You have no doubt been hearing a lot lately about the preferred use of "green" cleaning products. Using the term "green" is supposed to indicate that they are environmentally friendly, not their actual color. Even the large soap companies like Proctor and Gamble and Johnson and Johnson have jumped on the bandwagon with what they are calling "safe" and "natural". But there are concerns among professionals and laymen alike as to just what exactly these terms mean.
What Is Meant By Safe And Natural?
Just because something is "natural" does not mean it is safe. For example, rattlesnake venom is of course "natural" (found in nature), but who in their right mind would consider it "safe"? So what does all of this mean to the normal consumers? Should they still be investigating bio-based green cleaners? Absolutely! They just need to be very aware of what they are finding.
What About Commercial Cleaners And Soaps?
If you were to search the Internet with the phrase "making your own soap" you would quickly discover web site after web site that provides information on making and using so-called natural cleaners. Most of those sites simply copy each other and include similar postings by individuals who have a formula for making "safe and natural cleaners and soaps". In most cases, they will suggest that using commercial cleaners will cause cancer, asthma, skin rashes, and even death. And they may be right. But what they offer as alternatives may be just as dangerous. For example, many of these natural cleaner formulas contain rubbing alcohol, washing soda (Borax), commercial liquid hand soap, vinegar, and fragrances to make it all smell good. And they tell you to add tap water to dilute them for everyday use.
Alcohol - Ingestion or inhalation of rubbing alcohol is dangerous and toxic to the central nervous system.
Washing Soda - Highly alkaline and can cause severe skin rashes and burning, especially to those with skin conditions and allergies.
Liquid Hand Soap - Most of these (even the "oil" soaps) contain potassium hydroxide which can cause acute poisoning if ingested, including severe pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and collapse. Cancer may be a long term effect.
Vinegar - An acidic liquid processed from the fermentation of ethanol in a process that yields its key ingredient, acetic acid. Vinegar can cause a severe reaction when applied to the skin and can cause burning of tissue in the eyes and nose.
Fragrances - Many people are very allergic to man made fragrances such as those found in commercial cleaners. Snakes and rodents are repelled and even killed by inhaling these fragrances in lab tests. Even the so-called natural fragrances named essential oils are highly concentrated forms of potentially toxic plant chemicals.
Tap Water - Usually contains alkalines, lead, chlorine, and other toxic materials in low doses.
Are these the ingredients you want to have in your "safe" and "natural" cleaners?
How About The Bio-Based Cleaners?
Bio-based cleaners are those produced using only safe organic ingredients found in nature. Yes, they are called "natural" too. But they are non-toxic, non-hazardous, non-corrosive, non-abrasive, non-alcohol, non-polluting, and contain no fragrances. The usual ingredients include (but are not limited to) vegetable oils, vegetable and plant-based enzymes and minerals, coconut oil, and natural vanilla, mixed with de-ionized, purified, and/or distilled water. They are so safe they can be rinsed down any drain or disposed of in bodies of water including ponds and lakes without having any effect on aquatic life or plants.
"But what would happen if my child should drink some"? Very simply - nothing! Because the cleaners do break down organic materials the child may experience some mild diarrhea if he/she recently ate a large meal containing fatty foods, but it will quickly disappear.
Bio-based cleaners do not require any warning labels on their containers and no special handling. On most commercial cleaners you will see a warning to "Keep out of the reach of children" because those other cleaners do contain toxic chemicals.
Bio-based cleaners were originally formulated for those people who are chemically sensitive, hyper allergenic, have compromised immune systems, or just environmentally concerned. While they certainly surpass those requirements, they have also become very popular recently with those seeking an alternative to the dangerous, toxic chemicals that are being sold today as "safe" and "natural" cleaners.
(Please contact the author at the website shown below for more information)
Dr. Douglas Bryce
Material Sciences Manager
GreenWyre Products
http://www.greenwyre.com
No comments:
Post a Comment