Many household cleaning products contain chemicals that can pose serious health risks. These substances can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory systems, and long-term exposure can lead to hormonal destruction and more serious health problems like cancer. Understanding which chemicals to avoid can help protect your health and create a safer living environment. By choosing free products from these harmful ingredients, you can ensure a cleaner and healthier home for you and your family.
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ammonia
Ammonia is a common ingredient in glass and surface cleaners due to its ability to cut grease and grime. However, it can be a powerful irritating feature. When inhaled, ammonia vapors can stimulate the respiratory system and cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Exposure to the skin can cause burns and rashes, which can irritate the eyes and cause redness and discomfort.
Long-term exposure to ammonia can lead to more serious respiratory problems, such as chronic bronchitis and asthma. It can also cause kidney damage if absorbed into the skin or inhaled for a long period of time. People with existing respiratory diseases or compromised immune systems should be especially careful when using products containing ammonia.
Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
Chlorine bleach is widely used as a disinfectant and whitening agent. It is effective in killing bacteria, but is extremely irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory system. Contact with bleach can cause skin burns and inhaling smoke can lead to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Strong smoke is particularly dangerous in areas with poor ventilation.
In addition to immediate irritation, long-term exposure to chlorine bleach is associated with long-term health risks. Studies have shown that bleach exposure contributes to chronic respiratory problems like asthma and even increases the risk of cancer. Additionally, bleach can destroy thyroid function and, if used over time, interfere with the endocrine system.
Phthalates
Phthalates are commonly used chemicals and are used to add fragrance to cleaning products, air fresheners and soaps. These chemicals are easily absorbed into the skin and can cause irritation in direct contact. Inhaling phthalates can also lead to respiratory problems, such as nasal congestion and throat irritation.
Long-term exposure to phthalates is of particular concern due to their role as endocrine disruptors. They can interfere with hormone production, which can lead to reproductive health issues, especially in men. Studies have shown that phthalates are not only associated with developmental delays in children, but also increase the risk of certain cancers due to hormonal imbalances over time.
Triclosan
Triclosan is an antibacterial agent found in many cleaning products, especially antibacterial soaps and surface cleaners. It helps kill bacteria, but can cause skin irritation, especially when used frequently. People who are sensitive to this chemical may experience rashes and nest boxes, and excessive exposure can lead to a more serious skin reaction.
More troublesome, triclosan is associated with hormone destruction as it can interfere with thyroid and estrogen hormones. This confusion can cause developmental and fertility issues, especially in children and pregnant women. Furthermore, triclosan can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making infection difficult to effectively treat.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is used as a preservative in many cleaning products, especially cleaning agents sold as disinfectants. This chemical is a known irritant and can cause skin burns, eye irritation, and severe breathing difficulties. Inhaling formaldehyde smoke can lead to coughing, wheezing and tension in the chest, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
Formaldehyde is also a long-term health risk. It is classified as a carcinogen by the International Institute for Research on Cancer (IARC). Chronic exposure to formaldehyde is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia. Additionally, it can worsen existing conditions like asthma and destroy the immune system.
Butoxyethanol
Butoxyethanol is a commonly used solvent in glass cleaners, floor vacuum cleaners, and degreasers. It is effective in dissolving grease and grime, but is extremely toxic when inhaled or absorbed by the skin. It can cause immediate symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and nausea, along with respiratory irritation. Long-term exposure can lead to liver and kidney damage.
Butioxyethanol is harmful in the long term as well. This accumulates in the body over time and affects multiple organ systems. Chronic exposure to this chemical is associated with child reproductive health problems and developmental delays. Chemicals can also contribute to neurological problems and worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Sodium hydroxide (Lye)
Sodium hydroxide, also known as Lye, is commonly used in drain vacuum cleaners and oven cleaners. It is very corrosive and can cause serious skin burns when contacted. Inhaling smoke can irritate your throat and lungs, leading to coughing and shortness of breath. When Lye comes into contact with the eye, it can cause permanent damage, including blindness.
Prolonged exposure to sodium hydroxide can damage the mucosa and the respiratory system. The corrosive properties of chemicals, when ingested, can lead to severe gastrointestinal disorders, if they cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Given its potency, products containing sodium hydroxide should be treated with great care.
Isopropyl alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol is commonly used as a disinfectant and solvent in a variety of household cleaning products. It is effective in disinfecting surfaces, but can cause skin irritation, especially when exposed to long periods or repeated exposure. Inhaling isopropyl alcohol vapor can irritate the airways and cause coughing, shortness of breath and dizziness.
Long-term exposure to isopropyl alcohol can have more severe health effects. Chronic inhalation or skin contact can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Furthermore, excessive use of products containing isopropyl alcohol is associated with neurological symptoms such as headache, confusion and dizziness. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations can also impair cognitive function over time.
Fluoric acid
Hydroxyacid is a strong acid used in some heavy duty cleaners such as tiles and grout. It is highly corrosive and can cause severe skin burns upon contact. Exposure to that smoke can lead to difficulty breathing, coughing, and throat irritation. Hydrofluoric acid can also cause eye damage, and if not treated immediately, it can potentially lead to blindness.
Fluoric acids are particularly dangerous because they have the ability to penetrate deeply into tissues and cause damage both externally and internally. Chronic exposure can cause bone and kidney damage. Inhalation of high levels of hydrofluoroacid vapor can cause severe lung damage and can lead to death if not treated promptly.
Parker ethylene
Parker ethylene, also known as PERC, is often found in dry cleaning products and spot remotes. Inhalation can be toxic and lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches and nausea. Skin contact with Parker ethylene can cause irritation, redness, and itching. Long-term exposure to this chemical can damage the liver and kidneys.
Chronic exposure to Parker ethylene is associated with effects of the central nervous system, such as memory loss and difficulty in focusing. Furthermore, it is a carcinogenic possibility and there are studies showing links to increased risk of certain cancers, including bladder and kidney cancers. As a volatile organic compound (VOC), perchloroethylene also contributes to air pollution, further affecting respiratory health.
Ethylene Glycol
Ethylene glycol is commonly used to clean products such as carpet cleaners and dirt removers. It can cause skin irritation, especially during prolonged contact and is harmful when inhaled or ingested. When absorbed into the body, ethylene glycol can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, and in severe cases it can damage the kidneys.
Long-term exposure to ethylene glycol can lead to more serious health problems, such as damage to the central nervous system and renal failure. Chemicals can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system and can cause irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure. It is particularly dangerous for children who are susceptible to their toxic effects.
This article was originally published Avocado.
