Effect of Household Cleaners and Your Children's Health

Currently there are 80,000 synthetic chemicalstoday. In a study conducted by THORAX in 2004, it
registered with the Environmental Protection Agencyconcluded that common household cleaners give of
(EPA) and les than 20% have been tested forfumes which can increase the risk of developing
toxicity. Because of the lack of toxicological testing,asthma in children.
our children and our children children's areA study was also conducted to investigate the
experimental subjects. Although the EPA has notassociation between the use of chemical based
tested all products for toxicity, many householdproducts in the prenatal period and patterns of
cleaning products are listed on their website aswheeze in early childhood. These findings suggest a
"hazardous household waste".direct correlation between the frequent use of
Children are highly vulnerable to chemical toxins. Theirchemical based products by pregnant women and the
ability to metabolize, detoxify and excrete harmfulwheezing in young children.
chemicals differs from that of adults. In addition,Many household cleaning products and air fresheners
children have a faster metabolism which speeds upproduce unhealthy fumes. Again, the frequent use of
the absorption of contaminants and toxins.air fresheners and cleaners produce high levels of
Additionally, children are always placing items in thevolatile organic compounds and harmful ultra fine dust
mouth. Scientists at Rutgers University discoveredin the air.
that pesticides that are sprayed in the homeSeveral all-purpose cleansers contain neurotoxins and
evaporate and re-condense onto the floors, carpets,nasal irritants that can be absorbed through the skin
and toys. Researchers concluded that theseor inhaled. Exposure to these toxic chemicals while
contaminated toys and areas are likely to give youngpregnant can disrupt the development or even cause
children a much higher dose of poison than adultsdeath of the fetus. In addition, maternal exposure to
would get in the same environment.these toxins can include birth defects, low birth
The National Academy of Science has recommendedweight, and/or behavioral deficits that may become
that infants and children be considered moreapparent as the child ages.
vulnerable to chemicals, such as those found inFor your health, healths of your family, and the health
household products, than adults in the absence ofof our environment, please use caution when using
evidence to the contrary.common household cleaners. Additionally, dispose of
Common household cleaners and appliances give offempty containers as indicated on the label. Better
fumes which can increase the risk of developingyet, think green and buy non-toxic, and biodegradable
asthma in children. During the last 30 years, asthmawhen purchasing household cleaners.
has become the most chronic childhood disease