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Nontoxic Spring Cleaning

by Andreea Matei

Many chemicals used in conventional household products pollute our indoor air. Below, some suggestions for a safer, greener spring.

WHERE TOXINS FOUND
HEALTH THREATS
SOLUTIONS
Conventional and antibacterial dish detergents and hand soaps, disinfectant and all-purpose cleaners; laundry detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers Most are made from petroleum, a nonrenewableresource; fragrances may causeirritation and trigger allergic reactions;some detergents contain alkylphenolethoxylates (APEs), suspected hormonedisruptors. Antibacterial cleanserspromote growth of resistant bacteria Ecover, Naturally Yours, Seventh Generation laundry anddishwashing detergent; thorough hand-washing with plainsoap and warm water; Earth Power Herbal Disinfectant; AFMSafeChoice Super Clean; Vermont soap works or BioShieldCleaner. To soften fabric, add 1/4 cup of vinegar or bakingsoda to wash cycle; for stain removal, try soaking in watermixed with borax, lemon juice, or white vinegar
Chlorine Beach Highly caustic in the environment can create organochlorines, suspected carcinogens as well as reproductive toxins Ecover or Seventh Generation fragrance-free non-chlorine bleach uses hydrogen peroxide, also healthier for water supplies
Pesticides such as Dursban/chlorpyrifos, (now banned), and diazinon May cause harm to nervous and hormonal systems; may trigger respiratory problems and cause serious eye and skin irritation; possible cancer risk Use least toxic controls such as boric acid; for specific pests, see Product Reports at thegreenguide.com.
Old paints (containing lead) or high-VOC paints May cause learning and behavioral problems; brain- and nervous-system damage; respiratory problems. Use paints with labeled low or no VOC (volatile organic compounds) and natural paints made from renewable raw materials

SAFE DISPOSAL
To safely dispose of pesticides or paint, call your local solid-waste agency or 800cleanup (www.cleanup.org), the National Pesticide Information Center at 800-858-7378, or the National Lead Information Center, 800-424-5323. Never pour unused product down any indoor or outdoor drain or put in your regular trash.

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