| THE DIRT
A large number of the synthetic chemicals used in cleaning products have been found to be potentially harmful to humans. Many of these synthetic chemicals also pollute our waterways and are toxic to aquatic organisms. Health Impact:
. The average home uses 20 different cleaning products; each of these contains a variety of different synthetic chemicals.
. The majority of these products off-gas Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
. Many VOCs are toxic and some, including formaldehyde and benzene, have been linked with cancer. The Australian Government and Worksafe Australia identify formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen.
. Headaches, asthma, eczema, dermatitis and coughing fits are just some of the immediate responses to the potentially dangerous synthetic chemicals in our everyday cleaning products.
. These chemical compounds enter our bodies through contact with skin and also via absorption into the airways and lungs.
. The dose of cleaning products that the average individual is exposed to on an average day is small; however the cumulative effect of repeated exposure is largely unknown.
. Vaccuming can actually increase indoor air pollution & not all vacuums are created equal! ; 'Airborne dust levels during and directly after cleaning with conventional vacuum models, are 2 to 10 times higher than before vacuuming' Read more in Sick Homes 2 by Dr Dingle
Eco Impact:
. Phosphates commonly found in laundry liquids and powders contribute to overgrown, toxic, blue green algal blooms in waterways.
. Formaldehyde found in fabric softeners and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, found in dish liquids are both toxic to aquatic organisms. Hormone disrupting synthetic chemicals such as phthalates often used in fragranced products, have been shown to cause deformity of the sexual organs in fish exposed via our waterways.
G SPOT
Check out the Winter 2007 edition of Perth VITA magazine, for Gina's article on GREEN CLEANING.
COME CLEAN
Getting started on green cleaning with our favourite products........................ Filter Queen (WA) offer vacuums, air filtrations systems and water distillers. The vacuums use bagless cyclonic filtration and work to a higher filtration level than HEPA standards. The product range is great for allergy and asthma sufferers. Biome has Australia's widest range of eco-friendly cleaning, laundry and humane pest control products. Biome select products that are free from harmful chemicals, synthetics, phosphates, optical brighteners, chlorine and sodium salts and safe for grey water, gardens & septic. Try the Chi microfibre cloths, the ultimate eco-friendly way to clean. Special offer: Cleanlife readers receive Free Shipping when you add any Chi cloth to your order.
ecostore's plant and mineral based products contain no harsh synthetic chemicals which can cause skin irritations, asthma and allergies. They're concentrated, so a little goes a long way - and they really work! They release no toxic chemicals into waterways, and are completely safe for grey water systems and septic tanks. Seventh Generation offer a wide range of high quality non-toxic cleaning products that are free of phosphates, chlorine bleach, dyes and artificial fragrances. The products are safe for grey water systems and you'll find everything from dishliquid and dish powder to toilet cleaner and non-chlorine bleach. Consider the impact of your cleaning decisions for the next seven generations!
If you like someone else to do the dirty work for you....Perth residents can try Eco Home Cleaners (Ph: 0434 266 101) who bring their own microfibre and natural cleaning kits to your home or office. | 
