Look for laundry products that are free of enzymes and optical brighteners, known skin irritants. If anyone in your family is particularly sensitive, they may be allergic to fragrance so try fragrance free products.
In your kitchen
Research shows that the routine use of anti-bacterial cleaners and disinfectants could be doing more harm than good, contributing to the rise in allergies and the development of 'super bugs'. It's a good idea to save disinfectants and anti-bacterial cleaners for situations that require serious heavy-duty cleaning. Instead choose a standard surface cleaner for day-to-day use.
Look for a spray cleaner that is free of nasty chemicals like propylene glycol and benzalkonium chloride. Ensure young children are in another room or out of the house if you're cleaning with strong smelling cleaning products.
Avoid air fresheners. These can contain hundreds of fragrance chemicals including phthalates which can interfere with your hormones. Instead open a window to allow fresh air to circulate.
Triclosan is an anti-bacterial agent commonly found in hand washes. It may be no more effective at removing germs than ordinary soap but could pose health risks.
In your bathroom
Many chemicals used in body care products are known skin irritants; they can dry out the skin by stripping away its natural protective oils, making way for conditions like eczema and dermatitis to develop.
Look for plant-based body care products that are free of chemicals like cocamide DEA/MEA, sodium lauryl/laurethsulphate and cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB). Shorter, cooler showers are also a great way to avoid drying out your skin.
For more information about Ecostore and nasty chemicals to avoid visit ecostore.co.nz.
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