Go Green...Air

Essential for life, it’s the air we breathe.

Typically indoor air quality rates two to five times as polluted as outdoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Much of what we use to keep the inside of our homes and buildings clean is the leading component of toxic chemicals in the air. EPA reports that measured VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds) of indoor air can be as high as 1,000 times greater than outdoor air.

Since World War II, over 80,000 chemicals have been developed for use as cleaners, pesticides, personal care products, and plastics. Many of these chemicals contain neurotoxins. Neurotoxins suppress the nervous system and overload kidneys and liver impairing the body’s ability to rid itself of waste.

Symptoms of breathing chemical toxins or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are headaches, allergies, nose bleeds, fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, shortness of breath and memory loss. Continued exposure can lead to chronic or acute health problems, immune system disorders or cancer.

Chemical toxins or VOCs are highly present in oven cleaners, dishwasher detergents, toilet cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, air fresheners, carpet cleaners, antibacterial cleaners, perfumes, carpet shampoos. Empty containers should be taken to the hazardous waste site.

Many perfumes and aftershaves have petroleum or gasoline as a scent preservative. These types of products can deaden the sense of smell as well as contribute to allergies and breathing problems.

Solution

To promote good air quality switch to environmentally friendly products such as Earth Friendly or Seventh Generation Cleaning Products. To promote good personal air quality switch to non-toxic natural perfumes, aftershaves, bath & hair care products.

Homemade Glass Cleaner:
1/8 cup vinegar
1 cup water
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake and apply. Wipe Clean.

Recycling Centers & Info: Earth911.com

Go Green Info: Treehugger.com NatureNeutral.com

Non-toxic Cleaning Products: Ecos.com seventhgeneration.com

Learn how to make Non-toxic Household Cleaners, download the free recipe book: www.cvswmd.org/pdf/non-toxic_cleaners.pdf