By Corey Doane
Did you know that common household sprays and cleaners are a contributing factor in 1 in 7 adult asthma cases? Unfortunately, many store-bought cleaning products have added chemicals and harmful ingredients that can cause lung irritation. Not only does this inflict symptoms that can lead to asthma, but it also poses a great risk for those already experiencing lung-related illnesses and diseases.
Products like bleach, ammonia, oven cleaners and aerosol sprays all contain volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs, that release harmful gasses into our homes that can have a long-term effect on lung health. The best way to stay healthy while also maintaining a clean home is to use all-natural, non-toxic cleaning ingredients.
There are many household items that you probably already have in your cupboard that can do an effective cleaning job and not cause any harm. Some of these household ingredients include:
White vinegar
Hydrogen peroxide
Baking soda
Castile soap
Lemons
Salt
Borax
Isopropyl alcohol
Cleaning your home shouldn’t be something that can cause harm to your family or your lungs. Here are a few cleaning tips to help make sure you stay safe while you clean your home.
1. Wear a face mask
If any of your cleaning products still contain harmful chemicals, protect yourself by wearing a face mask. This can help decrease the chances of inhaling harmful chemicals that can trigger asthma symptoms.
2. Use fragrance-free products
Added fragrances are another way to increase symptoms of asthma or COPD. Heavily scented products can cause headaches, shortness of breath and dizziness, so it’s best to avoid them. Instead of buying these scented products, try using essential oils to make your house smell good.
3. De-clutter and dust frequently
Dust can easily accumulate in hard-to-reach places or other areas like shelves and bookcases. To prevent dust from building up and releasing harmful dust particles in the air, make it a habit to dust these areas of your home often by using a skoy cloth.
For more cleaning tips and DIY lung-safe cleaning recipes, check out the infographic below.
<a href="https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/related-diseases/lung-safe-household-products/"><img src="https://www.asbestos.com/wp-content/uploads/guide-to-lung-safe-household-products.png" alt="Guide to Lung-Safe Household Products Infographic"></a><p><strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://www.asbestos.com">The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com</a></p>