How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

In our previous blog posts, we’ve covered why it’s critical to clean up your foods and personal-care products. Now it’s time to examine the chemicals in your home. A growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. At no other time in history have there been so many toxins and pollutants in our environment, particularly the home. The home is the No. 1 source for toxic chemicals. 

According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Common toxic chemicals found in the home are three times more likely to cause cancer than airborne pollutants. The EPA has also reported that nearly every American has 30 cancer-causing chemicals detectable in their fatty tissue. 

This is another great reason to clean up toxic chemical products at home. It’s part of your preventive- medicine strategy. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air within our homes can be five to 10 times more heavily polluted than outdoor air, even in the largest industrial cities. This is critical because individuals in Western industrialized cities spend up to 90% of their time indoors. One of the primary sources of this indoor air pollution is chemical cleaners, which also happen to be one of the easiest areas to fix. 

Since the 1970s, there has been a disturbing increase in the number of toxic chemicals that go into the making of household products. Most of these chemicals have never been tested for toxicity. According to the Household Toxins Institute, of the approximately 87,000 chemicals now in common use, only 1,350 have been tested for carcinogenicity or other health effects. That’s less than 2% of the total 87,000. Interestingly, the steady increase of toxic chemicals used today directly coincides with a steady increase in childhood illnesses and asthma. Childhood asthma has increased more than 40% since 1980, according to the EPA, and asthma deaths in children and young persons have increased by 118% since 1980. One study concluded that the majority of the 400,000 annual emergency room visits for severe asthma attacks are brought on by poor indoor air quality. 

With today’s energy-efficient homes and building materials, many times indoor air quality is forgotten. From the wall-to-wall carpet on your floor to the paint on your walls, or the particle board in your furniture or cabinets, to the vinyl or polyvinyl chloride, or the candles you light to the heavily fragranced laundry detergent and dryer sheets, and more, houses continually off-gas toxic fumes for years. The “new carpet,” “paint” or “car” smell is all chemical off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that creates a serious indoor air pollution problem in homes, offices, and cars.

Wall-to-wall carpeting is great but it is very tough to keep clean and traps dirt, pollen, dust, mites, mold, mildew, and more inside. If you are an allergy sufferer, I recommend hardwood floors and getting an electrostatic furnace filter. Not only is it a better filtration system but you can simply reuse it by washing it monthly which reduces landfill waste and saves you money on replacements. If you love carpeting, consider getting some throw rugs that can be easily cleaned on a regular basis. 

Moisture and mold can also heavily affect indoor air quality. Allergens, dust, mold spores, fungi, pet dander, dust mites, pollen, candle smoke and soot, and the like can be efficiently spread through a home via heating and air conditioning ducts. With today’s energy-efficient homes, these contaminants become “locked inside” unless you are actively filtering them or circulating fresh outdoor air with indoor air. 

Short-term air pollution indicators are irritations of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, fatigue, memory problems, depression, hyperactivity, and dizziness. Long-term health effects of indoor air pollution problems can show up years later in the form of respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer. Symptoms of other diseases such as asthma, hypersensitivity, pneumonitis, and humidifier fever are all aggravated after exposure to some air pollutants. If you are suffering from these symptoms, you can have someone come to your home and test for indoor air pollution. The sample will usually be sent to a lab to uncover what is exactly in the air you and your family are breathing. 

Also, beware of burning those pretty-smelling candles! Most contain petroleum as a main ingredient and can leave dark soot marks on your walls. Candles are also usually full of synthetic fragrances that contain phthalates. As previously mentioned, phthalates a group of chemicals found in fragrances, are linked to birth defects and liver cancer in lab animals as well as asthma in children. If you currently use an air filter, you’ll find it turning black as the waxy particles begin to clog the air cleaner and attracts more dirt. If it continues long enough, it could ruin the air filter. 

Home Indoor Air Filter Solutions 

For continuous indoor air filtration consider the electrostatic filter previously mentioned. If this won’t work for you, check out stand-alone systems like the medical grade HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. HEPA filters, by definition, remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 micrometers (μm) in diameter. HEPA filters are designed to target much smaller pollutants and particles than membrane filters. 

If you don’t have serious allergies or breathing problems, another natural solution for the home could be houseplants. In the mid-1980s, Dr. B.C. Wolverton and fellow researchers at NASA conducted several studies to determine whether plants could halt indoor pollution and provide a natural way to deal with the problem. They determined that foliage plants in a sealed Plexiglas test chamber — housed in pots containing a commercial, nonsterile potting soil mixture — could reduce air concentrations of VOCs like formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzene, as well as carbon monoxide. Photosynthesis plays a role, Wolverton noted, with its “continuous exchange of gaseous substances between plant leaves and the surrounding atmosphere.” This was promising news, as formaldehyde is particularly noxious, and it’s commonly found in foam insulation, plywood, particle board, paneling, floor coverings, carpet backing, grocery bags, and paper towels, he noted. 

Wolverton suggested that philodendrons and aloe vera were the most effective plants for removing formaldehyde; philodendrons and golden pothos were effective in removing benzene and carbon monoxide, and spider plants were effective in removing formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. 

In 1989, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America followed up with a large-scale report, which concluded that “when plants and potting soil are constantly exposed to air containing such toxic chemicals as benzene, their capacity to continuously clean the air improves.” Wolverton ultimately concluded that “low-light-requiring houseplants, along with activated carbon plant filters, have demonstrated the potential for improving indoor air quality by removing trace organic pollutants from the air in energy-efficient buildings…Maximizing air exposure to the plant root-soil area should be considered when placing plants in buildings for the best air filtration. Activated carbon filters containing fans have the capacity for rapidly filtering large volumes of polluted air and should be considered an integral part of any plan using houseplants for solving indoor air pollution problems.” 

Search the Internet, and you’ll find a flurry of stories that herald NASA’s discoveries. But scientists have not been able to replicate the findings, says Kenneth Brewer, national technical and health & safety manager for Riverwoods, Illinois-based Initial Tropical Plants, the largest provider of interior landscaping, design installation and maintenance services to businesses in North America. 

“Of all the benefits espoused to indoor plants, the issue of air purification is most certainly the most dubious and questionable,” he tells OrganicAuthority.com. The toxins cited are “certainly undesirable,” he says, but he “cannot, in good conscience, comment in the affirmative as to the ability of indoor plants in diminishment or elimination of these items. There is no doubt that, as part of the photosynthetic process, plants remove carbon dioxide and replace it with oxygen. However, the amount that is generated by a group of plants that is not fully photosynthetically active (in indoor conditions) might be cause for some thoughtful consideration.” 

The EPA has also weighed in, stating: “Recent reports in the media and promotions by the decorative houseplant industry characterize plants as ‘nature’s clean air machine,’ claiming that National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) research shows plants remove indoor air pollutants. While it is true that plants remove carbon dioxide from the air, and the ability of plants to remove certain other pollutants from water is the basis for some pollution control methods, the ability of plants to control indoor air pollution is less well established. Most research to date used small chambers without any air exchange, which makes extrapolation to real-world environments extremely uncertain. The only available study of the use of plants to control indoor air pollutants in an actual building could not determine any benefit from the use of plants. As a practical means of pollution control, the plant removal mechanisms appear to be inconsequential compared to common ventilation and air exchange rates. In other words, the ability of plants to improve indoor air quality is limited in comparison with the provision of adequate ventilation. While decorative foliage plants may be aesthetically pleasing, it should be noted that over-damp planter soil conditions may actually promote the growth of unhealthy microorganisms.” 

So, what’s the bottom line for those of us who practice organic gardening? Plants certainly can’t hurt your environment. As the EPA cautions, don’t allow the soil to become too damp, or you risk mold and fungal development. Also, recognize that plants serve another important function: They reduce stress. Multiple studies conclude that by cheering up our living and work areas, plants help us cope with fatigue and tension while improving our mood. Can’t argue with that! 

If you do want to add a few plants around the house here are a few recommendations. 

• Spider plants and peace lilies are recommended for removing carbon dioxide 
• Ficus and aloe vera are recommended to remove formaldehyde and benzene 

These pollutants are from paint, varnish, adhesives, insulation, pressed wood, and particle board.
A final tip on how to keep your air fresh and clean, open the windows and turn on the fans! This is a great way to freshen up stale air and let the light in! 

The Truth Behind Antibacterial Cleaners 

Antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaners, disinfectants, and soaps contain pesticides. 

Yep: you read that right. The very products we are told guarantee ultimate levels of cleanliness, the active ingredient in those products must be registered with the EPA as a pesticide if the word “antibacterial” is on the label. 

Unfortunately, antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaners, disinfectants, and soaps contain pesticides. When you clean your home with these products, you are essentially spreading a layer of pesticides in and around surfaces, floors, and countertops, thereby exposing yourself, your children, your pets, and anyone else who visits these chemicals. For a manufacturer to put the “antibacterial” label on a cleaner, the active ingredient has to be registered with the EPA as a pesticide. 

Fact: More than 275 different active ingredients in antibacterial products are classified as pesticides by the EPA. 

Despite what the media and manufacturers have told us, most of the microbes that antibacterial soaps, cleansers, and disinfectants are designed to kill are actually harmless. The dozens of antibacterial and antimicrobial products used to “clean” homes today are, in reality, chemical overkill, and they pose a threat to our immediate health and safety. Furthermore, these harsh chemical cleaners will not permanently rid the home of germs. Despite popular belief, antibacterial agents don’t destroy the viruses that cause colds and flu. You have a better chance of protecting yourself and your children from these common ailments by the simple act of washing your hands with warm soap and water. Remember: If you’re a “germaphobe,” it’s truly possible to wash your hands too much. Excessive hand washing can leave skin chapped and encourage dangerous bacterial growth. In fact, research shows frequent washing with harsh detergents can double the number of pathogenic bacteria that live on the skin of the hands. 

Some of these chemicals like phenol (found in disinfectants) are poisonous and corrosive. That means if you drink enough of the product, it will cause death and if it comes in contact with the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes you could be severely burned. Others like cresol (found in Lysol), a suspected carcinogen, can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea, and even circulatory, respiratory, or cardiac failure. Another common chemical oxalic acid, a disinfectant found in toilet bowl cleaners, may irritate the eyes and skin and can damage the respiratory and nervous systems and the kidneys. 

In fact, many in the medical and scientific communities are concerned that the overuse of antibacterial products will lead to stronger strains of bacteria that will become resistant to these chemical cleaners, which is a public-health risk. 

A Simple Solution to Antibacterial Cleaners 

Vinegar is the workhorse for the natural home. Tests from The Good Housekeeping Institute showed vinegar kills 99% of all bacteria, 82% of all molds, and 80% of germs and viruses. It’s interesting to note that vinegar manufacturers cannot put the “antibacterial” label on their products because it hasn’t been registered with the EPA as a pesticide. 

When shopping for vinegar, look for brands made from grain (there are now organic versions on the market), as some white vinegar comes from petroleum (a nonrenewable resource). 

You will find that many natural cleaning products contain vinegar and essential oils. You can also make your own cleaning products.

How to Start Identifying Offending Chemical Products in and Around Your Home 

Just as you did with your food and personal-care products, get to know the cleaning products you currently have at home. At every opportunity, pick up the household products you or your cleaning person uses to sanitize your kitchen, floors, countertops, toilets, bathtubs, and even your hand soap, and start reading the labels. 

Continually ask yourself the following questions: 

• What’s in this product?
• Am I familiar with the ingredients? 
• Can I pronounce the names of the ingredients? 
• Does this product contain fragrance? 
• Does the manufacturer commit to full disclosure for all product ingredients or just some of them? 
• Is this an antibacterial or disinfectant cleaner that contains pesticides as its active ingredient? 
• Does it have any of the following warning labels? 
  • DANGER – Harmful or fatal if swallowed. A taste of a teaspoonful taken by mouth could kill an average-sized adult. 
  • WARNING – Harmful if swallowed. A teaspoonful to an ounce taken by mouth could kill an average-sized adult. 
  • CAUTION – Harmful if swallowed. An ounce to over a pint taken by mouth could kill an average-sized adult. 

Tip #1: Start swapping out all your conventional, commercial household cleaners. You have two options: You can either swap them out as you run out or dispose of them. If you choose to dispose of them immediately, you need to do so properly. You can’t just pour them down the drain or gutter or toss them in the trash. At that point, you are polluting the environment. Chemical household cleaners are considered hazardous waste and need to be treated as such. Take them to your city’s household hazardous waste facility. To locate the closest facility, Google your city’s name with the phrase “household hazardous waste facility.” 

Offending Household Product List 

• Air fresheners (Have any in your home, car, or at work?) 
• Scouring powders that contain fragrance, bleach, or any other unhealthy chemicals 
• Common tub and tile cleaner 
• Ammonia 
• Disinfectant cleaners 
• Common furniture polish 
• Common dusting products 
• Commercial drain cleaners 
• Commercial metal polishes 
• Detergents with fragrance 
• Common spot removers
• Common dryer sheets
• Oven cleaners (these are among the worst offenders!)
• Common mold and mildew removers (The secret to dealing with mold and mildew growth is prevention. Run the fan and open a window in the bathroom after you’ve showered or bathed to keep the room dry. If you don’t have a fan, install one. If a bathroom is allowed to dry out at least once a day, bacteria, mold, fungi, and mildew are unable to survive.) 

Do not become overwhelmed by the list above. Remember: For every product out there, that’s loaded with toxic chemicals, there is a safe alternative, and you can gradually replace products as you run out of them. 

The Problem with Air Fresheners 

Air fresheners can be a major source of air pollution in the home and are simply unhealthy for you. They do not remove odors, nor do they freshen the air. All they do is fill air space with chemicals that overpower and desensitize the nose. I highly recommend removing any air fresheners from your home, car, and office. This is also a common courtesy to others; what may smell fresh and fabulous to you can offend someone else and cause a headache. 

Simple solutions include the following: Remove the source of the offensive odor. Spray and wipe down your trash cans with your favorite nontoxic all-purpose cleaner. Sprinkle baking soda with some essential oils and add to your trash can to deodorize and absorb smells. In the bathroom, place a book of matches on top of the toilet tank (your friends will know what they’re for).

A lit match will devour the odor. And the best solution of all, which should be implemented several times a day:

Open windows to let in some fresh air and release any air-pollution buildup in your home or office. If you have a fan, turn it on. If you live in a cold climate and there are few opportunities to open the windows, you may want to consider buying an air purifier. If weather permits, open windows every now and again. 

If you’re a fragrance freak and giving up your air freshener is a tough call, then I recommend buying an essential-oil burner or diffuser. These products are responsible for the amazing therapeutic smells you experience at your favorite spa or massage/facial salon. Essential oils are highly concentrated and made from plants that carry distinctive essences or scents. The oils are generally extracted by distillation. When buying essential oils, you must shop carefully because many are cut with fragrance. Thus, look for pure—preferably certified organic—versions. You can find them online and at your local natural foods store. 

If you are still skeptical about the risk of fragrances, studies have shown most contain phthalates, a group of chemicals linked to birth defects and liver cancer in lab animals, as well as asthma in children. Because phthalates can hide behind the “fragrance” label, look for “fragrance-free” products or ones that 

exclusively use pure essential oils. This applies to every product you buy including laundry detergent, dish detergent, personal-care products, soaps, etc. 

The Problem with Chlorine Bleach 

Chlorine bleach is very caustic. It can burn the skin and lungs if you inhale too much. If it comes into contact with ammonia, you can literally create an explosion. 

Chlorine also degrades into two byproducts: dioxins and organochlorines. Dioxins are among the most toxic chemicals known today. The human body is an amazing machine; it can metabolize many chemicals—but not these two. 

The EPA has, in fact, confirmed that dioxins are a cancer hazard, capable of causing severe reproductive and developmental problems. They bioaccumulate in the environment (translation: they don’t degrade in the environment) and accumulate in human and animal fatty tissue. These contaminants are also hormone disruptors, as they mimic estrogen. They’ve been found in our streams and waterways. Fish, animals, and humans consume them. 

Chlorine and Paper Products 

Chlorine is used in the manufacture of many paper products—everything from paper towels, coffee filters, napkins, and facial tissues to tampons, panty liners, and almost any other paper product you can think of. 

When shopping for paper products, look for nonbleached, chlorine-free versions. I know these products can be tough to find, but they’re out there. Again, look for them at your local natural foods market and online stores. 

The Solution to Chlorine Bleach and Your Laundry 

Keeping your whites “white” doesn’t have to be a caustic activity for you or the environment. (Remember: All cleaning products you use go down the drain, which can contaminate the environment if they’re toxic.) Because manufacturers have listened to consumer demand for non-chlorine bleaches, there are multiple solutions on the market. Shop for “nonchlorine” bleaches and/or those that have the prefix “oxy” in their names (short for “oxygen”). Oxygen bleaches have a multitude of benefits. They are far gentler on your clothes than the chlorinated versions, and they cause minimal fading of colors. (That’s why they’re called the all-fabric bleach.) Simply follow the directions on the packaging to remove stains, and add to your laundry. Remember: Stay away from the fragranced versions. I’ve found that presoaking works very well with stain removal when using oxygen bleach. Oxygen bleach will assist in keeping a ceramic sink white, and it will remove tea or coffee stains from cups. It’s a great nontoxic substitute for anything you would clean with bleach. 

If you find your whites turn dingy, yellow, or gray over time, use a color remover. These products are commonly used to remove fabric dyes. They work counterintuitively to oxygen bleach: Instead of adding oxygen to a stain to remove it, color removers steal oxygen from stains. Rit Color Remover and Rit White Wash are two common color removers easily found at your local grocery. You can also purchase them online. 

Some product recommendations: 

• Bio-Pac 
• Biokleen Chlorine Free Oxygen Bleach Plus 
• Ecover 
• Naturally Yours 
• Shaklee 
• Seventh Generation 

Nontoxic Mold and Mildew Eradicators 

Surface mildew can be easily eradicated with full-strength white distilled vinegar. You can spray the wall, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and wipe it away. If you don’t like the smell, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as a natural antibacterial like tea tree or eucalyptus. If the mildew has left a stain, spray it with hydrogen peroxide (a natural bleach whitener), and let it sit for a few moments. If you have painted walls, test an inconspicuous corner with hydrogen peroxide to see if it changes color. Another simple solution is adding two teaspoons of tea tree oil to two cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake to combine, spray the affected area and leave. Do not wipe away. Repeat as necessary. 

If mold or mildew has been sitting on the walls for quite some time, grab a scrub brush or old toothbrush, dip it in a mixture of borax and water, and gently scrub. If the mold or mildew has been allowed to penetrate the wall (because it’s been sitting there for months or even years), allow the borax solution to sit on the walls for several days before wiping it away. If this doesn’t do the trick, you can try stain-sealing paint, or you may need to replace the wallboard. If you suspect you have a serious mold issue, this could present serious health issues, and you should consult a professional mold removal service company. If you or your clients are interested in more do-it-yourself nontoxic house-cleaning recipes, we have tons of recipes at LauraKleinGreenClub.com 

Shopping for Natural Cleaning Products: How to Read Labels 

When shopping for cleaning products, look for nonpetroleum-based agents, such as vegetable-based cleaners. Check the label to see if the product is 100% biodegradable—and it’s even better if the company gives a timeframe for how long it takes the product to biodegrade. Avoid products that contain chlorine or carry an antibacterial label; you want something that’s phosphate-, dye- and artificial fragrance-free. The fragrance is added to a lot of “all-natural” products, so buyers beware. 

Also, look for products that provide full disclosure of all ingredients. You can find them online and at your local natural food markets. I am always suspect of manufacturers that fail to provide full disclosure about their products. 

Simple Shopping and Money-Saving Tips 

With the ever-increasing demand for natural home products, thousands of online stores are now selling nontoxic cleaning products. Amazon.com even sells them in bulk, which is a great money-saving tip! If you buy a lot from Amazon.com, I encourage you to check out its “prime shipping” option. You pay a one-time yearly shipping fee for nearly every product you buy. This comes in so handy around the holidays! 

If you are a touchy-feely type of person who wants to examine a product in person, shop for these products at your local natural foods market. 

Here’s a simple, yet big, money-saving tip: Reduce the number of cleaning products you buy. Do you really need separate cleaners for each space or area of your home, such as a counter cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and kitchen cleaner? Check out the ingredient lists. Are the ingredients virtually or nearly the same? You may find you are using the same product to clean different spaces, and they just have a different label and are marketed to promote multiple purchases. Ask yourself, when reaching to buy separate cleaners for your kitchen and bathroom: Would a simple, all-purpose, nontoxic cleaner work? I bet it would. 

The Risks of Dry Cleaning 

Dry cleaning is one of the most toxic endeavors and can be extremely inconvenient. A “dry clean only” label indicates the garment’s manufacturer feels the fabric is too delicate to withstand machine laundering, or that the fabric will shrink and basically become damaged by machine laundering. 

Conventional dry cleaners use a common solvent known as perchloroethylene or perc. Continuous exposure to fumes can damage the nervous system, liver, and kidneys, as well as cause dizziness and nausea. 

One out of every 100 dry cleaning workers develops cancer—the most common cancer of the kidney, bladder, or intestines. Additionally, perc is a hazardous air pollutant that can contaminate groundwater. 

It has been my experience that many of my clothes labeled “dry clean only” can be safely washed on the delicate cycle or hand washed. If you happen to be in the market for a new dryer, check out the models with a steaming function. This is a great way to keep “dry clean only” clothes fresh. Another alternative is to look for a “wet cleaner” in your local area. As with a dry cleaner, you will need to drop off and pick up your clothes (unless the company delivers), but it doesn’t use the dangerous, toxic chemicals that dry cleaners use. I would even be wary of dry cleaners that advertise “natural,” “non-toxic,” and “organic” dry cleaning. Unless they are wet cleaners, I would probably move on. The studies are still out as to whether these “green” dry cleaners are much safer. 

If you’ve just had your clothes dry cleaned, immediately remove them from the bag and air them out outside or hang them by a window. They can emit toxic fumes, which can build up in a small space like a closet. A study done by the Consumers Union measured the amount of perc that off-gasses from freshly dry-cleaned clothes. They concluded that if someone wore a recently dry-cleaned blouse or blazer, just one time per week, that would give the wearer a 1 in 6,700 risks of developing cancer. 35 

Cleaning Up More Pesky Pesticides 

Many people are unaware of the other pesticides in their homes, including ant and roach killers, weed killers, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides. Keep in mind our definition of a pesticide, straight from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: 

Pesticides are “any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest…Pesticides can cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment because they are designed to kill or otherwise adversely affect living organisms.” 

Again, consider the risks pesticides pose to you and your family’s health, courtesy of the EPA’s website: birth defects, nerve damage, cancer, immune system and neurological problems, reproductive systems that don’t develop in a fully healthy way, and even
death. 

Here are some examples of common pesticides found in the home: ant, roach, fly, or silverfish killers; flypaper; flea bombs; flea/animal shampoos that contain pesticides; flea collars and sprays; rat and mouse poisons; and store-bought garden pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or insecticides. 

If you have these types of products in your home, remember to dispose of them properly, as they are considered hazardous household waste material. Do not throw them in the trash or pour them down the drain or a street gutter. You’ll be polluting the environment. Take them to your city’s local household hazardous waste facility for proper disposal. 

Get into preventive maintenance and care by keeping a clean house. Bug infestations occur when food and water are left out. Immediately clean up spills, food, and water. Keep trash covered and cans clean. Prevent further infestations by fixing broken screens, poorly sealed doors, and windows; seal foundation cracks. If you have a garden and employ a gardener, ask him to use organic products only. If you keep your own garden, go organic, of course. You can do some fun things like composting to create your own mulch—another big money saver that creates healthy, rich soil.

Other Contributors to Indoor Air Pollution 

Synthetic carpeting, rugs, carpet padding, and backing can emit chemical fumes for up to five years. Some of the worst chemicals are used in synthetic carpeting manufacturing, including stain repellents (Teflon, Scotchgard) and fire retardants. The most common flame retardants are polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are persistent organic pollutants (POPs). When this chemical is absorbed into the human or animal system, PBDEs build up in fatty tissue and can cause reproductive damage and birth defects. In fact, most mattresses contain PBDEs. 

When it’s time to buy a new mattress, choose organic cotton or an all-natural mattress. If the sales guy offers to finish your mattress (or any piece of new furniture) with any stain repellents, just say no. If you are a parent, steer clear of children’s pajamas that contain fire-retardant chemicals. Fire retardants are commonly found in household furnishings like couches, chairs, electrical equipment, computers, and televisions, so it’s critical to reduce your exposure to them as much as possible. 

Older carpeting may be more chemically stable, but it, too, can contribute to indoor air pollution. Carpeting traps contaminated dust particles, chemicals, synthetic solvents, and pesticides brought into the home. Every time someone walks across the carpet or vacuums, the carpet re-releases these contaminants into the air. If you or anyone in your family has asthma, or if you have young children and want to prevent the onset of asthma, consider removing wall-to-wall carpeting. It’s a haven for dust mites and can trigger allergies and asthma. If you like the warmth carpeting offers, opt for natural-fiber throw rugs made of wool, organic cotton or natural grass, among multiple other options on the market. These can easily be thrown in the washing machine and kept clean. Some alternatives to carpeting are hardwood floors that are finished with low- or no-VOC finishes and stains, cork, real linoleum, marble, stone, ceramic, concrete, and tile. 

If you’ve just installed new carpeting in your home, don’t despair. There is an excellent product on the market made by a company called Safecoat, which manufactures environmentally safe paints, finishes, and sealers, among numerous other green products. The company has created a unique product that seals carpets and stops the off-gassing of toxic fumes: Lock Out. It also helps repel dirt and stains. To learn more, go to https://www.afmsafecoat.com/ 

Paints and Air Pollution in the Home 

Paint also contributes to the indoor air pollution problem. When you smell the paint, you are smelling the release of toxic vapors like formaldehyde, kerosene, ammonia, toluene, and benzene—all known neurotoxins and carcinogens. If you decide to paint your home, look for “no-VOC,” “VOC-free” or “zero-VOC” paints. There are even low-VOC, but the no-VOC paints are best because they are almost completely free of carcinogenic chemicals. Thanks to market demand for these types of paints, they’ve become easier to find at local hardware, paint stores, Home Depot, and online. 

The Top 10 Hazardous Household Chemicals 

According to attorney Richard Alexander, who specializes in personal injury litigation (including toxic chemicals) 36 

1. AIR FRESHENERS: Most air fresheners interfere with your ability to smell by coating your nasal passages with an oil film, or by releasing a nerve-deadening agent. Known toxic chemicals found in an air freshener: Formaldehyde: Highly toxic, known carcinogen. Phenol: When phenol touches your skin, it can cause it to swell, burn, peel and break out in hives. Can cause cold sweats, convulsions, circulatory collapse, coma, and even death. 
2. AMMONIA: It is a very volatile chemical; it is very damaging to your eyes, respiratory tract, and skin. 
3. BLEACH: It is a strong corrosive. It will irritate or burn the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It may cause pulmonary edema or vomiting and coma if ingested. WARNING: Never mix bleach with ammonia. It may cause fumes, which can be DEADLY. 
4. CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY SHAMPOO: Most formulas are designed to overpower the stain itself. They accomplish the task, but not without using highly toxic substances. Some include Perchloroethylene: A known carcinogen that damages the liver, kidneys and nervous system. Ammonium Hydroxide: Corrosive; extremely irritating to eyes, skin and respiratory passages. 
5. DISHWASHER DETERGENTS: Most products contain chlorine in a dry form that is highly concentrated. They’re the No. 1 cause of child poisonings, according to poison control centers. 
6. DRAIN CLEANER: Most drain cleaners contain lye, hydrochloric acid, or trichloroethane. Lye: Caustic; burns skin and eyes; if ingested, will damage esophagus and stomach. Hydrochloric acid: Corrosive; eye and skin irritant; damages kidneys, liver, and digestive tract. Trichloroethane: Eye and skin irritant; nervous system depressant; damages liver and kidneys. 
7. FURNITURE POLISH: Petroleum Distillates: Highly flammable; can cause skin and lung cancer. Phenol: (see Air Fresheners, Phenol.) Nitrobenzene: Easily absorbed through the skin; extremely toxic. 
8. MOLD AND MILDEW CLEANERS: Chemicals contained are: Sodium hypochlorite: Corrosive; irritates or burns skin and eyes; causes fluid in the lungs, which can lead to coma or death. Formaldehyde: Highly toxic; known carcinogen; irritant to eyes, nose, throat, and skin. May cause nausea, headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, memory loss, and shortness of breath.
9. OVEN CLEANER: Sodium Hydroxide (Lye): Caustic, strong irritant; burns to skin and eyes. Inhibits reflexes; will cause severe tissue damage if swallowed.
10. ANTIBACTERIAL CLEANERS: May contain: Triclosan: Absorption through the skin may be linked to liver damage.
11. LAUNDRY ROOM PRODUCTS: Sodium or calcium hypochlorite: Highly corrosive; irritates or burns skin, eyes, or respiratory tract. Linear alkylate sulfonate: Absorbed through the skin. Known liver-damaging agent. Sodium Tripolyphosphate: Irritates skin and mucous membranes; causes vomiting. Easily absorbed through the skin from clothes.
12. TOILET BOWL CLEANERS: Hydrochloric acid: Highly corrosive; irritant to skin and eyes. Damages the kidneys and liver. Hypochlorite Bleach: Corrosive; irritates or burns eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. May cause pulmonary edema, vomiting or coma if ingested. Contact with other chemicals may cause chlorine fumes, which may be fatal. 

Other Nasty Things Around Your Home 

PESTICIDES: Most pesticides have ingredients that affect insects’ nervous systems. Dimpylate: Better known as Diazinon; extremely toxic. Impairs the central nervous system. Chlorinate Hydrocarbons: Suspected carcinogen and mutantagen. Accumulates in food and in fatty tissue. Will attack the nervous system. Organophosphates: Toxic and poisonous. If you can smell it, your lungs are absorbing it. 

FLEA POWDERS: Carbaryl: Very toxic. Causes skin, respiratory and cardiovascular system damage. Chlordane: Accumulates in the food chain; may damage eyes, lungs, liver, kidneys, and skin. Dichlorophene: Skin irritation; may damage liver, kidneys, spleen, and central nervous system. 

LICE SHAMPOO: Children are especially vulnerable. Lindane: Inhalation, ingestion, or ABSORPTION through the SKIN causes vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and circulatory collapse. May cause liver damage, stillbirths, birth defects, and cancer. 

CAR WASH AND POLISH: Petroleum Distillates: Associated with skin and lung cancer; irritant to skin, eyes, nose, and lungs. Entry into the lungs may cause fatal pulmonary edema. Most are marked “Danger,” “Harmful” or “Fatal.” 

TAR AND BUG REMOVER: Contains xylene and petroleum distillates. 

Remember the warning terms used on products are significant: 

DANGER – Harmful or fatal if swallowed a teaspoonful taken by mouth could kill an average-sized adult. 

WARNING – Harmful if swallowed. A teaspoonful to an ounce taken by mouth could kill an average-sized adult. 

CAUTION – Harmful if swallowed. An ounce to over a pint taken by mouth could kill an average-sized adult. 

Green Product Recommendations 

Here is a list of recommended products and solutions. This list is by no means exhaustive. There are new products that come onto the market every day. The purpose of this list is to get you started. 

All-Purpose Cleaning Solutions: 

1. AFM Safe Choice Super Clean 
2. Attitude Cleaning Products 
3. BioShield Vinegar Cleaner 
4. Bon Ami Cleaning Powder 
5. Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds 
6. Ecover All-Purpose Cleaner 
7. Life Tree Fresh and Natural 
8. Shaklee Basic H All-Purpose Cleaner 
9. Seventh Generation Cleaners 

Bathroom and Toilet Bowl Cleaners: 

• AFM SafeChoice Safety Clean 
• Attitude Cleaning Products 
• BioShield Toilet Bowl Cleaner 
• Bon Ami Cleaning Powder 
• Earth Friendly Toilet Bowl Cleaner 
• Ecover Toilet Cleaner 
• Naturally Clean Tub & Tile 

Cleans and deodorizes all bathroom surfaces: tile, grout, glass, chrome, brass, finished wood, laminate, porcelain, and fiberglass. 

• Seventh Generation Bathroom Cleaner 
• Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner 
• Seventh Generation Shower Cleaner 

If you use any type of automatic toilet bowl cleaner that contains bleach, remove it and send it to your local household waste facility. If you use one in combination with a nontoxic cleaner that contains vinegar, combining the two could produce chlorine gas. 

Furniture Polish Recommendations: 

Hazard: Most commercial furniture polish contains petroleum distillates, which are flammable, toxic, and pollute the air. 

Solutions: 

• Murphy’s Oil Soap 
• Earth Friendly Products Furniture Polish 
• Daddy Van’s All Natural Beeswax Furniture Polish 

Here’s a simple do-it-yourself solution: 

1⁄4 cup distilled white vinegar
1–2 teaspoons olive oil (or jojoba oil) 4–6 drops of your favorite essential oils 

Dusting Product Alternative: 

DIY money-saver solution: Add a few drops of olive oil to 1⁄4 cup white distilled vinegar, and dampen a soft rag for your solution. If you are a fragrance freak, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. 

Hardwood Floor Cleaners: 

• Murphy’s Oil Soap 
• Naturally Clean Floors 

Carpet Cleaning Solutions: 

Conventional carpet cleaning solutions can be very toxic. 

• Capture Carpet Cleaning System 
• Begley’s Best Household Cleaner & Carpet Spot Remover 
• Nature Clean Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner 
• Seventh Generation Natural Citrus Carpet Cleaner with hydrogen peroxide

Dish Detergent Solutions: 

• BioShield Dishwasher Concentrate 
• Earth Friendly Dishmate 
• Ecover Dish Liquid 
• Naturally Yours Dishwashing Detergent 
• Seventh Generation Automatic Dish Powder or Liquid 

Dishwashing Tips: Only run full loads of dishes to save water. Consider air drying your dishes to conserve electricity. When purchasing new appliances, look for Energy Star-rated appliances. Check with your city for rebates. 

Drain Cleaning Solutions:

Hazard: Commercial drain cleaners are among the most hazardous cleaning products in the home. Many contain ingredients like sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite (bleach) that can burn skin and eyes on contact. A single drop to the eye can damage it. 

The first line of defense is to prevent drains from becoming clogged in the first place. Install a simple drain screen to trap hair and other particles. Drain screens can be found at your local hardware store. 

When a clog occurs, many experts recommend against using corrosive drain cleaners because of the sheer health risks they pose to humans. In fact, they say 90% of the time, a plunger will take care of the problem. If that doesn’t do it, a snake or auger will take care of the rest. 

Products we recommend: 

• Kleer Drain 
• Earth Friendly Earth Enzymes Drain Opener 
• Naturally Yours Enz-Away
• Drainbo Natural Drain Cleaner Hand Soap Solutions: 
• Best: Miessence liquid hand soap 
• Deep Steep Foaming Hand Wash 
• BioShield Hand Soap 

Glass Cleaners: 

Many commercial glass cleaners contain one of the most toxic ingredients found in common household cleaners: ammonia. Some may also contain butyl cellosolve, which can cause nerve damage, and wax, which can leave behind a residue. 

A simple do-it-yourself solution is to fill your own spray bottle with 50% water and 50% distilled white vinegar. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a fresh scent or a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Wipe with old newspapers and recycle! 

If you don’t want to make your own window cleaner creation, look for natural alternatives like Earth Friendly Products Window Kleener. 

Products we recommend: 

• BioShield Glass Cleaner 
• Earth Friendly Window Kleener 
• Seventh Generation Glass & Surface Cleaner 
• Shaklee Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate 

Laundry Care Solutions: 

• Seventh Generation (They also have an excellent laundry detergent for babies!) 
• Ecover 
• Biokleen Laundry Liquid 
• Earth Friendly ECOS Products 
• Trader Joe’s Next to Godliness 

Fabric softener solutions: 

• Ecover Natural Fabric Softener butyl cellosolve 
• Seventh Generation’s Natural Lavender Scent Fabric Softener 
• Simple do-it-yourself tip: Add 1⁄4 cup distilled white vinegar to your wash. Pour into your washing machine’s fabric-softener dispenser. Vinegar will also soften clothes, eliminate static cling, and assist in whitening and brightening your clothes. 

Dryer sheet solutions: 

Buyer beware. If you are using plastic dryer balls that claim to be earth-friendly because “they soften fabrics without chemicals,” think again. The balls are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the most toxic and least recyclable plastics. The PVC manufacturing process releases carcinogenic dioxins and contain phthalates. 

If you have children or pets, these plastic balls may appear to be an attractive toy. You don’t want your child or pet placing them in his or her mouth. 

Product Solutions: 

• Seventh Generation’s Fabric Softener 
• Ecover’s Fabric Softener 

Spray starch solutions: 

We do not recommend the use of spray starch for several reasons. Aerosol cans are dangerous, and the starch may contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, phenol, and pentachlorophenol. Have your earth-friendly wet cleaner do a “press-only, no-starch” service. Their heavy, high-heat pressing machines create a nice pressed look that holds very well. 

A simple do-it-yourself solution: Spray starch is a combination of corn starch and chemicals. You can make your own by dissolving 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 pint of cold water. Keep it in a spray bottle. Shake before using. Or you can keep it simple and do as I do, use water. I keep it in a simple spray bottle. 

Laundry Lesson Tips: 

Use your washing machine only when it’s completely full. Choose the appropriate water level and or load-size setting to conserve water. When purchasing new appliances, look for Energy Star-rated appliances. Check with your city for rebates. 

Metal Polish, Commercial Alternatives 

Hazard: Metal polishes can contain potentially nerve-damaging petroleum distillates; ammonia can irritate the lungs, eyes, and skin. 

Solutions: 

• Copper – Use ketchup to keep your copper pots and pans clean. Rub it on copperware with a soft cloth. Rinse with water and dry. 
• Silver – Scrub with toothpaste. 
• Brass – Rub lemon juice on brass with a soft cloth; rinse with water and dry. Brass rubbed with a bit of olive oil after each cleaning will look brighter and require less polishing.
• Other mixtures that work: 
  • A simple paste of lemon juice and salt; or paste of lemon juice and cream of tartar. Apply to metal, and let sit for 5 minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry. 

Less-Toxic Brands You Can Purchase: 

• Our House Works Minerals and Metals Cleaner 
• Twinkle Silver Polish 
• Twinkle Copper Polish
• Handy Tip: Polishing silver frequently can damage it. To protect silver and minimize tarnish, keep your silver wrapped in “silvercloth.” You can find silvercloth on the Internet and/or at your local jewelry or fabric store. 

Mildew & Mold Remover: 

• • Attitude Bathroom Mold and Mildew 
  • Naturally Clean Mildew (enzyme cleaner) 
  • Seventh Generation Natural Shower Cleaner 

The Dangers of Mothballs 

I highly recommend removing any mothballs from your home. They contain a toxic volatile chemical, paradichlorobenzene, that 

can cause multiple health issues, including headaches, nausea, severe irritation to the throat and lungs, and liver/kidney damage if you are exposed to it over a long period. 

Solutions: sachets full of dried lavender, rosemary, mint, cedar chips soaked in real cedar oil, and whole peppercorns. You can find cedar chips at pet stores, and dried herbs are available online and at natural food stores. 

To prevent moth infestations of clothes, store them properly. Create a drawer that contains the above natural repellants, or buy a cedar-lined trunk for your woolens. Airtight containers, such as paper packages or cardboard boxes with the edges sealed with paper tape, work well. 

How To Create a Healthy Bedroom 

We spend about one-third of our lives asleep in our bed in the bedroom, so it’s an important place to keep fresh and healthy! Believe it or not our mattresses, carpeting, furniture, and more off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) create an air pollution problem in your bedroom. As mentioned earlier, much of our home furnishings including mattresses, foam padding, furniture, electronics, and more have been sprayed with flame retardants like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and other chemicals. Some of the worst forms of PBDEs have been phased out, but other forms are still in use. The problem with PBDEs is that they are very persistent in the environment and build up in human and animal fatty tissue (which if not eliminated from the body can be the start of disease). Other chemicals that are used on mattresses include Teflon and Scotchguard (stain and water-repelling chemicals). Both contain questionable chemicals that may be carcinogens, and they don’t biodegrade. Today it is safe to assume that all fabrics unless specified, are treated with a chemical flame retardant or stain protection. My philosophy is better to be safe than sorry and choose healthy products that aren’t loaded and sprayed with toxic chemicals. 

Healthier options for mattresses include natural cotton or organic cotton mattress (which are great choices for those who are chemically sensitive and or allergic to latex). If a natural cotton mattress is too firm, add a wool topper to soften it and relieve pressure points. The topper can also reduce body indentations that occur over time. 

If you are not allergic to natural latex mattresses, they are a great choice because they are anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, dust-mite proof and a great relief to pressure points. Instead of sleeping on top of the mattress, you are literally sleeping in it. This makes for a more restful sound sleep. If you do opt for a natural latex mattress, make sure it is not the 60/40 blend of natural latex and petroleum-based chemicals. 

If you can’t afford a new mattress right now, a great alternative is to get wool, organic cotton or natural rubber topper. This will put some distance between you and your current bed which could be full of off-gassing toxic chemicals. 

If you are an allergen or asthma sufferer, you may want to make some simple changes in your bed routine to reduce your exposure to dust mites. For years, doctors recommended allergen sufferers choose synthetic pillows, comforters, and quilts, over down or feather-filled bedding. Sounds logical right? However, researchers at the Wellington Asthma Research Group in New Zealand further investigated if this was indeed true. They set out to measure the dust mite concentration in synthetic filling vs. down or feather. What they found, the dust mite concentration, which is a major source of allergic reactions, in the synthetic filling can be as much as 15 times higher than in down or feather fillings. The other problem with synthetic stuffing is that they are usually made with petroleum-based polyester fillers (which are not sustainable or green). 

Why is the dust mite concentration so high in synthetic-filled bedding? If you’ve ever had down or feather-filled bedding or furniture, you might have 

noticed that the feathers escape easily. Manufacturers therefore must cover the bedding or piece of furniture with tightly woven fabric that keeps the feathers at bay. On average the space between the threads in the fabric used to cover down feathers is about 18 millimeters wide. The average space between thread in fabric used to cover synthetic bedding is about 57 millimeters. The average size of a house larvae dust mite is about 20 millimeters wide. So those little larvae can squeak through the wider spaces between the threads of synthetic bedding and set up house, leading to a higher concentration of dust mites. 

Now the downside of down and feather bedding is that many times the fluffy feathers are brutally plucked from live birds repeatedly. The feathers then undergo chemical treatment using formaldehyde, bleach amongst other chemicals to sterilize the feathers. There are manufacturers out there however that will only use feathers that come from already slaughtered birds. Ikea does this. Other healthy options include organic cotton, wool (great for wicking moisture away), buckwheat hulls (great for neck support) pillows. Pillows and beds made from natural rubber are also excellent options. You can even buy organic cotton casings for your current pillows if you wish to keep them. All are healthy and safe options. 

When it comes to sheets, you’ll also want to begin changing those out to healthier versions. 25% of the world’s pesticide use is used to grow cotton. The top nine pesticides used in the United States are classified by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as categories I and II, the most dangerous chemicals. Of the top nine pesticides, five are used to grow cotton and are known cancer-causing chemicals. So when you use conventional sheets, you are exposing yourself to a whole host of unseen toxic chemicals including pesticides, bleaches, dyes, and even wrinkle-resistant permanent-press chemical finishes, which likely contain carcinogenic formaldehyde. Even a few washings won’t remove all the chemicals. On another note, much of conventional Egyptian cotton comes from inhumane child labor. So begin choosing your sheets wisely. 

When washing your sheets, to kill any dust mites you might have lurking, wash them in hot water at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit to kill dust mites. This may take a little more energy use, but it’s healthier for you. 

If you have old carpeting in your bedroom, I will highly recommend getting rid of it. It is a breeding ground for dust mites, mold, viruses, and more, particularly if you are an allergy sufferer. Consider installing sustainable hardwood floors like bamboo or reclaimed wood or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified wood. 

If you want to purify your air even further, consider getting a HEPA air purifier that’s mentioned earlier. If you suspect you have mold, invest in an Airfree Air Sterilizer. It is the only air cleaner that kills mold without producing ozone. It even takes care of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and you don’t have a filter to change. 

A great regular practice is to continually air out your bedroom by opening doors and windows to circulate in the fresh air. If you have the space, make it a regular practice to air out your comforter and pillows and hang them in the sun to kill any bacteria or mold that may be lurking. This is a practice that is done regularly in Europe. There’s no reason why we can’t do it here. 

A final step to keeping your room clean is to keep the floors clean especially underneath the bed. You can either run a fresh mop under the bed or use a HEPA vacuum. 

Creating a Green Bathroom 

We’ve already talked about healthy cleaning products for your home. Remember this applies to the bathroom. If you are overly concerned about germs in the bathroom remember the two microbiologists, Charles Gerbera and Carlos Enriquez at the University of Arizona Tuscon who swabbed the toilet rim and compared it to the kitchen and found the toilet came up cleaner? So don’t let your mind talk you into pulling out or keeping the bleach and antibacterials for the bathroom. It is chemical overkill. If you want a fresh scent in the bathroom burn some invigorating essential oils like eucalyptus and lavender to make your bathroom and home smell like a spa. 

If you have a vinyl shower curtain however you may want to consider swapping it out for something a little healthier. Plastics made from vinyl like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and vinyl chloride are two of the most dangerous plastics on the market. In order to make PVC soft plasticizers are added to it. If the plasticizers are not chemically bound to the PVC they can be easily removed by heat, water, or oil. In fact, NASA banned PVC in space capsules because of off-gassing and condensation in optical equipment. 37 

Vinyl off-gasses fumes (that’s what you smell when you smell a vinyl curtain) and they mold very easily. The average bathroom usually gets very little ventilation, stays moist, and is probably on the dark side. This type of environment is perfect to promote mold growth. Black mold can literally eat holes in your curtain so at some point you’ll have to replace it. When you do, you can replace it with cotton but it can mold just as easily in moist conditions. If you can pop for it, install a glass door which will solve all of the above problems. 

While you’re updating your bathroom swap out those old towels for organic cotton or bamboo. Remember how heavily sprayed conventional cotton is? More options have come on the market for organic cotton and bamboo linens that can be very affordable. You can find them at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and your local department stores. Ideally, you want to find towels that are made with low-impact dyes. I have bought bamboo and certified organic cotton towels at Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, Pottery Barn, and more. Just do a simple search online and you might be surprised at what you’ll find. 

Where Can I Learn More?

If this topic interests you, you will also want to consider professional training, certification, and career opportunities as a Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach, Certified Holistic Life Coach,  Certified Master Health and Wellness Coach or Stress Management Coach.

You can also check out these other blogs posts:

• What is Green Living?
• Can a Green Living Lifestyle Help Prevent Disease?
• Reasons That Going Green and Sustainable Living Makes Sense

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