We may have an idea of what cleaning products will take the stains from our toilets, or the build up from our showers. We can’t always see though — what might be affecting us on a deeper level. One of the best ways to keep unhealthy products away from your home is to make sure you know what harmful chemicals are in cleaning products.
Did you know that the seemingly harmless bottle of household cleaner you have under your sink might as well be a time bomb? A wide variety of chemicals can be found in household cleaners and other household items which may be bad for your health.
Here are some harsh chemicals you should stay away from:
1. Ammonia: Ammonia is an ingredient in many household cleaners and is used to remove stains from clothing, carpets, floors and more. It's widely used because it's cheap, but it's also highly toxic. Long-term exposure to ammonia fumes can cause liver damage and even death. The risks are especially high for children, who may find the smell of ammonia appealing or who may believe it's just another cleaning product that they can put on their skin.
2. Bleach: Bleach is one of the most common ingredients found in home cleaning products like floor cleaner, toilet cleaners, and more. It's also one of the most dangerous, because it can cause irritation or harm to the skin, eyes and respiratory system. Many people use bleach for laundry and cleaning, but if you think about how often you use bleach, it becomes clear that you should use gloves to protect your hands, respiratory protection to protect your lungs, and goggles to protect your eyes. One solution to these harmful chemicals is to check out the range of natural, chemical free cleaning products from the Better Home for safe, pet and child friendly cleaning solutions!
3. Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas. It is naturally produced by all living things, and in small amounts it is considered harmless. However, when inhaled in larger quantities, it can cause a variety of health issues including eye irritation and respiratory problems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has deemed formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen. Toxicity from formaldehyde can be particularly problematic for children and the elderly who are more sensitive to its effects. And since exposure can come from sources other than cleaning products, it's important to be aware of how to protect yourself from exposure wherever it may occur.
4. Sodium Laureth Sulphate: Sodium laureth sulphate is also known to irritate the skin, so people with sensitive skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis should be extra careful about the products they use. Toxicology tests have shown that sodium laureth sulphate may cause reproductive problems and allergic reactions in humans. These studies are still continuing to determine if the substance is dangerous for humans. Sodium laureth sulphate can be found in many household cleaning products including dish washing detergents, hand soaps, shampoos and toothpastes. The substance can be identified on product packaging as an ingredient or listed as a trade name under which the ingredient appears. For example, it may appear on labels as SLES or Cocamidopropyl Betaine
5. D limonene: D limonene is a chemical substance that is produced in citrus plants. It is responsible for the scent of oranges and other citrus fruits. The chemical is also used in home cleaners to remove dirt and stains. It is also used as a citrus fragrance in mosquito repellents and air fresheners. D-limonene is also an allergen and may cause asthma-like symptoms in those exposed to it.
Too much toxic information to take in? Good thing we're all about being Toxin free and sustainability! Happy Cleaning <3