At Natural Nest, we understand that a clean home should not come at the cost of your health or the environment. This is why we strictly use EPA Safer Choice Certified or top-rated EWG products for their stringent guidelines, steering clear of traditional chemicals that have been linked to a multitude of health risks. Our commitment to your well-being is reflected in our choice of products and our dedication to educating our customers about the hidden dangers lurking in many common household cleaning products.
The Hidden Dangers in Common Household Cleaners
Many off-the-shelf cleaning products contain chemicals that can cause serious health issues:
- Hormone Disruption: Chemicals such as phthalates and triclosan can interfere with the body’s hormonal balance, potentially leading to reproductive problems.
- Infertility & Birth Defects: Glycol ethers and certain solvents present in cleaning products have been linked to reproductive harm and developmental issues in children.
- Allergies & Asthma: Common ingredients like ammonia and bleach can trigger or exacerbate respiratory problems and asthma.
- ADD/ADHD: Exposure to neurotoxic chemicals can affect neurological development in children, contributing to cognitive disorders and behavior issues.
- Cancer: Some chemicals, including formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, are known carcinogens that pose a significant risk to human health.
Understanding the Risks
Recent studies have shed light on the alarming risks posed by common household cleaning products. These chemicals are not just harmful; their effects can be particularly severe for children, pregnant women, babies, and pets. Here’s how:
- Children and Babies: Their developing bodies are more vulnerable to toxins. Exposure to harmful chemicals can lead to allergies, asthma, developmental delays, and conditions like ADHD. A crawling baby’s skin might absorb toxic substances, while their developing lungs inhale airborne chemicals.
- Pregnant Women: Chemical exposure can affect not just the health of pregnant women but also the development of their unborn babies, increasing the risk of birth defects and developmental issues.
- Pets: Similar to babies, pets are close to the ground and often come into direct contact with cleaned surfaces. The chemicals can easily be absorbed through their paws and fur.
Supporting Studies
Research underscores the importance of choosing safer cleaning alternatives:
- A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine equates the lung damage from regular use of traditional cleaning products to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.
- The American Lung Association warns against the use of ammonia, bleach, and VOCs, highlighting their potential to cause chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and cancer.
A 2020 study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found a significantly increased risk of asthma and COPD among cleaners exposed to these chemicals.
Chemicals We Avoid
Our dedication to health and safety means we avoid products containing hazardous chemicals. The brands we choose not to use, including Mrs. Meyers, Clean Day, Ever Spring, Clorox, and others, have been found to contain:
- Phthalates
- Triclosan
- Glycol Ethers
- Ammonia
- Bleach
- Formaldehyde
- 1,4-Dioxane
These substances have been linked to the health issues mentioned above and are found in products that have received poor ratings on the EWG scale, indicating a higher likelihood of harm to human health.
Our Trusted Brands
In contrast, we have carefully selected a range of trusted brands that share our commitment to safety and environmental stewardship:
- ECOS
- Meliora
- Branch Basics
- Seventh Generation
- Bon Ami
- Dr. Bronner’s
- Sal Sud’s
- Molly’s Suds
- Nellie’s Clean
These brands have been chosen for their use of safe, natural ingredients and their proven effectiveness in cleaning without compromising health.
Thymol: Our Choice for Safe Disinfection
Recognizing the need for effective disinfection that does not compromise health, we use Thymol-based products. Thymol, derived from thyme, is a completely plant-based disinfectant that kills 99.99% of bacteria and viruses, including E.coli, the flu, SARS-CoV-2, and the common cold, without posing health risks to humans or pets.
Additional Studies
Below are key studies highlighting the potential health risks linked to the use of conventional cleaning chemicals:
- “Association Between Household Cleaning Agents and Respiratory Health in a Cohort of Australian Children” published in the Journal of Asthma (2004). This study found that frequent use of household cleaning agents was associated with an increased risk of asthma in children, highlighting the potential respiratory effects of chemicals contained in cleaning products.
- “Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Piperonyl Butoxide and Permethrin on 36-Month Neurodevelopment” in the Pediatrics journal (2011). This research explored the neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal exposure to certain pesticides commonly found in household products, suggesting that such exposure could adversely affect cognitive development in children.
- “Exposure to Household Cleaning Products and Risks for Asthma and Wheeze Among Children” published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) (2019). This study demonstrates a link between the use of cleaning products in early life and the incidence of asthma and wheezing in children, proposing that these products may contribute to the development of childhood asthma.
- “Pet Poisonings Linked to Home Cleaning Products: A Retrospective Study of Calls to a National Poison Control Centre” in Animal Poison Control Center data (2018). Although focusing on pets, this study reflects the broader concerns regarding the safety of common cleaning products. It catalogues instances of pet poisonings attributed to various household cleaners, underscoring the potential risks these products pose to non-human family members.
- “Household Chemical Exposures and the Risk of Canine Malignant Lymphoma” in the Veterinary and Comparative Oncology journal (2012). This study investigates the relationship between the use of specific household chemicals, including cleaning products, and the risk of malignant lymphoma in dogs. It suggests a potential link between exposure to these chemicals and cancer in pets, raising concerns about their safety for all household members.
- “Cleaning at home and at work in relation to lung function decline and airway obstruction” published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2018). This landmark study found that regular use of traditional cleaning products could cause damage to lung function comparable to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day over a period of time.
- American Lung Association’s warnings regarding the use of cleaning chemicals. The organization cautions against the use of ammonia, bleach, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), noting the potential these substances have to cause chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and cancer.
- “Respiratory Health and Lung Function Impairment in Cleaners” published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (2020). This study identified a significantly increased risk of developing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among cleaners who are regularly exposed to certain cleaning chemicals.
Natural Nest’s Promise
Choosing Natural Nest means choosing a healthier home. We believe that the health of your loved ones, your pets, and our staff is paramount. By selecting only the safest and most environmentally friendly cleaning products, we ensure a clean home without the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.
If you are looking for a natural and eco House Cleaning company in McKinney, TX, Lucas, TX, Fairview, TX, Plano, TX, Allen, TX or Frisco, TX, we are the cleaning company for you! Trust in Natural Nest to protect what matters most.
