Thick as Thieves Part 2 - Ditch and Switch

Ever heard of the term, "ditch and switch?" I hadn't either until I saw it on a friend's social media page. Part of me wanting to live a healthier lifestyle included paying attention not only to what we ate, but what we used around the house. Much like with food labels, I started reading the labels on my cleaning and room-freshening products - even the candles. OH. MY. WORD. There were so many things I couldn't even pronounce! Let's talk about some of them.

Phthalates (pronounced: Thay-lates) - These chemicals can alter hormone levels in the body, especially testosterone. 

Volatile organic compounds - These are chemical by-products that aren't listed on labels because they occur as a result of using the product. They can cause fun side effects like, eye irritation, throat irritation, headaches, nausea; they can even damage you liver, kidneys, and central nervous system with enough exposure. 

Terpenes- These chemicals react with the air to create by-products like formaldehyde.  "A 2015 study published in the journal Science of The Total Environment assessed the health risks of breathing in those chemicals in a realistic scenario: in a home while using other household products that contain the same ingredients. Researchers found that electric air fresheners release significant formaldehyde emissions on their own (17% of the Critical Exposure Limit or CEL), and that combined with seven other common household products (such as all-purpose cleaning agents and furniture/floor polish), your exposure to formaldehyde can reach 34% of the CEL in just 30 minutes."

Paraffin - sounds harmless? When burned, the soot gives off other fun chemicals like benzene, acetone, and toluene (found in diesel fuel!) which are known carcinogens. 

1,4 dichlorobenzene - This chemical has been linked to liver cancer and reduced lung function. WOW. I was speechless. In trying to keep a clean and warm home environment, I was accidentally exposing us all to these chemicals. That was all the motivation I needed to DITCH these products and SWITCH to Young Living's all-natural products. 

Thieves is the only cleaning product I use. There's a whole line of Thieves products pre-made (so you don't have to!). If all you have is the oil, there are plenty of recipes online to help you create natural cleaning and health products for your family. Go right now and look through your own cabinets, DITCH all the nasty ones and SWITCH to Young Living! 

Does that idea seem expensive? 

You tell me? 



Sources:https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/fairfresheners.pdfhttp://www.grandparents.com/health-and-wellbeing/health/are-air-fresheners-bad-for-youhttp://healthwyze.org/reports/184-how-air-fresheners-are-killing-you
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