Do your research.

I work in a research lab full-time. What the lab researches has me aware of what people use in their homes and what they use on themselves. One reason why I switched stores. I know it might discredit me for working in such an industry (then again, we're one of 3 labs in the country that do this kind of independent research), but it's only me made me more aware of what kinds of things are in people's homes and workplaces.

It also leads me to do my own little investigations.

Many of the products used in workplace, and in homes, have to have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). This is something our clients have to submit before we test their products. Well, I've gone and done some research of my own.

What I've found amazes me. If you do a search n your common household cleaning products, you're mostly likely able to find an MSDS sheet. You can even find MSDS for products you use on your children and yourself. If they aren't available through the website, you can call and request one.

I looked up a product that claims to be "Natural". A lot of companies are claiming that now because of the "sudden" awareness of how chemicals are affecting our environment and even our health. I can tell you that no "natural" product should have a pH of 2, which is very acidic. Having such a low pH level usually indicates a safety hazard of some sort.

And do your really read the labels on your household cleaning products? Some of them tell you to wear safety goggles ad gloves before using on just your toilet! Who wants to go through all of that trouble? And if it tells you that, how safe is it really to have in your house with children and pets around. You know dang well that if a child wants something, she's going to find a way to get it.

I'm glad I switched stores. I can rest easy knowing my children are safe. The other day, my son was taking much too long in the bathroom to go potty. I walked in, and he had my bathroom cleaner in his hands and was spraying the toilet with it. I aske him what he was doing.

"I'm cleaning, Mommy," was his reply.

My little helper. I love him.

Had it been any other cleaner, I would have flipped out. But not with this one. I can clean my bathroom and my kitchen now without having to worry about my asthma acting up, or having to worry about my children getting sick from the fumes caused by most cleaners. I don't have to open every window in my home in the iddle of winter to make sure the fumes and smell get out of my house.

You have to find out what you're using. Especially for the safety of your kids. Our health is also our wealth. Without it, we can't enjoy life.

Here are a few sites you can visit:
http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/
http://www.ewc.org

If you'd like to know more about the products I use, drop me a line by visiting:
http://www.4OurFamilysWellness.com

Thanks for your time!