Are You Concerned About the Chemicals You Are Exposing Your Family To?

Yes, I pretty much clean everything with white vinegar and water nowadays, and you know what? It really works!!! And it is cheap. If I need something stronger I mix in some baking soda.

L.

I am concerned and use Sun and Earth products (www.sunandearth.com) and vinegar and water. You can buy the Sun & Earth stuff for cheap in bulk on line and I think it works much better & is cheaper than 7th Generation & Method.

This is exactly why I have been doing what I do for the last 6 years. The company I have been working with has been green for the last 25 years. As a mom of 8 removing the chemicals in my home is important. I have enjoyed helping others get healthier safer products for their home and the environment. You can check out my website to request more information at www.safer4-u.com

YES!!! that is why I joined www.shoptoearth.net/wrc first for the discounts, cash back, plus trying to find good cleaning product and household items that are good for us and the planet. Good luck in your ventures of 'preaching the word' of poisoning us and our environment! We need more of us out there!
Thanks for your post!

To those that think our government will take care of us and their FDA and like government agencies are on our side SORRY you are dead wrong! Chemical and drug companies line their pockets. Don't fool your self into thinking 'they' will ban this or that because it is bad for us. They won't and don't if it makes money for their lobbyist. We MUST open our eyes and see what is really going on. We must look out for our selves. We made this mess and we are the only ones to clean it up. We have GOT to get ourselves educated and look out for our own selves! Nobody else can do it for us! I must stop now or I’ll be preaching all day.
As Ann Landers used to say WAKE UP Dear and smell the coffee! (Another bad thing for us, LOL)

ALL THINGS are spiritual. And If we continue to work toward that end and take care of our health and the enviroment, our souls will follow. Besides it all starts IN THE HOME! Remember Prov.22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Hi T.,

You're not alone. You might be interested in our local chapter of a national group, Holistic Moms Network (www.holisticmoms.org). A lot of parents are concerned about what they're kids are exposed to whether it's through food, medicine, or immediate environment. Actually our September speaker is going to talk about healthy homes but he's speaking at the MOPS (moms of pre-schoolers) group in April with the same topic. Good luck -- H.

That is what Shaklee is all about! The CEO, Roger Barnett's son has asthma and the short story, Sloan, Roger's wife determined that it was from the cleaners.
Also Melaleuca makes some great cleaning products that are non-toxic and somewhat less expensive than Shaklee products. Of course, there are always the old time recipes of vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda and more. If you want safe germacides, check out the two companies listed above. Not only are the toxic cleaners toxic to the household but to the environment as well.

Yes, I have always been concerned about this. I started using Melaleuca about 4 years ago. Their monthly quota got to be too much for me, so I had to quit doing that. But now I use 7th Generation dishwashing liquid (found at Target or Whole Foods) and Method Naked All-Purpose cleaner (I think kids could pretty much drink this stuff and it wouldn't hurt them.) In between stopping Melaleuca and finding Method, I had gotten a bottle of Fantastic or something that had a yellow coloring. When I started using the Method Naked spray, I got yellow coloring off my counters on the paper towel for a week! That just shows how long that stuff really sticks around. I also use Method Wood for Good and their leather wipes, but I REALLY like their laundry detergent. It was really cheap when I first discovered it, but I guess it's gotten pretty popular because now it costs just as much as the regular stuff. They had made a baby laundry detergent like Dreft, but the Target near me doesn't carry it anymore. :-( For my bathrooms I use mostly Mrs. Meyers stuff (not cheap!), and I'm getting ready to try Method's toilet bowl cleaner.

Great topic! I totally think cancer, asthma, autism, etc is related to this stuff. When my kids were babies I only fed them the organic stuff, but as they got older, it got to be too expensive. I hope I at least gave them a good start by not exposing their brand new, still developing cells to pesticides. I still by organic when I can, but unfortunately we can't afford to do it exclusively.

I'm sure you have considered this, but just in case...you should look into what you put ON your skin also, the soaps and lotions and shampoos. Those types of products are pretty easy to find cheap in most health food stores or even drug stores now. Our skin is our largest organ and we absorb just as much through our skin as we do through our lungs. You are on the right track, and your family is lucky that you are taking such good care of them!

A bigger concern than the household chemicals we are exposed to are the chemicals we EAT. Check out www.feingold.org. Feingold is a 30yr old non-profit organization whose purpose is to inform the public about petroleum-based (yes, gasoline!) artificial ingredients in our food supply. These harmful additives cause ADD, ADHD, OCD and many other emotional, behavioral and physical side effects. Feingold is a leading authority on this subject and has helped thousands of families over the years. They were a Godsend for our family - we eat all-natural foods and have a chemical free home and we rarely ever have to see the doctor because we do not get sick. Keep researching - The "Natural Triad" is a free publication with great articles on natural health.

Okay ... is no one else concerned/upset/alarmed/angry over the fact that the government, as well as many public interest groups, are beating drums over the use of fetal stem cells for medical research and possible cures for catastrophic disease and/or injury but there is a list of 16 vaccines currently on the market (and 2 or 3 in development or already in trials) that utilize fetal cells and that we are giving our children and other loved ones every day? What is wrong with a society that holds such hypocritically duplicitous standards? Or do we, as a society, just prefer not to know and sacrifice our children to our ignorance? Perhaps one of the ugliest phrases in the world is, "I didn't know ..."
(I didn't know it would hurt him. / I didn't know she was having sex. / I didn't know the gun was loaded.)

Thanks for opening this line of discussion, T.; people need to know.

Hey T.,
I'm completely with you!!! It's so scary how many toxic products are being marketed, especially to us Moms! What's really appalling to me is the number of people who are gullible enough to take for granted that because the cleaning, skin care and food products they use have a name brand, that they are safe for themselves and their families. The best thing to do is to be smart about what you do for your family, now that you know what's out there.
That's one of the reasons I use only Arbonne Skin Care products and supplement on myself and my family. The philosophy is Pure, Safe and Beneficial and they stick to it! If you're interested, please e-mail me and I'd love to tell you more about it and send you some samples, as that is what I do for a home-based business and a living.
Also, there are now alot of very good cleaning products out now that are safe. You will need to read the labels, though. You can do a great deal with baking soda and vinegar, as well.
Good luck! And don't be worried, now that are aware, just be grateful to be able to make the right choices!

I totally agree! I stopped using toxic cleaners about 4 yrs ago after reading how bad they can harm you...esp. children. Like a pp said...it is not just what you eat, but what you expose your body to. The fumes that go in when you breath or the toxins that leach into your skin. I use shaklee most of the time, but if I run out I use method. I like the shaklee best of all because one bottle cost me around $12 and it last all year! It is very concentrated...just put 1/4 tsp in 16 oz of water. Amazing. I can't use the natural cleaners like vinegar b/c the smell of it gives me terrible headaches. I do use baking soda and lemon juice some times though.

Then there are these other companies like clorox that are coming out with "green" cleaners...not so green...you would be amazed...be careful buying cleaners that say they are "green" or natural...b/c sometimes hidden in the ingredients is something not so natural...even if it is listed as only containing a toxin that is between 1-5%...if it has toxins in it then it is not green or natural...I guess they think 99% is good enough. Not for me! It is all or nothing.

I am more concerned about my kids souls...what do they see and hear that can cause severe damage if we are not tuned into what the world is "feeding" them? Ladies, our bodies are temporal...I agree we should take care of them and educate ourselves, But if this kind of excitement can be over our bodies and health..how much more so for the health of our kid's...hearts, souls and minds! If parents could just be this enthused about the eternal things!

"For the grace of God...teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives" (Titus 2:11-12 NIV).

M.
www.amothershope.webs.com

I'm so glad you posted this, T.. It's great that you are aware of these chemical dangers.

I wasn't. One of our friends warned us, about 20 years ago, but I dismissed him as being radical. I should have listened. Thirteen years ago I developed severe food allergies, along with environmental illness, and my survival depends on my ability to avoid all chemicals in my food and my environment.

No one should wait until someone in the family gets sick. These chemicals are dangerous, and possibly deadly, and we need to get them out of our homes. I wish I had listened to the warning.

We too use white vinegar. I have also been looking at the stuff that goes into my kids bodies. THere have been articles on the Swiffer solution too. I am going to check out the websites the mom's have posted. Thank you.

no i dont worry about this. our parents have been using these things for years. if these things were linked to autism and other things they rate would be the same over the years. its not the cleaning chemicals thats the problem.

I completely agree T. - great post!

Yes, I am very concerned. My oldest child was diagnosed as a toddler with autism. I try not to use a lot of chemicals at home - but they are everywhere you go. They are in the environment, our food, water, fabrics, toys, schools, skin care products, and every place of business you visit. Sometimes I think if only I had more money I could do things that would help limit our exposure. It is very distressing to see what we are doing to our world and the people in it. It is awful what we let companies get away with.

I know so many beautiful children who are affected by our world. People who have children that do not appear to be affected are so blessed. We have so many modern conveniences today, but I would give it all up if my son did not have autism.

YES! It is very alarming the things we use in our home. Old habits are hard to change, but change they must. And Thank you for sharing your experience with everyone. It is something that you should continue to share since so many of us really just have no idea what we could be doing by "cleaning" for our families. Good luck with your crossover to natural products.

isn't knowledge terrible! try not to take it too far....worrying that is. my family thinks I've become a hypochondriac (sp) I do still use bleach,but only after 2 or more family members get sick....stomach virus or other. I do make sure things are clean, but don't worry too much with antibacterial. I have family that carries the alcohol rub around and makes the kids use it after they wash their hands....in our home! I don't panic like that. I do work in a hospital, so I am a bit picky there, but at home and out and about...I want my kids exposed to things..boosts their immunity!

There are so many things these days that people wonder about but yet no one has proof for sure. I do worry about all of these things but those things are only part of it, the processed food is supposed to be a cancer causer too. I try to do the best I can but w/ out ABSOLUTE FOR SURE proof, we can't control it all. Try using some of the 'green products' to clean if it makes you feel better. I don't use straight bleach unless it is something moldy, etc I use the clorox bleach wipes for the toilet, comet for the sink, etc but I rinse it well and my kids do not touch it. They are not in the room when I spray anything but most times I do not spray anymore. I use liquid type cleaners for the tub, etc I have read recently that you can use baking soda, distilled vinegar, lemon juice, etc for natural abrasion cleaners or clean smelling. Try the Mr Clean magic sponge and some baking soda and that should clean the tub and then use vinegar for other things, soaking for cleanliness, the toilet, etc Soaking kid's toys are good in vinegar. Don't mix vinegar and baking soda, think it produces smokey substance. Do the best you can but don't fret too much that it upsets you more. Just try to eliminate things that are breathable in the air first.
Good luck!

Hi Tammie,

I know what you mean. I use bleach once in a while, but I'm leaning toward healthier cleaners and soon I'm going to get that Black and Decker steam cleaning machine that will only use hot pressured water. I think it's the best idea yet.

I am concerned, T. - got concerned back in the early 80's when my son developed asthma almost overnight. We were homeschoolers, the kids helped me clean... and this son did the bathroom with a strong cleaner. I soon learned that asthma has gone up 600% in the last 20 years...so the person that thinks this doesn't matter is really not exposed to the latest research. The one that convinced me was a site done by the American Lung Association (no money motive) that had the balanced view - it's not that a little bit in one product is harmful, it's that we are using too many products for too many years - it builds up and does slow damage to the majority.

It is true that there are safer choices on the store shelf now - but they are more expensive and do not perform as well as some companies like Melaleuca and Shaklee. Because Melaleuca is not MLM - they tend to be less expensive with the same great performance. Busy moms do not have the time to mix vinegar, lemon juice solutions - and...they have to mixed fresh or they are really useless.

My web site (www.joyboudreau.com) is made to help educate moms on this subject (no company push there). I teach workshops on the subject...would love to answer what I can for any of you. This is one of my passions.

Please tell me about the online workshop you attended - I love to learn what's new. I can send out a summary flyer to those that are interested in sharing this topic with their friends.

J. B.
www.joyboudreau.com

I, too, am concerned about this. I've noticed that Kim & Aggie from BBC America's "How Clean is Your House?" tend to use common household items like vinegar, baking soda, toothpaste, liquid dish soap, lemon juice, etc. to get rid of all sorts of nasty things. I know I've been trying to cut back on the chemicals. I would certainly be interested to learn how to better sanitize my home without sythetic chemicals.

I was also very concerned about what I was using in my home. My kids were always wanting to help me clean and I felt awful that they could not help and that I was using such strong chemicals that they were breathing in. I have since found an awesome company that makes cleaning products that are green and safe for your home. I love it! My kids can now help me clean and I do not have to worry about all the toxins they are breathing in.
J.
livinggreenandhealthy.info

Hi T.,

I can still remember when I first started to become more educated on the products and chemicals in them. My extended family thinks I've flipped my rocker but I could care less for the safety of my family. I share with them the information I have access to and allow them to make decisions that work for their families.

My own experience with my oldest son, just recently diagnosed with Asperger's has led me in this dirction. Vaccine ingredients are also a huge concern to me...I could list some here but won't because I'm not looking to start a debate just stating what I've learned. We don't go overboard and and aren't paranoid crazy about everything. I can limit exposure in my home and have done so but I do realize I can only educate my children and pray they make wise choices because they are exposed to chemicals at every turn. I make my own cleaning products and find they work just a good, if not better than store bought. I also like that mine are multipurpose so I have one bottle rather than 10 different ones.

I am interested in the online seminar you attended and any information you can share. One book that I especially liked on the chemicals, foods, vaccines, etc is Natural Cures They Don't Want You To Know About, by Kevin Trudeau. There are many out there that believe he's a scam artist just trying to make money but he provides reputable links and resources to back up everything he shares in his book. There is NO DENYING anything once you read it, it just takes some time to change your thinking to realize this is TRUE and that many of us have been lied to about so many things.

Peace,
J.

Could also be concerned about just what all one might be eating - wonder how many hormones and such are used on various meat products and what else might be used on other produce and such....

I am concerned as well. For a while I tried using things such as baking soda and vinegar for all purpose cleaning. But I just didn't feel like they were as effective. I think for me, it's a lot to do with smell. If I smell bleach, for example, I think, ah, now that's clean and sanitized! What are some alternatives that are affordable?