Large companies like Clorox are working on developing green cleaning products, according to a story on National Public Radio on Wednesday, Feb. 6.
The report said consumers want green cleaners that work as well as the products they use, are available where they usually shop, and are made by companies they are familiar with.
It’s about time large companies are going green. It’s been known for years that household cleaning products contain harmful chemicals.
When used indoors under certain conditions, many common household cleaners and air fresheners emit toxic pollutants at levels that may lead to health risks, according to a study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
It pays to be careful about how you use household cleaners.
“Cleaning products are frequently involved in home poisonings, and some products can severely burn the skin or eyes, release harmful gases, or be harmful if swallowed,” Maria Mergel, a spokeswoman for the Washington Toxics Coalition, told me in an interview. “Cleaning products can also contain ingredients that cause water pollution.”
Information from the coalition can help you figure out how to keep your home clean without using cleaners that are harmful to you, your family, and the environment.
"Safer Cleaning Products" describes how toxic cleaners can cause health problems and lists some suggestions for safer products.
"Healthy Homes for Healthy Kids" explains why children are at higher risk than adults from exposure to toxic chemicals in the home and what you can do about it.
Cleaning Products: Answers to Questions About Cleaning Products, a page on the coalition’s Web site, offers information on toxic cleaners and recipes for home-made cleaning products.
