Manufacturers of cleaning products are often more concerned about the ability of products to get the job done than their dangers to human health. Some products contain toxic ingredients that are potentially harmful to human health. When people come into contact with these ingredients, they can experience symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Here are six ingredients to avoid in cleaning products, and their negative effects on human health
1. Ammonia
This is a very common ingredient in products used for cleaning glass and polishing jewelry, sinks, and other bathroom fixtures. While it does a spectacular job at leaving a sparkle, it’s also a respiratory irritant. Ammonia can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. People who experience a lot of exposure to it will often develop respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic bronchitis. People at a higher risk of developing complications from this ingredient include the elderly and people with any existing respiratory issues
2. Perchloroethylene (PERC)
This chemical ingredient is also known as tetrachloroethylene. PERC is a solvent used in dry-cleaning and degreasing. It’s also found in some spot removers, furniture polishes, and carpet cleaners. It can cause nausea, dizziness, confusion, and even unconsciousness. According to numerous studies, prolonged exposure to PERC has been linked to cancer
3. Formaldehyde
This is a common ingredient in many household cleaners, including dishwashing soaps, laundry detergent, and disinfectant spray. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause watery eyes, nausea, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, and difficulty breathing. This ingredient has been linked to cancer, specifically myeloid leukemia
4. Chlorine
This is an ingredient found in mildew removers, laundry whiteners, scouring powders, tile cleaner, and toilet bowl cleaners. Exposure to it can be through skin contact or fumes. This chemical ingredient is a respiratory irritant that can cause coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to chlorine can also lead to asthma, bronchitis, chronic dryness, and a disrupted thyroid
5. Glycol ethers
Glycol ethers are found in air fresheners and cleaning products. They are often used in the composition of oven, glass, floor, and carpet cleaners. These ingredients can cause skin irritation, rashes, swelling of the face or throat, nausea, and vomiting. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals may also lead to liver damage
6. Terpenes
These are chemicals found in lemons, oranges, and pines and are used in cleaning products as solvents or for a particular fragrance. They are often used to make furniture polishes, shampoos, and carpet cleaners. When terpenes react with ozone, they produce harmful compounds. Exposure to these chemicals can cause skin irritation and stomach pain, or cramps. Prolonged exposure may lead to liver damage
In conclusion, it’s always important to read the labels of cleaning products before purchasing them and before using them. People should avoid using any products that contain ingredients they are concerned about without further research on these chemicals and their impacts on human health. Empty cleaning products should also be disposed of safely in a garbage bag to avoid contamination. It is also recommended that people with asthma and other respiratory issues avoid exposure to these ingredients altogether.
