Remember the “Hints from Heloise” newspaper column? She provided simple household advice passed down from mothers and grandmothers whose common ingredients for cleaning, including baking soda and vinegar, came from the kitchen cupboard.

These types of non-toxic cleaning products are making a comeback. Armed with emerging scientific data on the hazards of synthetic cleaning products, consumers are ready to get back to the basics.

We now know that as we dust, polish and scrub our way to a “cleaner” house, we may create a harmful mix of chemicals that pollute the indoor air and surfaces and compromise the health of our family and pets. Some products contain toxic substances that can cause harm if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Mixing certain chemical cleaners, such as chlorine bleach and ammonia, can create toxic gases. Extremely high doses of some substances may even cause birth defects or other serious health problems, including brain damage or death.

Recent studies show that many common cleaners and air “fresheners” contain chemicals that can trigger asthma. This includes products such as spray and plug-in air fresheners; toilet cleaners; and laundry products including detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets. A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine showed that people who used cleaning sprays at least once a week were 50 percent more likely to have increased asthma symptoms, wheeze or use asthma medications. Of the products studied, air fresheners, glass cleaners and furniture sprays had the strongest association with asthma.

Less than 10 percent of approximately 100,000 synthetic chemicals produced each year for industry, home and agriculture uses have undergone testing for long-term health effects. Some synthetic chemicals found in cleaning products are not deliberately added, but are carcinogenic byproducts of manufacturing (including formaldehyde and benzene). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require manufacturers to list chemicals used in product fragrances. In addition, there are no legal requirements for ingredient labeling on household cleaning products.

Fragrance-free products are the best solution for those at risk for asthma. This is just a rough guideline since there is no exact definition for “scent-free,” “fragrance-free” or “unscented.” Products labeled as “unscented” may actually contain ingredients to mask the smell of other ingredients.

You can also try substituting chemical cleaning products with non-toxic alternatives, just like your grandmother or Heloise used to do. For example:

• Open windows or use products scented with essential oils instead of spraying air fresheners.
• Use these non-toxic cleaning alternatives:
  • Castile soap (least toxic, vegetable oil-based)
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Lemons and essential oils
• Use this quick recipe for a safe, effective glass cleaner:
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 cup of distilled vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of liquid soap

You can find more non-toxic, natural cleaning and cooking tips in Vicky Lansky’s books Vinegar and Baking Soda.

If you use chemical cleaning products, keep them in their original containers, keep them out of reach of children, and carefully follow instructions for storage and use. If anyone swallows, inhales or gets a toxic product on their skin, seek immediate medical attention.

Listed below are three organizations you can contact with questions or concerns about common household chemicals:

National Pesticide Information Center, 800-858-7378, www.npic.orst.edu

Environmental Protection Agency, 202-272-0167, www.epa.gov

National Poison Control Hotline, 800-222-1222, www.poison.org

— Cindy Russell, M.D.