In 2009, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) said household cleaners are one of the top ten pet poisons.

If your cat or dog has high levels of toxic chemicals in their systems, imagine what is happening to your children! In 2000, 10% of toxic exposures reported were due to home cleaning products.

While you can’t remove all the toxic products in your life, here are three simple changes you can make to remove the worst offenders easily and with little expense (or, even saving money!)

 

Cleaning Products

Read the labels on your cleaning products. If they warn that they are irritants and that you need caution to use them, then they will be using strong toxic chemicals.

Common products such as chlorine and ammonia can cause skin irritation and respiratory distress.

There are plenty of eco-friendly products available, such as our range here at YOURS. Also, common products around the home, notably baking soda and vinegar, can be incredibly effective cleaners.

 

Fragrances

Artificial fragrances contain phthalates. This group of chemicals is linked with endocrine disruption and a number of health issues including asthma and ADHD.

Essential oils smell good and are derived from natural products. If you must scent the air, these are a better option than commercial deodorisers/ air fresheners and artificially fragranced cleaners.

 

Pest Eradication

Chemicals used in pest eradication can be harmful. For instance, fly spray is a neurotoxin that disrupts the nerve system. 

It is a good enough reason to try and use more natural methods of pest control when possible. Prevention such as using fly screens and cleaning food waste promptly helps.

Using a fly deterrent product such as Fly Off Surface Cleaner discourages flies using the power of essential oils. Borax/ boric acid powder sprinkled lightly behind fridges/ in cupboard corners helps to kill cockroaches.

Keeping food stored in airtight containers helps to eradicate moths, silverfish, and other pantry lurkers.