Posted by Librarian on 6/25/2002, 7:28 am
Message modified by board administrator 9/3/2003, 6:53 am

Non-toxic housecleaning takes a bit more elbow grease, but is well worth the effort. Less fumes, less residue of harmful substances and less exposure to toxins is a great thing. A wonderful book to get started with in changing your routines is called "Better Basics for the Home". Bleach, ammonia, and even vinegar can be problematic for those with respiratory problems. Use them judiciously. The NPA once told someone suffering Elliot's Disease to go easy with the bleach/Clorox. There may be a reason for this, but I am not sure what it is. Bleach is an excellent disinfectant, but needs to be used sparingly, as it can cause damage to mucous membranes, especially of the sinuses. There are lots of webpages with information on non-toxic cleaning strategies. The trick is to clean and disinfect without excessive toxic exposure.