Cleaning Could Be Killing You: How Indoor Air Pollutants Are Harmful

Children breathe faster than adults and are therefore much more susceptible to indoor air pollution. In fact, they inhale up to 50% more air per body volume than adults. A disturbing fact is that an infant who crawls on the floor inhales the equivalent of four entire cigarettes, simply from the out-gassing associated with dust mites, fungus, mold, mildew, and other indoor irritants on the floor, furniture, and other surfaces. Cleaning products are an even more dangerous contributor to bad air. The harsh chemicals that make up these products can harm even the healthiest person in your home.

So many things in our day to day lives contribute to air pollution. Some or the more common components are pollen, mold, mildew, pet dander, and radon, which is a radioactive gas responsible for tens of thousands of lung cancer associated deaths every year. Carbon monoxide is another gas that blocks oxygen flow to the brain, which leads to unconsciousness and even death. Carbon dioxide makes home inhabitants drowsy and causes headaches.

VOCs, short for volatile organic compounds, is something you are more familiar with than you might think, even though it sounds like a science class term. A VOC is a liquid or solid that gives off a gas. These gases are generally totally invisible, but it's their smell that characterizes them. A whiff of these gases means inhaling all the dangerous chemicals that are present in the liquid or solid. Some common household VOCs are paints, glues, permanent markers, and all sorts of cleaning products. Think about the headache that the odor of bleach causes. Bleach is a VOC. This smell, and its subsequent headache, is caused by the toxic chemicals in the bleach. While VOCs are regulated, it's pretty difficult, as there are so many VOCs on the market. Homes that are insulated air-tight keeps these fumes in, and on average, the VOC concentration indoors can be ten times higher inside than out.

Reducing the level of pollution in your home is not difficult at all. In fact, it's incredibly easy. A simple and easy first step is just looking at what sort of cleaning products you're using. Nasgreen's plant-based, natural floor cleaners take the danger and unpronounceable chemical names out of cleaning your home. Because it is completely biodegradable and all-natural, it doesn't leave behind harsh smells or chemical residues.

Living a healthier and happier life is something your family can start doing right now. Look around and see what might be contributing to unhealthy levels of indoor pollution. Simply knowing what in your home could be augmenting the level of pollution in your home can make a big difference. Small, simple steps and basic changes, like choosing an natural antibacterial cleaner, can help kick start a healthier and more eco-friendly home for you and your family. Think about switching to eco friendly cleaners today.