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Cleaning Concerns

Can Household Products Harm
Your Children?

By Teri Brown

Jeffery Hollender, president of Seventh Generation, a company devoted to providing non-toxic and environmentally safe household products, believes that while modern technology has given us immense benefits that enhance our well being, it has also brought with it a host of dangers that threaten that very well being. "It's become increasingly apparent that some of these advances have come with hidden price tags, particularly where the production and use of synthetic chemicals is concerned," says Hollender. "As our use of these compounds in our homes and workplaces has grown over the last 60 years, the incidence of diseases like cancer and asthma has grown dramatically as well, and many experts see a clear connection between the two."

Many people would be willing to use nontoxic products if they worked as well as the conventional ones. Seventh Generation and similar companies are dedicated to finding household cleansers that won't make us and our children ill while we clean our house. "We know that if natural household products don't work, you won't use them," says Hollender. "That's why we continuously research new ingredients and technologies."

While many experts believe that the VOCs in cleansers and other househod products cause higher occurrences of cancer and an increase in asthma, others remain unconvinced. Edward P. Krenzelok, director of the Pittsburgh Poison Center at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, believes that household cleaners are safe when used as directed. "Most cleaners are quite safe," says Krenzelok. "Oven and drain cleaner may be toxic, but if they are used properly and stored out of the reach of children, there should not be a problem."

So with all the conflicting information, what is a parent to do? That depends on your situation and your children. If you notice that your child gets a headache or becomes dizzy after you clean the sinks, perhaps you should look into nontoxic sink cleaners. If you don't wish to switch over to nontoxic cleansers, make sure you adhere to all the directions and use them in well-ventilated areas.

Open the window, switch on a fan. Read the warning labels on your products and the ingredients label. Education is the first step toward doing what all parents strive for – keeping children safe and healthy.

Want to see more?

• Germbusters! There's No Such Thing as Being Too Clean
• Healthy Bacteria: Where to Find it and Why Babies Need It
• Bathing Your Little Beauty: How to Give Your Newborn Baby a Bath
• Talk about it!

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