IntroductionIntroduction
Group discussionGroup discussion
What we eat, drink, clean our hospitals with What we eat, drink, clean our hospitals with
can be potentially harmful than healthy! can be potentially harmful than healthy!
MRSAMRSA
Healthy EatingHealthy Eating
Small Group Exercise Small Group Exercise
In groups of four In groups of four
Note down what does cleaning mean to Note down what does cleaning mean to
you? (both Personal and Home Hygiene)you? (both Personal and Home Hygiene)
Why cleaning is important to you?Why cleaning is important to you?
Where did you learn about cleaning? Where did you learn about cleaning?
TUTORIAL INPUTTUTORIAL INPUT
The main elements of cleaning…The main elements of cleaning…
BacteriaBacteria
DustDust
Daily routineDaily routine
Spread of diseaseSpread of disease
ClutterClutter
House-proudHouse-proud
House-mitesHouse-mites
BacteriaBacteria
One of the biggest worries in our homes is One of the biggest worries in our homes is
to eliminate bacteria. to eliminate bacteria.
What do you understand by the term What do you understand by the term
bacteria?bacteria?
In small groups of 3 spend 5 minutes In small groups of 3 spend 5 minutes
looking at places in your home where looking at places in your home where
bacteria/germs may spread:-bacteria/germs may spread:-
Tutorial InputTutorial Input
Definition of BacteriaDefinition of Bacteria
Explanation of what bacteria is; and also Explanation of what bacteria is; and also
how it impacts and builds up in the househow it impacts and builds up in the house
Now if we look at the importance of eliminating Now if we look at the importance of eliminating
bacteria and germs that should really be quite bacteria and germs that should really be quite
obvious, but if we paid no attention to germs what obvious, but if we paid no attention to germs what
are the consequences?are the consequences?
Yes, the results of poor cleaning can be Yes, the results of poor cleaning can be
disastrous. But, also the reality is that using disastrous. But, also the reality is that using
detergents which have strong chemicals can deal detergents which have strong chemicals can deal
with the germs but spread other complications.with the germs but spread other complications.
What’s on your shopping list?What’s on your shopping list?
list some of the cleaning products on your list some of the cleaning products on your
shopping list and see how common they are shopping list and see how common they are
across householdsacross households
Why do we use them? Why do we use them?
Do we really choose them because they are Do we really choose them because they are
good for the kitchen?good for the kitchen?
Subliminal MessagesSubliminal Messages
Or Do we fall prey to the bombardment of Or Do we fall prey to the bombardment of
advertisements strongly suggesting that you advertisements strongly suggesting that you
absolutely need these products? absolutely need these products?
Do we really want to compromise our health so the Do we really want to compromise our health so the
chemical companies can become wealthy? chemical companies can become wealthy?
Did you know it costs Fairy £250,000 for a 30 Did you know it costs Fairy £250,000 for a 30
second advert on TV for a week, is this money second advert on TV for a week, is this money
wasted or do you think it brings back a HUGE wasted or do you think it brings back a HUGE
return on investment?return on investment?
Group DisscusionGroup Disscusion
What’s on your shopping list?What’s on your shopping list?
Why we use these cleaning products?Why we use these cleaning products?
PurposePurpose
Harmful cleaning productsHarmful cleaning products
Many cleaning chemicals found in our Many cleaning chemicals found in our
homes are suppose to make our lives homes are suppose to make our lives
easier. But do we realize the consequences easier. But do we realize the consequences
of using many of these substances? of using many of these substances?
Do we ever question Do we ever question how these chemical how these chemical
affect the environment and health?affect the environment and health?
Do we know what we are pouring down Do we know what we are pouring down
our sinks? our sinks?
Environment & Family?Environment & Family?
What does the word environment mean to What does the word environment mean to
you?you?
How does cleaning impact on the How does cleaning impact on the
environment?environment?
Does harmful cleaning expose your family to Does harmful cleaning expose your family to
potential health problems?potential health problems?
EnvironmentEnvironment
On a daily basis our planet is being polluted On a daily basis our planet is being polluted
by chemicals. These include auto exhausts, by chemicals. These include auto exhausts,
industrial wastes, insecticides, weed killers, industrial wastes, insecticides, weed killers,
household chemicals and many others. household chemicals and many others.
Did you know that domestic pollution causes Did you know that domestic pollution causes
more damage to the environment than more damage to the environment than
industrial pollution?industrial pollution?
EnvironmentEnvironment
Undoubtedly we wash gallons of these Undoubtedly we wash gallons of these
chemicals down the drain every day, chemicals down the drain every day,
polluting the environment and poisoning polluting the environment and poisoning
wildlife. Nobody has tested the effects of wildlife. Nobody has tested the effects of
repeated, long-term exposure to a mixture of repeated, long-term exposure to a mixture of
chemicals from our daily routines of chemicals from our daily routines of
cleansing,cleansing, moisturising moisturising,, deodorising deodorising and and
applying make-up.applying make-up.
INVENTIONINVENTION
Since World War II more than 80,000 synthetic chemicals Since World War II more than 80,000 synthetic chemicals
have been invented. Most have been created from have been invented. Most have been created from
petroleum and coal tar for the purposes of chemical petroleum and coal tar for the purposes of chemical
warfare. The sad thing is that hardly any of these warfare. The sad thing is that hardly any of these
substances have been tested for safety, but have been substances have been tested for safety, but have been
added to our food, water and cleaning products without our added to our food, water and cleaning products without our
consent and most often without informing us of any consent and most often without informing us of any
dangers. dangers.
The first agent of chemical warfare was chlorine. The war The first agent of chemical warfare was chlorine. The war
ended with an abundance of this cheap chemical. In the ended with an abundance of this cheap chemical. In the
name of huge profits, it was added to our water supply and name of huge profits, it was added to our water supply and
many other products. Prior to WWII they didn’t exist, many other products. Prior to WWII they didn’t exist,
homes were clean, and people had fewer health problems.homes were clean, and people had fewer health problems.
Our FamiliesOur Families
There is another side to this issue besides There is another side to this issue besides
the pollution of our environment--our health, the pollution of our environment--our health,
and the safety of our children. Chemical and the safety of our children. Chemical
levels can be up to 70 times higher inside levels can be up to 70 times higher inside
the home than outside. the home than outside.
BBC NewsBBC News
The Co-op supermarket chain has banned The Co-op supermarket chain has banned
the use of certain potentially dangerous the use of certain potentially dangerous
chemicals from everyday household chemicals from everyday household
products.products.
Our FamiliesOur Families
Over 100 chemicals commonly found in homes Over 100 chemicals commonly found in homes
have been linked to allergies, birth defects, have been linked to allergies, birth defects,
cancer, psychological abnormalities, skin cancer, psychological abnormalities, skin
reactions, headaches, depression, joint pain, reactions, headaches, depression, joint pain,
chronic fatigue, chest pains, dizziness, loss of chronic fatigue, chest pains, dizziness, loss of
sleep, asthma. . .the list goes on. Housewives sleep, asthma. . .the list goes on. Housewives
have a 55% higher risk of getting cancer than do have a 55% higher risk of getting cancer than do
women working outside the home. This most likely women working outside the home. This most likely
has to do with the products they use on a daily has to do with the products they use on a daily
basis. basis.
Show evidence….Show evidence….
ResearchResearch
In a recent Hyperactive Children's Support Group In a recent Hyperactive Children's Support Group
survey:survey:
45 per cent of the children had reactions to 45 per cent of the children had reactions to
perfumesperfumes
80 per cent had a problem with the colouring in 80 per cent had a problem with the colouring in
medicinesmedicines
53 per cent had problems with the preservatives in 53 per cent had problems with the preservatives in
medicinesmedicines
58 per cent reacted to coloured toothpaste58 per cent reacted to coloured toothpaste
41 per cent reacted to coloured bubble bath.41 per cent reacted to coloured bubble bath.
WDDTYWDDTY
As a follow up to the toxic toiletries article As a follow up to the toxic toiletries article
(WDDTY vol 10 no 7), it stated to be careful (WDDTY vol 10 no 7), it stated to be careful
of perfumes used in the home. Air of perfumes used in the home. Air
fresheners of all types, spray deodorants, fresheners of all types, spray deodorants,
pot pourri, perfumed fabric conditioners, pot pourri, perfumed fabric conditioners,
washing powders/liquids and washing up washing powders/liquids and washing up
liquids all can have an effect on children's liquids all can have an effect on children's
behaviour.behaviour.
International ResearchInternational Research
An American survey showed that indoor An American survey showed that indoor
air to be 3 to 70 times more polluted than air to be 3 to 70 times more polluted than
outdoor air. It asked Could it be the outdoor air. It asked Could it be the
reason why more people felt sick, reason why more people felt sick,
especially children and those working in especially children and those working in
public buildings with no fresh air intake?public buildings with no fresh air intake?
WDDTYWDDTY
WDDTY States that WDDTY States that Products with Products with
"Warning", "Caution", or "Danger: labels "Warning", "Caution", or "Danger: labels
(i.e., cleaning products and pesticides). (i.e., cleaning products and pesticides).
These labels are there because one or more These labels are there because one or more
of the ingredients has the potential for of the ingredients has the potential for
causing serious harm or death.causing serious harm or death.
ResearchResearch
"We know that up to 25% of people exposed "We know that up to 25% of people exposed
to chemicals, including cleaning sprays, at to chemicals, including cleaning sprays, at
work will go on to develop occupational work will go on to develop occupational
asthma.” asthma.” Victoria King of Asthma UK, on the Victoria King of Asthma UK, on the
BBCBBC
WWF-UK and GreenpeaceWWF-UK and Greenpeace report showed report showed
that that Chemicals found in perfumes and Chemicals found in perfumes and
cleaning products can cross the placenta cleaning products can cross the placenta
and reach the baby in the womb. and reach the baby in the womb.
WDDTYWDDTY
Products that contain ingredients with long, Products that contain ingredients with long,
difficult-to-pronounce names. These are difficult-to-pronounce names. These are
usually synthetic ("man-made") chemicals usually synthetic ("man-made") chemicals
that are untested for their effects on human that are untested for their effects on human
health. health.
BBC ArticleBBC Article
THE 8 TYPES OF CHEMICALS THE 8 TYPES OF CHEMICALS
Alkylpheonols - found in detergents and pesticides; possible link with sperm Alkylpheonols - found in detergents and pesticides; possible link with sperm
defectsdefects
Artificial musks - found in perfumes; possible cancer linkArtificial musks - found in perfumes; possible cancer link
Bisphenol A - found in tin cans and baby bottles; possibly effect on Bisphenol A - found in tin cans and baby bottles; possibly effect on
reproductive organsreproductive organs
Brominated flame retardants - found in textiles and electrical appliances; Brominated flame retardants - found in textiles and electrical appliances;
possible link with learning disorderspossible link with learning disorders
Organochlorine pesticides - present in some foods such as fish; possible Organochlorine pesticides - present in some foods such as fish; possible
cancer linkcancer link
Perfluorinated compounds - found in non-stick pans; possible cancer linkPerfluorinated compounds - found in non-stick pans; possible cancer link
Phthalates - found in PVC products like Clingfilm; possible birth defects and Phthalates - found in PVC products like Clingfilm; possible birth defects and
asthma linkasthma link
Triclosan - found in toothpaste and deodorant; possible link with liver damageTriclosan - found in toothpaste and deodorant; possible link with liver damage
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
A harsh detergent and wetting agent used in garage floor
cleaners,
engine degreasers and auto cleaning products.
SLS is well known in the scientific community as a #
common skin irritant.
It is rapidly absorbed and retained in the eyes,
brain, heart and liver, which may result in harmful long-term
effects.
SLS could retard healing, cause cataracts in adults,
and prevent children’s eyes from developing properly.
Propylene glycol (PG)Propylene glycol (PG)
is a wetting agent and solvent used in make up, is a wetting agent and solvent used in make up,
hair care products, deodorants
and after shave.
hair care products, deodorants
and after shave.
It’s also the main ingredient in antifreeze and It’s also the main ingredient in antifreeze and
brake fluid.
brake fluid.
Similarly, polyethylene glycol (PEG), an agent Similarly, polyethylene glycol (PEG), an agent
found in most skin cleansers, is a corrosive used found in most skin cleansers, is a corrosive used
to dissolve grease the same substance you find in to dissolve grease the same substance you find in
oven cleaners.
oven cleaners.
Isopropyl, an alcohol used in hair rinses, hand Isopropyl, an alcohol used in hair rinses, hand
lotions and fragrances, is also a solvent found in lotions and fragrances, is also a solvent found in
shellac. shellac.
Are you cleaning yourself to death?Are you cleaning yourself to death?
Laundry detergentsLaundry detergents
DisinfectantsDisinfectants
Oven cleanersOven cleaners
Air freshenersAir fresheners
Oven CleanersOven Cleaners
are one of the most toxic products people are one of the most toxic products people
use. They contain Lye and ammonia, which use. They contain Lye and ammonia, which
eat the skin, and the fumes linger and affect eat the skin, and the fumes linger and affect
the respiratory system. Then there is the the respiratory system. Then there is the
residue that is intensified the next time you residue that is intensified the next time you
turn your oven on. turn your oven on.
Artificial FragrancesArtificial Fragrances
Artificial fragrances can be made from Artificial fragrances can be made from
petroleum. Many do not degrade in the petroleum. Many do not degrade in the
environment, and may have toxic effects on environment, and may have toxic effects on
both fish and mammals. Additionally, they both fish and mammals. Additionally, they
often can cause allergies and skin or eye often can cause allergies and skin or eye
irritation.irritation.
DETERGENTSDETERGENTS
One of the biggest culprits in ocean pollution is phosphates, common One of the biggest culprits in ocean pollution is phosphates, common
in laundry detergents and some cleaning products. The average in laundry detergents and some cleaning products. The average
consumer nation-wide uses about 30 pounds of laundry detergent a consumer nation-wide uses about 30 pounds of laundry detergent a
year; all together, Americans use about 8.3 billion pounds of dry year; all together, Americans use about 8.3 billion pounds of dry
detergent and a billion gallons of liquid detergent each year! High detergent and a billion gallons of liquid detergent each year! High
phosphate levels can kill life in rivers, streams and oceans by causing phosphate levels can kill life in rivers, streams and oceans by causing
"algae blooms." Algae slimes dense enough to suffocate marine life "algae blooms." Algae slimes dense enough to suffocate marine life
have been swelling around the world, especially in coastal bays. They have been swelling around the world, especially in coastal bays. They
are largely caused by fertilizing pollutants called "nutrients" in human are largely caused by fertilizing pollutants called "nutrients" in human
sewage and farm runoff.sewage and farm runoff.
Some marine experts call this type of ocean pollution a silent, global Some marine experts call this type of ocean pollution a silent, global
epidemic that if unabated could destroy American's most scenic and epidemic that if unabated could destroy American's most scenic and
commercially valuable waterscommercially valuable waters
EnvironmentEnvironment
Why pour harmful down our sinks The danger doesn’t end Why pour harmful down our sinks The danger doesn’t end
with their use. Everything that goes down your drain with their use. Everything that goes down your drain
eventually ends up in your drinking water supply. This is eventually ends up in your drinking water supply. This is
multiplied by what your neighbours and every other person multiplied by what your neighbours and every other person
and industry put down their drains. More than four million and industry put down their drains. More than four million
pounds of household cleaning chemicals go down drains pounds of household cleaning chemicals go down drains
each year. each year.
Everything that goes down our drains and toilets ends up at Everything that goes down our drains and toilets ends up at
the water treatment plants where they are mixed with even the water treatment plants where they are mixed with even
more toxic chemicals, recycled and returned to us via our more toxic chemicals, recycled and returned to us via our
water taps (including drugs and poisons we ingested, water taps (including drugs and poisons we ingested,
inhaled and absorbed, then eliminated). inhaled and absorbed, then eliminated).
REDUCING EXPOSURE TO REDUCING EXPOSURE TO
HARMFUL CHEMICALSHARMFUL CHEMICALS
WDDTY state Products labeled "organic" or WDDTY state Products labeled "organic" or
"all-natural" (personal care products and "all-natural" (personal care products and
foods), but read further to see how these foods), but read further to see how these
terms are defined. To ensure organic terms are defined. To ensure organic
standards, look for "USDA Certified standards, look for "USDA Certified
Organic" or "Quality Assurance Organic" or "Quality Assurance
International" labels. International" labels.
Educate yourself on environmental risksEducate yourself on environmental risks
Reducing ExposureReducing Exposure
Whenever possible, use alternative non-Whenever possible, use alternative non-
toxic products that will curtail the destruction toxic products that will curtail the destruction
of the environment.of the environment.
Natural cleaning, is safe, low cost and Natural cleaning, is safe, low cost and
prevents packaging waste land-filling our prevents packaging waste land-filling our
environment. environment.
Avoid products containing risky ingredientsAvoid products containing risky ingredients
Saving the Environment!Saving the Environment!
Look under your sink—replace all chemical Look under your sink—replace all chemical
cleaning products with natural materials cleaning products with natural materials
Clear you indoor environment of synthetic Clear you indoor environment of synthetic
chemicalschemicals
Don’t be taken in by advertisingDon’t be taken in by advertising
Check your bathroom, closets, drawers for Check your bathroom, closets, drawers for
strong offensive odors and remove their strong offensive odors and remove their
sources sources
Safe DetergentsSafe Detergents
When buying detergent, read the side of the pack When buying detergent, read the side of the pack
for information on the environmental benefits of for information on the environmental benefits of
the product. the product.
Use detergents sparingly- we often add much Use detergents sparingly- we often add much
more than is necessary. more than is necessary.
Some detergents have the symbol ‘NP’ marked on Some detergents have the symbol ‘NP’ marked on
their packaging. This means that the product their packaging. This means that the product
contains little or no phosphorous, which is contains little or no phosphorous, which is
beneficial. Detergents containing phosphorous beneficial. Detergents containing phosphorous
may be labelled ‘P’. may be labelled ‘P’.
BENEFITS OF USING NATURAL BENEFITS OF USING NATURAL
ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTSECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
Eco friendly and non-toxicEco friendly and non-toxic
Highly cost effectiveHighly cost effective
Concentrated where possible to reduce Concentrated where possible to reduce
packaging, transport and manufacturing packaging, transport and manufacturing
costs, so reducing carbon emissionscosts, so reducing carbon emissions
Fabulous results - effective cleaning with no Fabulous results - effective cleaning with no
build up, less work in the long term! build up, less work in the long term!
Reducing Exposure!Reducing Exposure!
Consider less toxic cleaning products e.g. Consider less toxic cleaning products e.g.
vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda and old vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda and old
fashioned elbow powerfashioned elbow power
Avoid soft plasticsAvoid soft plastics
Avoid room deodorants Avoid room deodorants
Avoid insecticidesAvoid insecticides
Don’t use scented fabric softenersDon’t use scented fabric softeners
Make your own productsMake your own products
Use liquid detergents rather than powders. Use liquid detergents rather than powders.
Powders have about 10-20 times more Powders have about 10-20 times more
sodium salts in them than liquid detergents. sodium salts in them than liquid detergents.
Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiseptic, Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiseptic,
naturally! naturally!
Less products necessary, - saving money! Less products necessary, - saving money!
Fresh, natural scent, only pure essential oils Fresh, natural scent, only pure essential oils
fragrance fragrance
100% natural ingredients with nothing artificial 100% natural ingredients with nothing artificial
added - environmentally responsible. added - environmentally responsible.
Concentrated, so only a small amount is needed Concentrated, so only a small amount is needed
for a thorough clean for a thorough clean
Children friendlyChildren friendly
SafeCeaningSafeCeaning
The reality is that nature has provided us The reality is that nature has provided us
with all the secrets and resources to with all the secrets and resources to
maintain a healthy living, both practically maintain a healthy living, both practically
and spiritually. and spiritually.
Safe CleaningSafe Cleaning
In the world of cleaning nature has given us In the world of cleaning nature has given us
a kaleidoscope of pure and simple products a kaleidoscope of pure and simple products
that do everything your chemical products that do everything your chemical products
will do, whilst maintaining your health at the will do, whilst maintaining your health at the
same time. same time.
Nature does not work to a profitable pie chart, but Nature does not work to a profitable pie chart, but
operates to maintain the eco-balance. Cleaning operates to maintain the eco-balance. Cleaning
has been an essential feature of life since the has been an essential feature of life since the
creation of mankind.creation of mankind.
We have seen in London for instance that the We have seen in London for instance that the
bubonic plague almost wiped out an entire bubonic plague almost wiped out an entire
community. We know that in situations like these community. We know that in situations like these
communities almost always go back to basics and communities almost always go back to basics and
try to re-align themselves with nature.try to re-align themselves with nature.
In small groups I want you to explore In small groups I want you to explore
traditional methods of cleaning that were traditional methods of cleaning that were
used, may be by your grandma or great used, may be by your grandma or great
grandma? grandma?
Think about the smell, the texture, the Think about the smell, the texture, the
appearance, and the impact on cleaning.appearance, and the impact on cleaning.
In small groups can you list under the following In small groups can you list under the following
headings the firstheadings the first thing that comes to thing that comes to
mind?mind?
Essential OilsEssential Oils
Herbal ExtractsHerbal Extracts
Inorganic materialsInorganic materials
Going back to nature and what it can give us Going back to nature and what it can give us
let us now enter the world of essential oils, let us now enter the world of essential oils,
herbal extracts, natural raw materials and herbal extracts, natural raw materials and
couple these with a set of inorganic couple these with a set of inorganic
ingredients that will in you being able to ingredients that will in you being able to
produce high quality, safe and natural produce high quality, safe and natural
cleaning agents.cleaning agents.
Inorganic Materials Inorganic Materials
Traditionally, white vinegar and bicarbonate, Traditionally, white vinegar and bicarbonate,
of soda, essentials oils, olive oil were used of soda, essentials oils, olive oil were used
for cleaning the home in a chemical free for cleaning the home in a chemical free
way. way.
Vinegar
as an all purpose cleaner, as a
Vinegar
as an all purpose cleaner, as a
disinfectant and degreaserdisinfectant and degreaser
Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes,
softens water, scours.softens water, scours.
Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids,
effective against most household effective against most household
bacteria.bacteria.
CornstarchCornstarch - can be used to clean - can be used to clean
windows, polish furniture, shampoo windows, polish furniture, shampoo
carpets and rugs.carpets and rugs.
Citric AcidCitric Acid
Citric acid: has a wide variety of uses most Citric acid: has a wide variety of uses most
often found in both cosmetic and culinary often found in both cosmetic and culinary
use. It can be used to make good “natural” use. It can be used to make good “natural”
cleaners. cleaners.
Citric acid is a very important ingredient for Citric acid is a very important ingredient for
use in natural body care and cosmetic use in natural body care and cosmetic
recipes. recipes.
In the majority of body care recipes, it is In the majority of body care recipes, it is
used in small proportions, used in small proportions,
XANTHUM GUMXANTHUM GUM
Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent
useful in the manufacturing of natural skin useful in the manufacturing of natural skin
and personal care products and personal care products
It is produced by a process involving It is produced by a process involving
fermentation of glucose or sucrose which fermentation of glucose or sucrose which
are by products of Corn Sugar.are by products of Corn Sugar.
Cosmetic manufacturers add a very small Cosmetic manufacturers add a very small
amount of xanthan gum to their cream-amount of xanthan gum to their cream-
based products based products
BETAINEBETAINE
Chemically known as trimethylglycine, is a Chemically known as trimethylglycine, is a
completely natural, edible compound found completely natural, edible compound found
in products such as sugar beet, spinach and in products such as sugar beet, spinach and
broccoli, and in some crustacean such as broccoli, and in some crustacean such as
shrimps. shrimps.
In minute doses it isIn minute doses it is ideal for a wide range ideal for a wide range
of cosmetic applications. of cosmetic applications.
Lauryl GlucosideLauryl Glucoside
A biodegradable, mild detergent and a A biodegradable, mild detergent and a
surfactant made from coconut oilsurfactant made from coconut oil..
Lauryl glucoside is another 100% plant-Lauryl glucoside is another 100% plant-
derived mild cleanser.derived mild cleanser.
Used in shampoos as a detergent and as a Used in shampoos as a detergent and as a
thickening agent. thickening agent.