How Green Cleaning Products Protect Children from Harmful Toxins
In recent years, “green” or “greener” cleaning products, as defined by the EPA, are designed to minimize adverse effects on human health and the environment.¹ These products have gained popularity as families seek safer, more natural alternatives to traditional cleaning supplies that contain harsh chemicals like synthetic fragrances, ammonia, chlorine, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Effective at cutting through dirt, grease, and grime, green cleaning products made with bio-based ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and plant-derived essential oils are gentler on the planet and provide peace of mind to parents seeking transparent labels and body-safe formulas. In this article, we explore the benefits of switching to green cleaning and offer practical tips for using these products effectively.
Understanding the risks of traditional cleaning products
Traditional cleaning products often contain ammonia, bleach, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals are not just harsh on surfaces but according to the EPA, can also be irritating to your skin, respiratory system, and more.² And according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), children are more vulnerable to these chemicals due to their developing immune and respiratory systems, which makes it especially crucial to minimize their exposure.³
VOCs, commonly found in air fresheners and cleaning sprays, may make your home smell fresh but contribute significantly to indoor air pollution. The American Lung Association notes that breathing in VOCs can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, as well as eye, nose and throat irritation. Even more, long-term exposure can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.⁴ Given these risks, it’s clear that the chemicals in traditional cleaning products pose a range of potential health hazards, underscoring the need for safer alternatives.
3 benefits of green cleaning products for children's health
Green cleaning products — often free of synthetic fragrances, chlorine, ammonia, and other concerning chemicals — are designed to minimize health risks, all while being just as effective as their conventional counterparts. Here are 3 key benefits to swapping out traditional cleaning products for a healthier option:
1. Reduced exposure to harsh ingredients: Green products rely on natural, bio-based, and body-safe ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and plant-derived essential oils.
2. Improved indoor air quality: By eliminating VOCs, green cleaning products help reduce indoor air pollution, creating a safer environment for little ones.⁴
3. Lower environmental toxin exposure: Traditional cleaning agents can contaminate water supplies and harm ecosystems. Switching to gentle, bio-based alternatives reduces this impact, ensuring cleaner resources and a healthier future for kids.¹
4 tips for using green cleaning products
Making the switch to green cleaning products? That’s a great step toward a healthier home! Here are some practical tips:
1. Read labels carefully
Not all “green” products are created equal. Look for trusted certifications like the EPA’s Safer Choice, Made Safe™, or Green Seal to ensure the product meets strict safety and environmental standards
2. Try DIY cleaners
Whip up your own cleaning solutions with simple ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda. They’re affordable, effective, and free of harsh chemicals.
3. Ensure proper ventilation
Even cleaning products with bio-based ingredients can release odors or particles, so always clean in well-ventilated areas to keep the air fresh and breathable.
4. Store safely
Keep all cleaning products, green or not, out of reach of little ones.
Switching to green cleaning products is a powerful step toward safeguarding your family. By enhancing indoor air quality, ensuring only gentle ingredients go on and in your child’s body, and minimizing your environmental impact, going for green cleaning means establishing a safer, healthier home.
Sources
1 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Identifying greener cleaning products. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/identifying-greener-cleaning-products
2 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). *Volatile organic compounds' impact on indoor air quality*. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality
3 Environmental Working Group. (2019, November 14). California continues its leadership in protecting kids from environmental pollution. Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2019/11/california-continues-its-leadership-protecting-kids-environmental
4 American Lung Association. (n.d.). *Volatile organic compounds*. American Lung Association. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/volatile-organic-compounds
