Over the past several years, the number of household cleaning products that tout antibacterial qualities has sky-rocketed. It is a classic case of "overkill" in cleaning/washing (images of doctors scubbing for surgery come to mind!). But use of antibacterial products is problematic because:

• Improper use of the products (e.g. not washing long enough) is not eliminating the bacteria; instead, the surviving bacteria are strong and will mutate to avoid the antibacterial ingredient, creating super-bacteria (super-germs) that are antibiotic resistant. The American Medical Association has warned that use of anti-bacterial cleaning solutions be reviewed because bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics.

• We are eliminating good bacteria, too. Bacterial-based septic systems are negatively impacted. When these antibiotics are released into the waste stream, they are also causing problems in the environment where good bacteria carry out a myriad of functions, including biodegradation.

• The antibacterial ingredient in soaps causes significant skin irritation.

• The antibacterial ingredient has no effect on viruses, and may actually help them grow/multiply by reducing bacterial competition.

Avoid using antibacterial products. Vegetable-based hand soaps, cleaning and washing products are just as effective at washing away bacteria. They are safer for the environment, don't eliminate good bacteria and do not cause skin irritation. If you must use antibacterial products, ensure that you use them for the proper duration.

Our homes have become energy-efficient domains, reducing the use of non-replenishable resources such as coal, oil, etc. However, the reduction in the amount of fresh air in our homes has caused the indoor air to become polluted with fumes and toxic chemicals. This is especially dangerous for the young, elderly and chronically ill, who are the most exposed to indoor air pollutants.

To reduce your exposure to indoor air pollution, you can:

1. Open your windows, when possible, to circulate fresh air in your home.

Dr. Samuel Epstein, co-author of The Safe Shoppers Bible says, “that concentrations of toxic chemicals may be greater indoors than outdoors as they are less able to be dispersed.

According to a 5-year study carried out by the EPA, peak concentrations of 20 toxic compounds, some linked to cancer and birth defects, were 200-500 times higher inside homes than outdoors.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), poor indoor air quality is one of the top 5 threats to public health.

2. Install ventilating/exhaust fans to bring fresh air into your home (e.g. bath, kitchen and attic fans)

3. Buy and use natural, non-toxic washing/cleaning products whenever possible. Conventional household cleaners release synthetic, toxic chemicals into the air with each use.

4. Use low-VOC (low odor) paints/stains when remodeling your home.

Many paints, stains, thinners, paint strippers and furniture emit toxic fumes that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, toluene, xylene and methylene chloride.

Avoid spray painting to limit fumes and particles inhaled.

Use less hazardous non-chlorinated solvents, such as ethanol, acetone and turpentine, if necessary.

5. Use air deodorizers made with natural, non-toxic ingredients, and without propellants. Conventional air deodorizers are scented with petroleum-based fragrances that are released into the air with each use.

6. Reduce/eliminate pesticide use indoors. Pesticides, if used, release chemicals/fumes into the air.

(See Eliminate/Reduce Use of and Exposure To Pesticides, below)

7. Buy whole wood furniture with wool/cotton cushions.

Furniture made of plywood, particleboard, pressed wood or medium density fiberboard is treated with formaldehyde, which may emit fumes for up to 5 years.

Fabrics with a permanent-press finish are also treated with formaldehyde.

Furniture cushions and mattresses may be made from polyurethane foam/plastic, and the fabric with acrylic, polyester or polyvinyl chloride. All are toxic to the respiratory system.

Furniture might be coated with polyurethane, which is a respiratory toxin.

8. Buy pressure-treated wood vs. wood treated with preservatives; use low-emitting building materials (phenol resins, not urea resins).

Particle-board used for flooring is treated with formaldehyde, which may emit fumes for up to 5 years.

Wood floors might be coated with polyurethane, which is a respiratory toxin.

Particleboard floors can be sealed and covered with hardwood, cork, ceramic, terra cotta or porcelain flooring.

9. Buy clothing, sheets and mattresses made of natural materials .(unbleached cotton, wool, non-fumigated straw).

10. Remove synthetic carpets and padding in your home. Replace them with cotton, wool, sisal and jute rugs.

Ensure that mothproofing chemicals have not been used.

Synthetic carpets, which are petrochemical-based, probably contain benzene, toluene and formaldehyde.

If synthetic carpet must be installed, ventilate the home continuously for 48-72 hours after installation.

The padding underneath is usually made of polyurethane.

11. Reduce your exposure to chlorine.

(See Reduce Your Exposure to Chlorine)

12. Decorate with live plants to help remove the toxins and supply oxygen.

13. Test for and reduce seepage of radon. Use radon resistant construction techniques (contact a trained contractor). Radon gas can seep into your home through the cracks in the foundation and walls, dirt floors, floor drains and sump pumps.

14. Keep the house clean to reduce biological contaminants such as dust mites, pollens, bacteria, animal dander and mold.

15. Annually inspect heating systems and chimneys, repair as needed. Heating systems may emit carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, major pollutants.

16. Maintain moderate temperatures and humidity levels to reduce the rate at which formaldehyde is released and to reduce biological contaminants.

17. Leave asbestos materials undisturbed if they are in good condition. Do not cut, rip or sand asbestos containing materials. Use a trained professional to remove/clean up asbestos. Older homes may also contain asbestos, which releases damaging particles when disturbed.

18. Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition. Do not sand or burn off paint containing lead. Fine lead particles are released into the air during remodeling of pre-1980 homes.

19. Use art/hobby materials with proper ventilation. Use safer art materials (water-based rather than solvent based) that are certified non-toxic by the Arts and Crafts Materials Institute (AP or CP on label). Solvents used in hobby/art activities (e.g. adhesives, paints, coatings, markers, photo chemicals) release toxic chemicals into the air (such as hexane, toluene, xylene, methylene chloride, trichloroethylene).

Our bath soaps, mouthwash, toothpaste, shampoo and hygiene products contain numerous chemicals, some of which may be toxic. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health found that 884 chemicals used in personal care products and cosmetics are known to be toxic.

1. Read the labels! Ingredient listings are not required by the federal government, but check labels and avoid products containing the following toxic chemicals:

• Sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) is used in shampoos, bubble baths and shower gels. It irritates skin, corrodes hair follicles, impairs the ability to grow hair, destroys delicate eye tissues and even enters the heart, liver, lungs and brain.

• Propylene glycol is used in hair conditioners, deodorants, cosmetics, body lotions, skin creams and toothpaste. It is implicated in contact dermatitis, kidney and liver damage, eye irritation, nausea and headaches.

• Diethanolamine(DEA), triethanolamine(TEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA) are used in soaps, bubble baths and facial cleansers. They lead to formation of nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.

• Alcohol is an ingredient in mouthwash. High alcohol content mouthwashes (>25%) have been implicated in tongue and throat cancers.

2. Buy natural, non-toxic personal products. The ingredients are simpler and familiar. Using these products will limit your exposure to harmful chemicals.

3. Buy natural, non-toxic pet care products.

• Our pets' flea collars, powders, sprays, shampoos and flea bombs all contain nerve poisons, which are hazardous to both animals and humans.

• If non-toxic pet care products are not available for freeing your pet of fleas, feed it small amounts of brewer's yeast, or rub its fur with cloves, citrus or eucalyptus oil, or pennyroyal.

• When cleaning stains and odors made by our pets, use non-toxic cleaning products.

The earth is a limited resource. In order to lead a healthy, sustainable lifestyle we know that we need to recycle, reuse products/packaging and reduce packaging as much as possible. But, we also need to reduce the use of non-replenishable resources (e.g. petroleum), and use replenishable products instead. Some steps you can take to reduce, reuse, recycle and replenish:

1. Ensure that the products you use come in recyclable containers. #1 PETE and #2 HDPE containers are the easiest to recycle. All other containers are more difficult to recycle, requiring more steps and energy.

2. Ensure that products that come in cardboard are fully recyclable. Boxes with metal pour spouts are problematic.

3. Use products with higher concentrations and larger package sizes to reduce packaging altogether. Concentrated solutions (e.g. ULTRA) require less packaging for the same amount of cleaning. Larger sized containers can be used to reuse and refill smaller ones.

4. Use natural, non-toxic cleaning/washing products that are free of petroleum-based ingredients.

5. Use energy-saving products that help reduce the use of resources that cannot be easily replenished, such as crude oil, coal, etc. For example, using natural zeolite reduces the cost of running a refrigerator/freezer, reduces energy use and therefore the use of non-replenishable resources.

6. Choose products that do not damage and/or deplete the environment during their manufacture, use and degradation.

using phosphate-free, ammonia-free or chlorine-free products helps to reduce water pollution.

using a chlorine-free paper manufacturing process prevents the creation of dioxins, which do not biodegrade easily and accumulate in our air, water and soil.

7. Recycle/compost as much as you can.