Are You Cleaning With Pesticides?

Most parents are concerned about keeping their homes
germ and virus free. The most common way to do this
is with a disinfectant. But did you know that most
disinfectants are considered pesticides? While they do
provide temporary effectiveness against germs, they are
very hazardous especially in aerosol form because the
vapors can be inhaled and seep into skin. You may not
think this is bad but consider this; medicines today can be
given through a patch or nasal spray because those areas
of our body are porous. When cleaning products are
inhaled or get on skin they enter the body's system.

What kinds of chemicals in disinfectants are we talking
about?

Ammonia fumes can irritate eyes and lungs. It can cause
burns or rashes on skin. If mixed with products containing
chlorine, it can produce deadly chloramine gas.

Detergents are toxic and poisonous to ingest, causing nausea
and in extreme cases - coma

Cresol is corrosive to tissue leading to damage to the liver,
kidneys, lungs, pancreas and spleen

Lye is a caustic product that burns skin and can cause
blindness.

Phenol is a neurotoxin meaning it can cause central
nervous system depression. It can severely affect circulatory
system as well. It is corrosive to skin. Finally, its a
suspected carcinogen (causing cancer).

Pine Oil irritates eyes and mucous membranes.

No wonder many environmental health organizations such
as the EPA and the Consumer Products Safety Commission
attribute household products to the rise of a variety of
ailments such as asthma, allergies and even cancer. Its
important to note that these ailments are not attributed
to the improper use or accidental poisoning. They are
thought the be result of just using the product without
gloves or masks, and the lack of ventilation in homes
(homes are more energy efficient now which is good for
lower power bills but bad for trapping the out gassing
of household products thus causing indoor air pollution).

What's even more concerning is that manufacturer's are
not required to list every single ingredient in their
products that are used in homes. The results can be
tragic because without proper labeling, the Poison Control
Centers cannot help provide intervention when accidental
poisoning occurs.

The best way to kill germs in a manner that is safe for you
and your family is to opt for non-toxic cleaners that don't
have phenol, lye and other dangerous chemicals that are
known to cause cancer, neurological problems or other
irritations. These can be found in health related stores and
through online or mail order outlets.

The week of March 22 is National Poison Prevention month.
Take time to learn more about how your everyday household
products may be harming your family by visiting the Home
Health link at http://www.inspiring-parents.com/homehealth.cpo

***

(c) 2004 Leslie Truex

Leslie Truex is a stay and work-at-home mom who used
to equate light-headedness from breathing cleansers
as a sign of cleanliness. Now she uses non-toxic products
thus preserving her remaining brain cells and insuring
a healthier environment for her children. You can
visit her website at http://www.inspiring-parents.com