21/05/2024
Do you know what’s in that bottle of cleaning product you just used on your dining room table? How about that liquid spray that you use so generously whenever you give your bathroom a good scrub?
It’s a fact that household cleaning products are full of chemicals that may be harmful to you and your family and the emergence of naturally-derived and homemade products have flooded the market (and homes) in recent years. Which is the better of the two?
Know What’s in That Bottle
Whenever we prepare a dish we know what the recipe calls for. If it has ingredients that we may be allergic to, we avoid the dish. Knowing what chemicals are in your bottle of cleaning products is also crucial as some may prove to have some harmful effects to you and your family.
Make Reading a Habit
It doesn’t hurt to check the label before heading the counter. Some companies purposely print the product’s list of ingredients in an inconspicuous place so as not to draw attention. Some of the chemicals to keep an eye out for include:
1,4-Dioxane
Said to be a carcinogen – a substance that causes cancer – this chemical is still found in many common detergents.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
Also known as quats, these chemicals can cause asthma attacks.
Chlorine bleach
While bleach is commonly used at home to remove stubborn stains and disinfect surfaces, too much of it can be harmful to you. They may cause neurological and respiratory problems because of its toxic fumes. It is also a reactive liquid, potentially making it dangerous.
Formaldehyde
Another carcinogen, formaldehydes are usually used as a preservative.
Perchloroethylene
This ingredient can be found in spot cleaners and home dry cleaning products. It is most likely carcinogenic as well as a neurotoxin.
Ammonia
It affects the skin and respiratory system. It is an irritant that you can do without in your home.
2-Butoxyethanol (2-BE, BCEE, or Butyl cellosolve)
It is an eye and skin irritant that can be found in oven cleaners, degreasers, and laundry stain removers.
Fragrance
A generic ingredient, “fragrance” is a very misleading label. It can be made up of many different chemicals and may even cause asthma.
These are just a few examples of harmful chemicals that can be found in one of your cleaning products at home. Not only are they eye, skin, and respiratory irritants, they’re also deadly when swallowed.
Indoor air pollution is actually an issue and is one of the leading environmental dangers. If you think that these pollutants come from cleaning products then you’re right. As you may be aware, side effects are immediate: headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness as well as eye and skin irritation are apparent. Long term side effects are linked to cancer and respiratory issues.