Learning about chemicals and toxins wasn’t high up on my list when I first started my journey to natural health. All I was thinking about was nutrition, foods, and my lifestyle related to diet and exercise.
It wasn’t until later that I realized just how important using natural cleaners in my home actually was.
You see… I didn’t really know just how much I absorbed through my skin. I used the regular everyday cleaning supplies everyone else used in my home and worst of all… I never wore gloves when I cleaned because they annoyed me. I cringe when I think back on it. If I’d known then what I know now, I would have dealt with the inconvenience of gloves at least!
I’d say it was during the first year after having my first child that I realized the truth about store-bought cleaners, and it was definitely thanks to the fact that I now had a baby to think about. When it was just me and my husband it didn’t matter so much (it pains me to even say that now), but when I thought about my little 6 month old sitting and crawling on our wood floor that I’d just mopped with waxes and harsh detergents, it changed my viewpoint entirely. It opened my eyes, and I wanted to know more about what I was actually using.
Store Bought Cleaners Are TOXIC To Your Child’s Body
Photo Credit: Warning Signs
Out of all the members of a family, babies and small children are most at risk for being harmed by the toxins found in store-bought cleaners.
Why?
Think about it. They sit and crawl on the floor. They put EVERYTHING in their mouths. They eat food that’s touched surfaces that have been cleaned. They play with toys that have been sprayed in order to be cleaned. They are coming into contact with the chemical residues that household cleaners leave behind once they’ve dried.
Another cause for concern when it comes to a child’s exposure verses an adult’s exposure is their body size. This GreenCleanCertified.com article explains it this way. “Another factor is that, pound for pound, children’s exposure levels are higher than adults because, although the amount of chemicals in an exposure remains equal, children’s bodies are smaller so the concentration is stronger, essentially.”
So What Are The Effects Of These Toxins On The Body?
There are many effects these toxins can have on the body, and I’m sure many of them can be caused by other things besides chemical cleaners… things like GMO foods or ingredients in the skincare products you use on your children. For me, I try not to think about each individual chemical and the resulting problems it can cause on my and my child’s health. Instead I try to simplify it and think about it in a more focused manner.
For example, I know that when my sweet Uriah is crawling around on the floor, holding his orange slice in his hand, mopping the floor with it, only to stop and stick it in his mouth for a quick taste of it’s sweet, tangy juice before he moves on again – I know that he is ingesting and absorbing whatever his orange mopped up from the floor and his hands touched. Since I know how the skin absorbs things and how the digestive system works, I know that his liver and kidneys are filtering his blood and trying it’s best to get these toxins and chemicals removed from his body. That means that these things are affecting these vital organs and can cause a lot of problems. You see… they can’t get rid of all the toxins. Some things stay in the body and are stored up. YIKES!
Thinking about his organs instead of each chemical and it’s effects makes it easier on me. Plus, everything affects the liver and kidneys and since these organs are must-haves, I’m more passionate about doing all I can to keep them in tip-top shape.
This post from A Much Better Way briefly describes some of the results that store-bought cleaners and their toxins can have on you and your child’s health. Do you have any of these things in your home, or are you dealing with any of these issues with one of your kids?
- Bleach has been linked to reproductive problems in men and learning and behavioral problems in children.
- Everyday household cleaners are the number one cause of poisoning children.
- Behavioral problems have been linked to exposure to toxic chemicals and molds.
- Carpet cleaner solution is extremely toxic to children. The fumes given off by carpet cleaners can cause cancer and liver damage.
- Laundry detergents, household cleaners and pesticides have been linked to breast cancer.
- Glass cleaners often may contain ammonia. Fumes from ammonia can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
- Toilet Bowl Cleaners are one of the most dangerous cleaning products. Can contain chlorine and hydrochloric acid. Harmful to health simply by breathing during use.
- Formaldehyde, phenol, benzene and toluene are found in common household cleaners, cosmetics, beverages, fabrics and cigarette smoke. These chemicals are cancer causing and toxic to the immune system.
- An EPA study stated that the toxic chemicals in household cleaners are 3 times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air.
Are You Feeling Overwhelmed?
In a way it feels like you just can’t win. You just can’t get away from something that’s going to be bad for you or your child.
Here’s the thing though.
Don’t give up.
That’s what this natural health journey is all about. Learn about one thing and take action. Try to improve that area of your life little by little.
I don’t do everything perfectly for sure. I’m still learning. I’m still improving our lifestyles. You can take this approach too.
You won’t find me encouraging you to go out and spend a ton of money redoing everything in your home in order to make it toxin and chemical free without knowing WHY you are doing it. No. I think you need to learn… to understand why you’re taking the steps you’re taking.
Today I’ve given you one great reason to switch to natural cleaners if you haven’t already. It will benefit your and your child’s health, and if you decide to make your own cleaners, it will benefit your bank account too.
Come back next Wednesday and each one after that during the month of April. I’m going to be showing you how I make a few of my own homemade natural cleaners so that when Uriah mops the floor with his orange, I don’t have to stress so much! You’ll see just how simple and cheap it is!
If you’re looking for a great resource for natural cleaners… all in one place, this is it! I LOVE this e-book and refer to it often. There are over 50 recipes in it and tons of great information on why going natural is best!
CLICK HERE to order your copy today!!