Be green and allergy-free

A new study has found that children exposed to gases emitted by household cleaning products and furnishings are four times more likely to suffer from asthma. Most cleaning products, carpets and paints contain abrasive, toxic and irritating chemicals - but what are the safer alternatives?

Air fresheners

These contain an array of chemicals such as petroleum-based perfumes and chlorobenzenes, which are irritating to the eyes, throat and lungs. Allergic reactions to air fresheners may range from sneezing and watery eyes to asthma attacks.

Healthier options

Houseplants such as English ivy, spider plants and peace lilies can help remove unpleasant odours. Unlike most air fresheners, which cover up one smell with a stronger one, products such as Citrus Magic Air Freshener (£2.85 for 100ml) contain natural citrus acids which dissolve airborne odour particles. This can eliminate odour emitted by smoke, mildew and pets. For information go to www.citrusmagic.com; 020 7221 1345.

Furniture and floor polishes

These contain solvents and volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and benzene, all of which irritate the skin and lungs.

Healthier options

A simple floor cleaner can be made by adding one cup of vinegar to a bucket of water with a small amount of liquid soap. Furniture wax can be made by mixing two parts of beeswax with three parts of cooking oil and one part of white-wine vinegar. Natural products include Furniture Polish by Earth Friendly Products (£4.77 for 650ml; 01892 616 871) and De Rit Beeswax Polish (£3.25 for 150g), both available from Planet Organic (020 7221 1345) and health-food shops.

Bleaches and toilet cleaners

Liquid household bleaches contain about five per cent sodium hypochorite solution. Used properly, it can be a simple and effective disinfectant. However, chlorine bleach fumes can be highly irritating to the skin, eyes, nose and throat. Contact with the skin can cause dermatitis.

Healthier options

A cup of white-wine vinegar - a natural detergent and disinfectant - with a handful of baking soda left in the toilet bowl for 15 minutes will help remove limescale. Earth Friendly Products make a Toilet Bowl Cleaner containing water, cedar oil, citric acids and coconut oil surfactant (£3.59 for 200ml: www.greenbrands. co.uk; 01892 616 871).

All-purpose cleaning fluids

To help you clean effortlessly, most cleaning products contain strong, concentrated chemicals such as solvents, bleaches, surfactants and disinfectants. Some of these are known carcinogens and have been shown to be irritating to the skin, eyes, nose and throat when inhaled.

Healthier options

Most liquid detergents can be made into useful all-purpose cleaners by diluting them. Expose yourself to the minimum of chemicals by using a vegetable-based detergent such as Ecover washing-up liquid (£2.99 for 200ml; www.ecover.com). Citrus Magic 5-in-1 (£4.49 for 200ml; 020 7221 1345) is a concentrated cleaner containing orange, lemon and lime solvents. It can remove grime from barbecues, carpets and kitchen surfaces.

Flooring

One study found that in more than 75 per cent of homes, rug dust contained high levels of harmful chemicals. Infants ingest 2.5 times more of these than adults because they play on the floor. Cleaning a carpet with chemical shampoos containing petroleum-based solvents and formaldehyde may not be the best option as they are irritant and toxic.

Healthier options

Regular vacuuming and steam cleaning, which kills dust mites, bacteria and mould, is the best way to keep a carpet toxin-free. Alternatively opt for natural, chemical-free flooring. Terracotta tiles, coir matting and cork floors made by companies such as Crucial Trading (www. crucialtrading.com; 01562 743 747) and Fired Earth (www.firedearth.co.uk; 020 7589 0489) don't release toxic gases. The best options for carpets are wool and natural mixes with a jute or hessian backing.