Chemical sensitivities have been linked to a host of childhood anomalies, from behavioral issues and general temperament to skin disorders and chronic allergies. According to the American Lung Association, exposure to chemicals in the home can also trigger asthma and even lung disease. The threat of chemical exposure in the home is very real and can affect children and adults alike.

Things that could make your child more susceptible to chemical toxicity include genetics, a compromised immune system, lower metabolism, nutritional problems, and stress. Oftentimes, symptoms will arise that are difficult for medical professionals to diagnose and these may be indicative of chemical sensitivities. Unfortunately, chemical sensitivity is not fully understood by the medical community because it is difficult to replicate symptoms in a laboratory setting, and chemical sensitivity manifests itself in many ways.

If you suspect that your child may be suffering from chemical sensitivities, it is vital that you limit their chemical exposure at home. Fortunately, this is not as difficult as it seems and simply requires a little attention and small lifestyle changes.

There are 5 main areas where we are most exposed to chemicals in our home: through cleaning agents, air, water, food, and toiletries. In this post we will talk about the first two: toxic household cleaning agents and poor air quality.

Toxic Household Cleaning Agents
Household cleaning products are the most common sources of harsh and toxic chemicals in the home. Some of the most common toxic chemicals in the home include:

• butyl cellosolve – A common component of popular window and all-purpose cleaners that has been linked to damage to the bone marrow, nervous system, kidneys, and liver.
• chlorinated phenols – A common toilet bowl cleaner that has been linked to damage to the respiratory and circulatory systems.
• diethylene glycol – A common window cleaning agent believed to depress the nervous system.
• phenols – A common disinfectant that has been linked to respiratory and circulatory system problems.
• nonylphenol ethoxylate – A common chemical found in laundry detergents and all-purpose cleaners that is currently banned in Europe because it biodegrades into increasingly toxic compounds.
• Formaldehyde – A condom often used in deodorants that is a respiratory irritant and possible carcinogen.
• petroleum solvents – These petroleum derivatives are used in floor cleaners and are related to mucosal damage, which in turn compromises the immune system.
• perchlorethylene – These toxic compounds, commonly found in stain removers, have been linked to liver and kidney damage.

In addition to all of these chemicals, many cleaning agents are also antibacterial, killing off beneficial bacteria naturally found in your home’s ecosystem. The result is a dangerous, toxic, and out-of-control ecosystem… right in your house.

Rather than introduce these toxic compounds and kill off beneficial bacteria into your home space, rely on natural, non-toxic alternatives aimed at purifying your home environment, returning it to a healthy, non-toxic state. There are a number of non-toxic household cleaners and deodorizers based on microbial inoculants that will help keep your home clean, without compromising your family’s health. Products like EM-1 work great on bio-based odors, like those found in the sink, bathtub, toilet, and even the litter box. In fact, EM-1 is more effective than any toxic chemical when it comes to neutralizing animal-related odors because the beneficial bacteria actually break down the organic compounds rather than simply masking the odor.

poor air quality
Another area of ​​exposure that can pose a risk to children with chemical sensitivities is the air quality in the home. The EPA estimates that we spend around 90% of our time indoors and that indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. If you want cleaner air in your home, start by eliminating the main culprits: toxic chemicals, cigarette smoke, and excess moisture that breeds dust mites and mold.

The American Lung Association recommends that you limit household exposure to these components by:

• Ventilate the house regularly by opening the windows
• Installing a carbon monoxide detector
• Incorporate some air purifiers throughout the house
• Never park the car in your garage
• radon test
• Use low-VOC paint – you can even treat the paint with a microbial inoculant to decrease toxic fumes and Super Cera ceramic powder to stop the off-gassing of toxic chemicals.
• Regularly clean/inspect your air conditioner and/or humidifier. Add a microbial inoculant such as EM-1® in a humidifier to cool a room.
• Avoid toxic pesticides.
• Air dry your clothes before bringing them inside, or better yet, use a non-toxic, eco-friendly dry cleaner…now there are some dry cleaners that use EM Technology® products too!