Scented products pollute the air with chemicals--especially challenging for children and people with
respiratory ailments or sensitive skin, but not healthy for anyone.
Check ingredients. Manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients. Many
products don't list ingredients in the 'Inert' category, even though they may have potential toxic
effects. Even when ingredients are listed, the information can be confusing. Use the warning words as a
guide. Learn more about potential health risks of products by name (National Institutes of Health).
Follow product instructions for safest use. The fine print will tell
you about products not to mix (like ammonia and bleach), safe clean up and storage, and how to avoid
water pollution or environmental harm.
Clean it Fast, Clean it Right - Edited by Jeff Brendenberg, Rodale Press. Household tips from A
to W (even a remedy for shrunken sweaters!) using common generic products.
Clean House, Clean Planet - Karen Logan, Pocket Books. Wealth of cleaning information and rates
the effectiveness and cost estimates of alternatives.
