My quest for healthier living started out as a need to have a small impact on a world that seemed to be spiraling out of control. I wasn’t sure if it would be effective or useful, or if I was just turning my husband’s life upside down for no reason. Well as it turns out, this actually kinda matters, and there’s research to support it.
Cleaning Products & Respiratory Health
A 2018 study followed >6000 people for 20 years and found that women cleaning at home had worse lung function. A summary can be found here. The big takeaway?
“These chemicals are usually unnecessary; microfiber cloths and water are more than enough for most purposes.”
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
We used to think of VOCs as an industrial problem – they contribute to ozone, which makes smog. EPA has historically monitored levels from fuel combustion, industrial processes, and vehicles, but indoor VOCs – which more directly effect our health – can be significantly higher. A 2018 study found that:
“the use of volatile chemical products (VCPs)-including pesticides, coatings, printing inks, adhesives, cleaning agents, and personal care products-now constitutes half of fossil fuel VOC emissions in industrialized cities.”
A good summary can be found here: Smog has as much deodorant as diesel in it.
Reducing VOC exposure:
- air out your house
- reduce pesticide exposure by buying organic
- choose healthier cleaning products
- avoid dryer sheets/fabric softener. opt for wool balls.
- avoid air fresheners
- choose low/no VOC paint
- avoid particleboard and plywood with formaldehyde
- be picky about your mattresses and upholstered furniture
I think Dr. James Conca, the writer of the Forbes article about the VOC study, puts it best:
“…as we try to reign in burning fossil fuels, we need to look around and see what’s taking their place in our lungs.”
F-to-A Living 