Mainstream Detergents Pose Health Threats
Exposure to chemicals found in common household cleaners such as mainstream laundry detergents may be culprits in a variety of health problems including skin conditions such as eczema, hormone imbalances that may exacerbate PMS, promote infertility and even cause cancer, mental problems including depression, chemical sensitivities in susceptible individuals, and even “crib death” (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS).
Factory-made detergents normally contain large amounts of nitrogen compounds. These are very good fuel sources for certain creatures, including dust mites and mildew. When used on a baby’s bedding, mites can use the nitrogen in the bedding and moisture from the baby to multiply, possibly causing asthmatic allergic reactions in the baby (not to mention direct allergic reaction to the synthetic chemicals in the detergents!). Furthermore, mildew can grow in this environment. According to researches by chemists Dr. T. James Sprott in New Zealand and Barry A. Richardson in England, mildew can interact with the synthetic PVC commonly used in baby mattresses to produce toxic gases, a likely cause of crib death.
Chemicals called phthalates are often found in detergents and foaming agents. These have been shown to have powerful hormonal effects and may cause infertility and an increased risk of cancer. The hormonal effects may also include a much rougher menstrual period or worsened PMS symptoms, leading women to take more drugs, even birth control pills, to help them cope with their strong symptoms.
Chemical sensitivities are an ever-growing problem in the population. Mainstream medicine has been very slow to acknowledge the existence of “multiple chemical sensitivities” (MCS) but alternative healers and the public are becoming very aware of the situation and seeking answers. Unfortunately, such sensitivities may manifest in a wide variety of apparently disrelated symptoms, both physical and mental (depression, for instance). Patients are typically put on risky mainstream drugs or hazardous anti-depressants while the true causes of their troubles go undiscovered.
There are so many potential hazards using typical household chemicals that we cannot recommend their use by anyone. Alternative, natural products are the only sensible answer in our view.
Our great-grandparents used plain soap and water, vinegar, baking soda and such to do their cleaning. The addition of natural plant oils, minerals and essential oils can safely improve the performance and aesthetics of natural cleaners and make them appealing to modern consumers. There is no need to use toxic chemicals to keep our homes clean and hygienic. For our health, for the safety of our children and the quality of the environment, we encourage our readers to “go natural.”
Good news to our customers-friends! We’ve been able to work out more economical sources for some of our quality raw materials, so we could lower prices on some of our products, some quite substantially. Our natural cleaner, Astonishing! which is loaded with antibacterial and solvent essential oils, is a good example. We reduced its price by over 30%! We were able to reduce its cost and are so happy to give you these savings as well! Check it out here: https://www.evansgarden.com/Household/Household-Cleaners/
Sincerely,
Kevin & Evan