Don't we need exposure to bacteria in order to boost our immune system?
Have you ever heard the argument that the necessity for household cleaning is over-exaggerated because human beings have lived with bacteria and dust for thousands of years and survived?
What is different about our lives today versus the past is that we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors, which, unlike the outdoors, does not have the benefit of rain or wind to clean the environment. Most of us probably do not have enough plants in our home to encourage a fresh supply of oxygen. Therefore, in order to maintain a natural ecological equilibrium and healthy bodies, we need to clean our homes.
The Enviro Cloth, Dust Mitt, Mops, and Mattress Cleaner are a great starting point to approach this balance within our primary living space.
It is true that most bacteria are good. We get sick when the good bacteria do not keep the bad bacteria in check. Because cleaning with chemicals kills a broad spectrum of good and bad bacteria, when we use only water to remove microorganisms, we encourage a more favorable environment for good bacterial growth. By helping to maintain a more favorable balance, we are not contributing to the “Super Bug” dilemma.
Answer by: By Jennifer Rodriguez-Allen, B.Sc. and Kerri Errington, MRT.
What makes Norwex microfiber different than other microfiber?
Oh, so many things!
1. Imagine a human hair split lengthwise 6 times, so that each of the 6 splits is a "grabber" that picks up dirt, debris and bacteria. That's a microfiber cloth. Now imagine that same hair split lengthwise 100 times so that each of the 100 grabbers does the same. That's a Norwex microfiber cloth. Norwex microfiber is superior to all others on the market, and can remove 99.9% of bacteria using only water. You can actually feel the microfiber grabbing at the surface as you wipe!
2. Norwex microfiber is the world's only Antibac microfiber,. It has a patent-pending silver agent woven into the cloth itself, enabling it to kill bacteria left in the cloth after rinsing within a few hours. No other microfiber can claim this feature.
3. A non-Norwex microfiber cloth will maintain its cleaning ability for up to about 25 washes, and will then become like a regular cotton cloth in its ability to clean. A Norwex Antibac microfiber cloth, on the other hand, still picks up 99.4% of bacteria after 500 washings!
3. Norwex microfiber can go in the dryer (no fabric softener or bleach). Most other microfiber cloths cannot go in the dryer, which means you have to remember to fish them out of the wash before drying your load. This may seem like a small thing, but functionally speaking, it's a pretty handy feature!
4. All Norwex microfiber products have a full 2 year money-back guarantee. This means that if in that period of time your Norwex Antibac microfiber cloth degrades in some way with normal use and proper care, Norwex will replace it.
Does Norwex antimicrobial microfiber kill bacteria?
Yes. The first step is that the Norwex Antibac microfiber cloth (wet with just water) removes 99.9% of the bacteria from the wiped surface and into the cloth. Then, once you've rinsed the cloth thoroughly, the Antibac silver will actually break the cell wall of bacteria remaining in the cloth. This kills the remaining bacteria in the cloth.
If my chemical cleaner kills bacteria, why should I switch to Norwex microfiber?
Reason 1
When you clean with Norwex Antibac microfiber, you pick up 99.9% of bacteria and then bacteria left in the cloth after rinsing is killed by the silver. The 0.01% of bacteria left on your surface after you wipe it is left undisturbed and is considered to be insignificant.
When you clean with chemicals, you are likewise killing 99.something percent of the bacteria, but there is a difference here! First, chemical cleaners kill the beneficial bacteria in our homes along with the harmful bacteria. On top of that, the tiny percentage of bad bacteria that are left behind are not left undisturbed. Rather, because they are exposed to but not killed by the chemical cleaner, they are given the opportunity to grow ever-stronger and more resistant.
The response to these super strains of bacteria is to develop ever-stonger chemical cleaners. This contributes to ever-more resistant bacteria, aptly named "Super Bugs", that can not only make your family sick, but are extremely difficult to kill. This is scary and spells serious danger for human and animal health.
Reason 2
If Reason 1 doesn't compel you to make the switch to non-chemical cleaning methods, think about this:
Every single capful of non-biodegradable chemical cleaner that goes down a drain anywhere in the world goes into our watershed. And stays there. Forever.
If we don't make a change to non-chemical cleaners, will there even be such a thing as clean water for future generations?
So how can I santize things like change tables and cutting boards?
Norwex Sanira Solution kills harmful bacteria right on any surface. It can be diluted 1:3 with water in a spray bottle and used to sanitize things like countertops, change tables, around the toilet area and other areas of concern. Sanira is a biological product that targets harmful bacteria and leaves the good stuff alone. It does not harm our water supply.
If my Antibac cloth kills bacteria in the cloth, why does it sometimes get stinky?
The Antibac cloth kills the bacteria it picks up. But your cloth also picks up other things while you wipe - like food, for example. If there are minute bits of food decomposing in your cloth, it will get stinky! The best remedy is to rinse your cloth well after wiping, then wring it out thoroughly and hang it over your sink to dry.
Is it true that I can wipe my toilet with an Antibac cloth and then wipe my kitchen counter?
No! It's true that the Antibac cloth kills bacteria remaining in the cloth after you've rinsed it, but the effect happens over the course of 2-3 hours. It is not immediate, and you could contaminate your work surface if you wipe it with the same cloth you just used to clean your bathroom.
Many people purchase the Rainbow Pack of Antibac cloths so that they can use one color for the kitchen, another for the bathroom, etc.
But even if you only have one Antibac cloth, please wash it regularly and kepe in mind that the bacteria in the cloth is not killed on contact!
How and why does the Magnet Ball work?
Magnets do not reduce water hardness; rather, they control it in a way that gives the effect of softer water. They are effective in reducing scale buildup in pipes, which improves energy efficiency and reduces cost. In addition to being expensive, salt water softeners result in a negative impact on our environment.
Doug Greene from Magnetizer Industrial Technologies, Inc. says:
"I would agree that ion exchange reduces hardness from a chemical standpoint and magnetic water treatment does not remove hardness; however, magnets reduce the impact of the hardness minerals which is why magnetic water "acts" like soft water, since the negative effects of the minerals are controlled.
The fact remains that salt softening brine discharge has been banned in many areas due to the negative environmental impact and more and more plumbers are offering magnetic treatment systems as an environmentally sensitive alternative.
Here is a partial transcript from the Radio National Science Show "Sensors & Magnets" Broadcast Saturday 30/09/00
Robyn Williams: Before I let you go Michael Coey, last year I interviewed you about the magnetic cleaning well of water systems which are clogged full of all that calcium carbonate scale. What’s been the progress on that?
Michael Coey: Well I learnt one interesting thing a few months ago when I was in Poland. They had found an electrical power station and they installed one complete heat exchanger through which they ran water on an industrial scale which was being magnetically treated and they had another one in parallel which was using untreated water. They ran the experiment for four months and they found that there was an absolutely spectacular difference. I mean there was a factor of 20 perhaps in the amount of the deposit and the chemical nature of the deposit was quite different. So that was satisfying because you can get results.
Guest on this program:
Professor J.M.D. (Michael) Coey
Professor of Experimental Physics
Trinity College
University of Dublin
Dublin 2 Ireland
What Norwex product is best for cleaning wood?
The dusting mitt can replace Pledge and a cloth for dusting. If you like to use wood oil, you can use about 1/3 of your usual amount in conjunction with the Envirotowel.
Does Norwex have a skin care line?
Yes and no.Norwex's skin care system consists not of skin cleaners and toners, but rather a simple microfiber cloth. The Body Pak microfiber facecloth removes makeup and even mascara with just water. Because the Body Pak cloth removes 99.9% of bacteria on the skin and also exfoliates, it's a great alternative for people with acne or sensitive skin.
How is the Body Pak Microfber Facecloth Different From The Envirocloth?
The Body Pak is dermatologically approved for all skin types. It is a very different weave than the Envirocloth - much looser and gentler on the skin.
Why Is It Important To Reduce the Number of Dust Mites In Our Homes?
Dust mites are microscopic. About 50 of them can fit on the head of a pin. Dust mites feast on the fungus that grows from dead skin cells and animal dander. The average adult sheds about 15 lbs of skin cells per year; 80% of that is shed in bed.
On average, one dust mite produces 50 fecal pellets daily .These droppings are the most common cause of dust -related allergies. Approximately 80% of asthmatics are allergic to dust mites.Guess what? It’s not the Dust Mites causing the allergies; it's the feces they leave behind.
There are millions of dust mites in your home, which live in your furniture, carpet, bed, bedding, and even your children's stuffed toys. Did you know that 10% of the average pillow’s weight is dust mite feces?
How Does Norwex Matress Cleaner Work to Get Rid of Dust Mites?
Norwex Mattress Spray is a chemical-free bio-neutralizer containing microorganisms whose job it is to eat dust mites and their feces.
HOW TO USE
•Use 2-3 times per year. 10 sprays does a twin mattress, 15 sprays does a queen-size mattress.
•Must be sprayed directly on the mattress (no need to flip), pillows, stuffed animals, furniture or carpet.
BENEFITS
•Only product on the market for elimination and removal of all organic waste inside the mattress
•Environmentally friendly and biodegradable in nature
•Dual function: By use of Zinc complex and micro organisms unpleasant odours and organic material are encapsulated, neutralised and eliminated.
•Minimizes bacteria and dust mite growth
•Continues working until all organic material is removed
•Quick and easy to use
•Cleans where other products are unsuccessful
How long does it take Norwex products to biodegrade?
Shampoo biodegrability (OECD standard 301 A- F) - approximately 90 % in 6 days
Toilet brush lifetime : there are refills for brushes older than 10 years
Will Norwex Hand Disinfectant Protect Against Peanut Allergies?
No. This product is not effective against peanuts. Peanut allergies are not caused by germs - they are a systemic reaction to the peanut residue.
Could someone who is allergic to peanuts also be allergic to shea butter?
This is possible. Norwex has not tested its shea butter products for people with peanut allergies and makes no claims of safety in this regard. Please know that there is research to indicate that people with peanut allergies are also sometimes allergic to tree nuts. The shea nut is a tree nut. As always when dealing with possible nut allergies, please use caution and common sense.
Will the silver agent in some Norwex products affect people with silver allergies?
The silver in Norwex toothbrproducts is a silver particle metal. It does not contain nickle. This silver does not leach at all, and therefore does not come out of or off of the products containing it (eg toothbrush, floss, envirocloth). Silver is actually considered to be hypoallergenic. Most often, people with an allergy to silver in jewellery are actually allergic to an alloy.
Is this toothbrush worth the money?
To answer your question in a nutshell, I have included a recent article published in the Winnipeg Free Press:
Dangers lurk in lowly toothbrush
Tue Apr 17 2007
THAT ubiquitous bathroom standby -- the lowly toothbrush -- is likely giving houseroom to some pretty nasty inhabitants.
We're taking germs here, folks. Microscopic bacteria, viruses and fungi -- and you're putting them daily into your mouth.
"We have millions and millions of bugs," says Dr. Tom Glass, a professor of forensic sciences, pathology and dental medicine at OklahomaStateUniversity in Tulsa . "A toothbrush has everything a bug needs: it has food, it has water. And most people put it in a place where it's warm and damp, like the bathroom, so the bugs just go wild."
Rinsing a toothbrush under even the hottest water from the tap won't put a dent in all the germs lodged in the bristles and head, nor will antiseptic mouthwashes or putting the brush in the dishwasher, maintains Glass.
In part, that's because the bristles that make up the brush head are made of materials that allow the bugs to snuggle in and multiply.
"The problem is that while the bristles look smooth, they are very, very porous and the organisms get lodged down in there," explains Glass, who advises replacing toothbrushes every two weeks.
"Our studies have shown that after two weeks the bristles that were smooth and end-rounded, at least two-thirds of those bristles are sharp and jagged. And therefore when you brush you have a way of getting them into the tissue, into the body."
One of those studies involved using toothbrushes to clean the teeth of dogs under tightly controlled conditions. During the first month, the scientists used new, sterilized brushes each day on the animals' teeth. Even so, those new brushes caused trauma to the soft tissues in the animals' mouths.
The second month, the brushes were sterilized daily, then contaminated with the bacteria that cause cavities or periodontal disease. Not only did the canines get a number of oral infections, "but also we began to see an occasional organism in the blood," says Glass.
During the third month, each dog had its teeth cleaned with its own toothbrush without sterilization, "just like you've been doing with your toothbrush," he said.
"Cut to the chase: this was the worst-case scenario by far. We got many, many more lesions in the oral cavity, on the tongue ... to the point we had one dog, she was so sick, we had to take her off the study and get her well."
Glass says research has shown that toothbrushes can retain viruses like influenza and herpes for up a week, and he suggests any time someone is sick, they should not keep using the same old toothbrush.
"We recommend that people change their toothbrush at the beginning of an illness, when they first start feeling better and when they're well, otherwise they're going to recontaminate themselves."
For some, such precautions may seem a little extreme.
Dr. Wayne Halstrom, president of the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), says he's not aware of any evidence that people can contaminate themselves with bacteria from toothbrushes or reinfect themselves with cold or other viruses.
"Essentially the issue is that you don't want to cross-contaminate," says Halstrom, who practises in Vancouver . "It's something like shared needles. You wouldn't want to share a needle, well you certainly wouldn't want to share a toothbrush with somebody because the bacteria that we find on an individual toothbrush are very specific to you or I that use them."
Both the CDA and the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association advise that toothbrushes should be replaced about every three months. After brushing, the brush should be rinsed thoroughly, then stored upright to dry in the open air.
-- Canadian Press
© 2007 Winnipeg Free Press. All Rights Reserved.
NOTE: This article has been properly credited and is included here under the Fair Use act to educate the reader.
What's so bad about fabric softener?
Fabric softeners are some of the most toxic products made for daily household use. They contain chemicals (like chloroform, benzyl acetate and pentane) that are known to cause cancer and/or damage to lungs, brain, and nerves. These chemicals are even more dangerous when heated in clothes dryers.
Fabric softener chemicals are made to stay in clothes fibers and slowly release for a very long time. That slow release of chemicals into the air affects the health of those wearing the clothes and of people around them.
Some symptoms caused by fabric softener fumes are tiredness that is not cured by resting, difficulty breathing, nervousness for no known reason, difficulty concentrating and remembering, dizziness, headaches, sick stomach, feeling faint, rashes and/or difficulty controlling body movements.
How much chemical exposure do we really get indoors?
DO YOU SUFFER FROM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING?
- allergies
- respiratory problems
- eczema
- recurring headaches with no known source
If you answered yes to any of these questions, your body may be showing the effects of a toxic environment. The National Cancer Society strongly suggests that one of the best ways to prevent cancer is by removing indoor toxins.
Exposure to toxic household hazardous chemicals from ingestion, inhalation or skin contact can produce acute (immediate) or chronic (long term) health effects such as:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Allergic Reactions
- Chemical Sensitivity
- Cardiac Damage
- Burning Eyes
- Skin Rashes
- Runny Nose
- Cancer
- Respiratory Tract Irritant
The air in our homes is filled with fumes from petrochemical solvents that have been added to cleaners to dissolve dirt. The average household contains anywhere from 3-25 gallons of toxic materials, most of which are in cleaners. No law requires manufacturers of cleaning products to list ingredients on their labels or to test their products for safety.
If I use only water and a cloth to clean my house, won't I really miss the clean smell of my home after I clean it with my usual chemical cleaners?
In order to answer this question, we need to know whether clean has a smell. Do this:
Imagine yourself standing in the sunshine at the top of a high mountain. Imagine taking in a deep breath of crisp mountain air. Mmmm. It's so fresh! What is that nice clean smell? Is it the smell of your favorite chemical cleaner? Surely not!
We need to redefine our idea of what clean smells like. The smell left behind by your chemical cleaners and laundry detergents is NOT the smell of clean. Rather, it is a chemical smell which you associate emotionally with clean. Clean does not smell like chemical cleaners, and the smell of clean does not endanger us or our children!
Here is an excerpt from Fragrances in Cleaning Products, Fabric Softeners and Laundry Detergents by Pamela Lundquist, Children's Health Environmental Coalition
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"What does clean smell like? Many of us would say, lemony or pine-scented or floral. These are the scents used by manufacturers to make their cleaners smell pleasant rather than like their chemical ingredients. Fabric softeners and laundry detergents are among the most highly scented products, imparting fragrance to clothing and other laundry. But nearly all other cleaners, including dishwashing liquids, floor cleaners, furniture polish and bathroom cleaners, typically contain fragrance, too.
While these scents may seem natural, in most cases they are created using complex blends of chemicals that can cause health effects. During use, fragrance and other chemicals can "volatize," or become airborne and are easily inhaled. What's more, residues from laundry products remain on clothing and linens after washing. These residues can be inhaled or can irritate skin.
For most people, fragrances in many products are unlikely to cause symptoms when used alone or in a well-ventilated area, but using a product excessively or many products together can cause the chemicals to concentrate in the air to levels that become bothersome, especially to children because their airways are more sensitive than those of adults.
Limonene, a lemon or orange scent used in many cleaning products, as well as other aromatic compounds found in pine and other essential oils can cause difficulty breathing. Solvents used in cleaners, such as ethanol and styrene, can cause headaches, fatigue and dizziness. Styrene is a possible human carcinogen. Phthalates, used to lengthen the duration of a scent, are suspected hormone disruptors.
Because manufacturers are not required to list ingredients on the labels of cleaners, it is difficult to determine which chemicals may be used in any given product for scent. In most cases, you will see no more than the word "fragrance".
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the only agency that has any regulatory power over household cleaners, except when they contain antimicrobial agents. (Antimicrobials, such as disinfectants, are considered pesticides and are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.) CPSC regulates household cleaners based on the following "hazard categories": toxic, flammable, caustic, irritant, sensitizer, carcinogen, nerve or reproductive toxin. And though many fragrance ingredients fit one or more of these categories, CPSC does not consider fragrance ingredients specifically when determining a cleaner's hazard level, nor is the agency concerned with the multiple and cumulative exposures of fragrances that occur in most homes due to the use of numerous cleaning products.*
The government also does not regulate the term "fragrance-free", according to a CPSC spokesperson. It is purely an industry invention. Many companies offer so-called "fragrance-free" products as an alternative to consumers who object to scent. However, the label is misleading. A product labeled "fragrance-free" may still contain fragrance ingredients, even if the scent cannot be easily detected. That's because fragrance may be needed to mask the unpleasant odor of some chemical ingredients.
To reduce the fragrance overload in your home, try switching to mild cleaners that don't have a heavy scent, such as those that are environmentally friendly or are made for the chemically sensitive."
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