January 25, 2008 | asthma, Health, Cleaning products
Rates of asthma are rising in children and adults alike. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that 9 million US children under the age of 18 (that is, 12.5% of all US children) have been diagnosed with asthma at some point. It’s the third ranking cause of hospitalization in children under the age of 15.
So, if you or your child is struggling with asthma, what can you do at home to decrease the risk? Well, going all-natural would be a great idea. But if you’re not ready to completely step out, here’s a list of cleaning products that contain the chemicals most frequently linked to asthma (Monoethanolamine and Benzalkonium chloride).
| All-Purpose Cleaners:
* Cinch Glass and Surface Cleaner Degreasers and Oven Cleaners: * Break Up Floor Stripper Glass Cleaners * Glass Pluss Smart-Fill Kitchen and Stainless Steel Cleaners * Clorox Disinfecting Kitchen Cleaner |
Laundry Detergent:
* Ace |
Of all of that, the most distressing to me was the Dreft laundry detergent. It’s marketed specifically to parents of young children, and claims to be the #1 recommended laundry detergent by pediatricians. I don’t know about you, but I would expect that to mean that it’s free of allergens and asthma triggers. Also of note, every one of the laundry detergents listed above are made by Proctor & Gamble, and there are 2 ‘free and clear’ type detergents in the list as well. Apparently not all free and clear detergents are the same.
Other things can trigger asthma as well - it’s important to note what you and your kids are exposed to and how it affects their breathing. There could be other chemicals that will affect your asthma or your child’s, and it all depends on how and what your body reacts to.
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Lara says:
Interesting. Thanks for sharing and I’ll definitely be passing it on. By the way - what detergent do you use in your laundry???
January 25th, 2008 at 6:48 pmmudlark says:
I use Ecos, and I buy it at Costco. I don’t know of any other stores that sell it. It has natural soy-based fabric softeners built in, and it’s comparable in price to Costco’s store brand.
January 25th, 2008 at 10:09 pmAllie’s Answers » Blog Archive » What’s Going On says:
[…] Broomhuggers lists cleaners that trigger asthma. […]
January 28th, 2008 at 11:09 amLL says:
I use Eco Products laundry detergent too (and buy it at a great price at Costco. They also sell a fabric softener that works quite well. Both are environmentally friendly and are approved for HE washing machines. The products are available on their website, along with toilet tissue, and other home essentials. They are based in Boulder, CO.
http://www.ecoproducts.com/
I have asthma myself and cleaning products are my worst triggers!
January 28th, 2008 at 7:47 pm