ingredients on the label.
If a product does not include ingredients on the label. Call the customer service number on the product and ask the company to disclose the ingredients.
4. Never mix products.
Chemicals in cleaning products can have dangerous reactions with one another. Above all, never mix bleach and ammonia. When they are combined, the mixture is deadly! On the other hand, it’s best not to mix bleach with anything!!
source: womensvoices.org
