It often comes as a surprise to learn that our exposure to potentially toxic unhealthy air is higher in our homes than it is outdoors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found levels of common pollutants to be two to five times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of the homes’ location (EPA, 2014). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are toxic gasses that are omitted from a variety of products used commonly in the home, including cleaning supplies, paints, solvents, pesticides, crafting materials and furniture. Health effects include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, contact dermatitis and central nervous system dysfunction. Chemical exposures are also a risk factor for asthma and allergy symptoms. Some VOCs are known or suspected to cause cancer in humans (EPA, 2014). An easy way to reduce exposure to VOCs is to use greener cleaning products. Many of these cleaning substances have been used for years with great results, but have fallen out of favor due to the successful marketing of “new and improved” methods. Here are a few basic green cleaning recipes that will go a long way to addressing many home cleaning needs (brought to you by the PSNA Environmental Health Committee):

• All-Purpose Cleaner: Combine two parts vinegar, one part baking soda, and half part dish soap. Add to a spray bottle and fill with warm water. If desired, scent with lemon or orange rinds and refrigerate. Great for general cleaning, including greasy kitchen surfaces.
• Abrasive: Mix baking soda with a small amount of warm water to make a paste. Use as a scrub with a sponge or brush.
• Window cleaner: Follow the all-purpose cleaner recipe, but omit the baking soda.
• Air freshener: Baking soda is a traditional and safe odor-absorbing product. Use fresh or dried flowers, lavender, herbs, lemon, mint or cinnamon in place of expensive chemical air fresheners. Introduce fresh air into your home by briefly opening widows throughout the year. Houseplants can help filter the air through photosynthesis by metabolizing some toxic chemicals.

For more specific cleaning needs, it is easy to discover recipes and techniques through simple online searches. In addition to these suggestions, homeowners can increase their family’s safety by following a few simple principles:

• Always use products according to the manufacturer’s directions.
• Buy products in quantities that you will use quickly – avoid storing chemicals that can leak or that children can access.
• Don’t smoke or allow others to smoke in your home. If you use a fireplace, make sure your chimney is clean and properly sealed. Keep the flue fully open when in use.
• Ventilate/dehumidify the home to control moisture and inhibit the growth of mold.
• Dispose of chemicals or containers safely – check your local municipality for toxic waste collection procedures.

Environmental Protection Agency. (2014). An introduction to indoor air quality. Retrieved July 12, 2014 from http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html