No to Toxic Cleaners

The pandemic got us scared of all the harmful viruses and bacteria lurking in our homes. We have been conscious of how we clean. If it’s enough to kill them all. Most people have been using toxic chemicals not knowing it could damage their health in the long run. Only a small portion of the estimated 85,000 to 95,000 chemicals registered in the United States have undergone sufficient safety testing. Federal law does not require pre-market health testing for household and commercial cleaning chemicals, nor does it require listing ingredients.

Here are some of the risks you are exposed to toxic cleaners

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Respiratory
  • Eye infection
  • Asthma
  • Positioning

Who would have thought that using most commercially made cleaning products could damage our health? Every day we use these products to clean and sanitize our area to feel safe from viruses and bacteria but not knowing the side effects it brings us in the long term.

It's no secret that we're exposed to toxins in our homes every day. We may not realize it, but the average household contains about 62 toxic chemicals — and that's just the ones we know about!

Toxins are in everything from the phthalates in synthetic fragrances to the noxious fumes in oven cleaners. And they're linked to asthma, cancer, reproductive disorders, and hormone disruption — not to mention neurotoxicity.

Toxic chemicals are everywhere, and we can't escape them.

The thing is, most of the time we don't even realize it. We're exposed to it every day in small amounts—and manufacturers argue that in these small doses, these toxic ingredients aren't likely to be a problem. But when we're exposed to them routinely, and in combinations that haven't been studied, it's impossible to accurately gauge the risks. While a few products cause immediate reactions from acute exposure (headaches from fumes, skin burns from accidental contact), different problems arise with repeated contact. Chronic exposure adds to the body's "toxic burden"—the number of chemicals stored in its tissues at a given time.

These are some of the chemicals that are harmful to your health.

Phthalates

This type of chemical is exposed mainly through inhalation but can also happen through skin contact. Phthalates are endocrine-disrupters; a chemical compound that interferes with the normal functioning of the endocrine system and the reproductive and other biological processes regulated by it. These are commonly found in many fragranced household products, such as air fresheners, dish soap, and even toilet paper.

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)

Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPE) are used in a wide variety of industrial applications and consumer products. NPEs, though less toxic than NP, are also highly toxic to aquatic organisms, and in the environment degrade into more environmentally persistent NP. They can cause skin and eye irritation in people who work with them. Most commonly found in consumer laundry detergents, personal hygiene, automotive, latex paints, and lawn care products. It may also threaten the health of the developing fetus and young children

Sodium hydroxide (also known as lye and caustic soda)

It is a strongly corrosive manufactured chemical substance. Sodium hydroxide is a dangerous chemical that can cause serious burns and even blindness if it gets in the eyes. If you're working with sodium hydroxide, make sure to wear protective gear and keep your skin covered.

Sodium hydroxide does not vaporize, but if you get it on your skin or inhale it as dust or powder, it can cause severe lung damage. It is most commonly found in disinfectants, toilet bowl cleaners, oven cleaners, drain openers, and bathroom cleaners.

Triclosan (TSC)

The antibacterial agent triclosan (triclosan) is a chemical that can interfere with the body's thyroid hormone metabolism and may be a potential endocrine disruptor. Children exposed to antibacterial compounds at an early age also have an increased chance of developing allergies, asthma, and eczema. Triclosan is also used in many household products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, soaps, deodorants, and hand sanitizers. In addition to these products, it is also found in kitchenware such as cutting boards, plastic utensils, rubber gloves, and non-stick pans.

Now that you know what may be a product to clean and make our lives better may also cause potential health risks. Always use gloves, apron, and masks when handling chemicals. And also make sure to have a well-ventilated area. It is better safe than sorry. Go green and environment-friendly products for your home and office. Try looking for homemade recipes and adjust what works for your needs. It can save you money and your health.