This spring avoid cleaning products that contain dangerous chemicals.

After a long winter, it’s a great feeling to finally open the doors and windows, welcome some fresh air into our homes and get stuck into some spring cleaning.

The bad news, however, is there is growing evidence that many of the products we use to spruce up our homes contain chemicals that could be damaging to the health and wellbeing of our families. While most of these products will contain only small amounts of such chemicals, the danger lies in the increased use of these products over a prolonged period.

>Lung damage

There are numerous websites that detail the dangerous chemicals that even today are included in household cleaning sprays and foams. Just last month, a report by Norwegian scientists found that regular exposure to cleaning products significantly affects lung function.

It said the chemicals used can irritate the mucous membranes that line the airways of the lungs, causing long-term damage. Bizarrely, the report, which came after a 20-year study, also found that women seemed to be worse affected than men.

1 out of every 3 chemical cleaning products contains ingredients known to cause human health or environmental problems

Expectant mothers using spray cleaners and air fresheners during and after pregnancy were significantly more likely to have children that experienced wheezing and respiratory infections

Fragranced cleaning products can contain hidden allergens, hormone disruptors, and chemicals that lower your ability to fight general toxic exposure.

Many products contain formaldehyde or similar chemicals that “act like” formaldehyde.

For best results… clean with water!

The ironic thing is that in most cases these chemicals don’t even do as good a job as the more traditional methods that housekeepers have been using for centuries, such as white vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda.  When it comes to cleaning walls and other surfaces, warm, soapy water and a sponge is all you need.

If you do prefer to use off-the-shelf cleaners, we recommend looking for products that include wording such as “non-toxic to humans and aquatic life,” or “readily biodegradable” on the label.

Little Knights paint – taking a stand

A key driver behind the development and launch of our paint was to offer families a range that is not only free of all volatile organic compounds and safe for young families to use, it helps to deter the growth of mildew and other moulds.  What’s more, we have taken things further and created paint that actually removes formaldehyde, from the atmosphere.

If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised in this article, please contact Little Knights on 01604 781009 or email info@little-knights.co.uk