Spring Cleaning Carnival - Week 1 - Friday

Today's triclosan article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triclosan

I found the overall tone of the information on wikipedia to be that the side effects of triclosan were not as bad as some people claim to be. I tried not to let this color my opinion and discount what the article said, as I am predisposed to have negative thoughts about triclosan's 'cost vs. benefits'.

As several of the residents at the facility where I work have developed MRSA infections due to frequent hospital stays, and the article stated triclosan was particularly effective in combating MRSA, I'm actually all for it in a health-care setting. And I think I posted the following example recently, although I am not sure: a co-worker sprayed (over-sprayed?) disinfectant at work one day and I had to wear a mask in order to keep my cookies down, if you get my meaning. It was hard to breathe.

Of course, Wikipedia can be edited by anyone with an account, but has built up credibility as a source of information over the years. They certainly were thorough in citing sources: 31 for this page.

The article on bleach: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_effect_of_Inhaling_bleach

is a simple one-sentence question and 1-2 paragraph answer, that any high-concentration of bleach should be handled as little as possible and only in a well-ventilated area.

The upshot is that my opinion about triclosan and bleach use in a home setting is not really much different today than it was yesterday. I would still prefer to (personally) use products that have as little to do with a laboratory and engineered products as possible, but part of the carnival assignment was learning more about the substances and one article on each (triclosan and bleach) this week seemed to be about right for me.

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I came up with the following list for a set of basic natural household cleaners:

1 spray bottle

1 opaque spray bottle (to prevent breakdown of peroxide)

white vinegar

hydrogen peroxide

baking soda

All that should be easy enough to acquire on Monday when I get paid.

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Here are some websites I found to aid in DS1's lessons:

http://chemistry.about.com/od/k12gradelessons/a/periodictable.htm

http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/properties-of-vinegar.html

http://chemistry.about.com/od/k12gradelessons/K12_Grade_Chemistry_Lessons.htm

http://www.coolscience.org/CoolScience/KidScientists/h2o2.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4606163_hydrogen-peroxide-kill-bacteria.html\

http://chemistry.about.com/cs/foodchemistry/f/blbaking.htm

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-16881372.html

http://www.visionlearning.com/library/module_viewer.php?mid=58