How to Separate Science from Folklore

How to Separate Science from Folklore

There is a whole host of information available online and in books about the effects that toxic chemicals in cleaning products can have on us, our families, our pets, and the environment around us. The questions that remain are how can we differentiate between what is fact and what is simple folklore, and how do we know who we can really trust? Added to this mix is the fact that some less scrupulous companies are using scare tactics to try and convince customers to use their products, which are often no less dangerous than the others available on the shelf at your local supermarket.

Let us begin by stating the facts. In the last sixty years, companies have begun using over seventy thousand different chemicals in home cleaning products. By a simple process of elimination, it is obvious that not every one of these chemicals has been tested for toxicity to humans. We are, in effect, one giant test group, but how many people have to suffer complications before these chemicals are removed? Too many to even consider it a viable option. The only way we can truly begin to know the effects of these products is to remove them from the marketplace until such time that adequate research has been conducted.

While this may seem easier said than done, there are literally hundreds of alternatives in the shape of completely natural or home made products that can be just as effective in cleaning your home as the chemical based alternatives. The key to knowing the difference between good and bad chemicals for use around the home is the ingredients they list. Sadly it is not a requirement for cleaning products to list all of their ingredients but some companies still make an effort to keep us informed. The simple answer here is to just not use products that fail to list their ingredients; rather be safe than sorry.

For those products that do list their ingredients, be sure to pick ones that are natural, or made from plants rather than those that are petroleum based. Even organic products are not always completely safe. Remember that in certain instances, a product only has to be made up of a small percentage of organic products to be able to carry the classification. The percentage that is not made of organic products could be just as harmful as fully chemical based products.

So, the overall view when it comes to separating fact from folklore is to use your common sense. If a product is not willing to show you what it is made of, then why would you trust it to be safe for you to use? On the other hand, there are instances where you may choose to use smaller amounts of harmful products rather than cut them out completely. This is understandable, as making a complete overhaul of your lifestyle is hard; rather, make smaller steps while always remaining aware of your end goal. All the effort of going natural is worth it when it comes to maintaining your health and well-being.