Household cleaning products such as acids, alkalies, detergents, and chemicals contain soluble salts which help to remove dirt without much rubbing. Alkalies can be strong on dirt and acids are useful for removing hard water deposits and rust stains. On the other hand, oxalic acids found in toilet cleaners help in removing different types of stains. Here is a list of harmful household products which are used for various purposes, and also tips to avoid or replace the products to prevent health hazards.
Kitchen
Teflon pans are commonly used in kitchen since the 1960s. These pans contain polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which releases toxic gases when it heats up. The gases produced by Teflon pans can cause cancer, organ failure, damage to reproductive organs, and other harmful effects. Stain removers such as Methylene chloride can cause skin irritation, damaged brain, and irregular heartbeat. Floor cleaners, wax or polish may contain petroleum solvent, which may be neurotoxic. Plastic water bottles contain BPA which affects the endocrine systems and causes changes in the level of hormone secretion of the body.
Bathroom
Bleach powder used for cleaning may burn the skin and eyes. The chemicals found in toilet cleaners release toxic gases which can harm the respiratory system and cause asthma, chest pains, skin reactions, cancer, physiological disorders, and birth defects. DEA used in cleaning products in the bathroom causes cancer and the commonly used ethoxylated nonylphenol can cause skin irritations as well. Cleaners contain ammonia which can cause kidney and liver problems. Certain chemicals such as butyl cellusolve which is found in all-purpose cleaners is neurotoxic, which can penetrate the skin, causing irritation.
Bedroom/Living Room
Monoethanolamine is a chemical found in many cleaners, floor strippers, and carpet cleaners. It can cause damage to the reproductive organs and kidney. Morpholine used as furniture polish and abrasive cleansers can cause skin burns and irritation to the eyes. It can also cause liver and kidney related diseases. Carpet cleaners are also made from perchloroethylene which is a carcinogen. It can be detrimental on the central nervous system, and it’s known to cause sleepiness, dizziness, tremors, and disorientations.
Environmental and Health Effects
Surface, toilet, and shower cleaners contain a hazardous chemical which contaminates ground water, lakes, and oceans. If ingested, it can cause severe illness. Also, phosphates found in laundry and cleaning products can kill life in streams and rivers. It has been observed that the chemicals commonly used in homes sometimes cause sleep loss. Moreover, disinfectants used for killing bacteria can also kill friendly bacteria. Most of these disinfectants contain strong chemicals which can cause breathing disorders.
Ways to Avoid or Limit the Effects of Harmful Household Products
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70 percent of poisonings in children aged between 1 to 5 years are caused by unsafe storage of chemical products. Proper care should be taken for storing these products.
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Seniors may suffer from harmful effects through the deterioration of their biochemical and psychological processes. Certain pesticides and carbon disulfides show more effect on the elderly as compared to younger people so these products should not be used by the elderly.
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You can use borax, washing soda, vinegar, and hot water for all-purpose cleaning instead of using chemical based cleaners. A homemade carpet cleaner can be prepared from salt, borax and vinegar, which is less harmful as compared to chemical based substances.
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Instead of using disinfectants, you can use water and lemon to clean the hands. Certain herbal disinfectants such as tea tree oil based disinfectants or cinnamon disinfectants can be used instead of chemical formulas.
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In most circumstances, you do not have to thoroughly clean your home like a hospital, because homes are not exposed to the kind the dirt and infections found at hospitals.
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For opening a drain, you can use a plunger to unclog the drain. Also use baking soda with vinegar and pour hot water to clear the clog.
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Instead of using plastic water bottles, use stainless steel or glass bottles to store water and avoid using non stick pans to prepare food. If you are using non stick pans, try to prepare food at a low temperature because nonstick pans emit poisonous gases at high temperature.