RESIST THE URGE TO OVERDOSE ON SPRING CLEANING AND BREATHE EASY

It’s that time of year when people flock to nurseries, visit their allergists and yes, feel that compulsion to snatch up cleaning supplies, bring out the arsenal of mops, brooms and sponges, and transform the face of their homes both inside and out—all in the name of spring cleaning.

But is this the answer toward better health? We think not. The radical siege that takes place as we embrace the warmer weather and prepare for spending more time outside could be causing more harm than good.

Your health can be at risk

From churning up dust to dousing our homes with toxic cleaning supplies in large volumes, the traditional spring cleaning ritual can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate allergies and cause skin irritations, dizziness and headaches.

“The all at once approach toward cleaning and purging is just too much pressure on our body’s innate line of defenses” said Victor Coppola, founder, environmental advisor and scientist at GreenWorks Environmental LLC, an Allenwood, NJ-based family-owned indoor air quality and mold remediation services company dedicated to improving the home environment.

Undoubtedly, some of the toxins like pesticides and carcinogens in the dust particles that are unearthed as a result of the cleaning frenzy permeate those defenses and can eventually settle in your lungs and wreak havoc on your health.

Experts say beware

According to the longtime public health advocacy group in Washington, DC, the Environmental Working Group, most cleaning products can be harmful to your health, especially to children. Toxins like formaldehyde and triclosan, which are often used in products, can go so far as causing blindness, cancer and reproductive disorders in addition to breathing problems. Others are “greenwashed,” which essentially just means that the toxins have been masked with things made to look environmentally-friendly. Still others have not been researched enough to determine whether or not they are safe.

And the threat seeps outside our walls. With the advent of spring also comes the return of weed killers, fertilizers and possibly a visit from the bug exterminator. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that there are about 100,000 different chemicals in our daily lives, a third of which stand a chance of causing significant damage to you and your family. This can mean more serious effects than just an occasional cough or sneeze.

Protect your family

But if you must attempt to tackle one of spring’s rites of passages as considered by many, protect yourself and your family. You will see some tips below on alternative ways to approach spring cleaning, but keep in mind, a professional may be needed to face the tougher, more insidious challenges like mold growth whose removal isn’t as easy to achieve.

One glimmer of hope is that a simple doormat serves as a first line of defense against the outdoor chemicals. It’s a good idea to have a doormat both inside and outside each door so that some of these chemicals can be trapped. With the EPA estimating that indoor pollution can be five times higher than outdoor pollution, the need to protect you and your family is real.

So before reaching for that bottle of solvent under your sink riddled with toxins, consider alternatives like vinegar, baking soda and lemon. But if you’d rather go and buy retail, the EPA has recommended choosing those cleaning products that fall under their Design for the Environment (DfE) program. The products are labeled accordingly.

It’s also crucial to invest in a proper face mask to block out those microscopic dust particles. Greenworks’ Coppola cautions that the paper “dust masks” sold in bulk are not sufficient. A NIOSH approved N95 rated disposable respirator is best as it will filter out 95% of airborne particles.

“Those dust masks help to block the larger particles, but they stand no chance in preventing microscopic respirable dust and mold spores from entering your lungs.”

Purify your air 24/7

Another important consideration is to purchase a good quality air purifier. Some of the new ones can trap VOC’s and contaminants as small as .002 microns. Also helping to capture toxins can be a high-quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. It is recommended that a vacuum with twin agitators can serve as a good defense against allowing dust and dirt to escape to other parts of the home.

So as the temperature rises and we get to enjoy more warm and sunny days, get outside for a walk or bike ride to cleanse your mind and body, and remember to be careful in your quest to remove the dust, dander and grime that may have accumulated over the winter months. If performed properly, spring cleaning can mean a cleaner…and healthier future.

Greenworks Environmental LLC, is a certified green professional firm focused on improving the health of your home and family. For more information, call 732-223-2073, or visit http://greenworksllc.com.

Press release by Pressing Releases (www.pressingreleases.com)