Asthma and Cleaning Supplies

If you or a loved one suffer from asthma, clearing dust from your home may seem like a good idea. But what you clean your home with can make all the difference.

Many cleaning supplies contain chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that can aggravate asthma and other respiratory illnesses. VOCs can be found in chlorine bleach, detergent, rug and upholstery cleaners, and furniture and floor polish.

How can you clean your home and keep your lungs safe? The American Lung Association recommends using baking soda for scrubbing and a mix of vinegar and water to clean glass and other surfaces. Looking for organic cleaning products? The Environmental Working Group offers a “Guide to Healthy Cleaning” at ewg.org/guides/cleaners.

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