Toxins to Avoid in Cleaning Products
/By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast
According to EWG’s scientific findings 53% of cleaning products contains ingredients known to harm the lungs and about 22% contains chemical that caused asthma to develop in healthy individuals.
Check your list of your cleaning product ingredients. If you spot any of the following chemicals in your cleaning products, please be aware of the products that are danger to humans.
What’s Lurking in Your Cleaning Products?
1. Phthalates: Known as endocrine disruptors, and exposures in humans linked to changes in sex hormone levels, low sperm count and quality and altered development of genitals. Companies don’t have to disclose what’s in their scents, and you won’t find phthalates on the label. Once you see the word “fragrance” on a label, there’s a chance that phthalates are present in there.
Found in: laundry detergents, fabric softeners, deodorizers, glass cleanser, floor polishes, air fresheners
2. Perchloroethylene: Also known as PERC, inhalation to tetrachloroethylene vapors can cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, and kidney dysfunction. Neurological effects, such as behavioral changes, headache, impairment of coordination, dizziness, sleepiness, and unconciousness.
Found in: spot removers, dry-cleaning solutions and upholstery cleaners.
3. Triclosan: A synthetic antibacterial that is toxic and interfere the function of hormones and usually used as an antimicrobial in cleaning products. Exposures by absorption through the skin or through the lining of the mouth can result in contact dermatitis, or skin irritation, and an increase in allergic reactions, especially in children.
Found in: dish soaps, disinfectants, hand washes, wipes, dental care, toys, etc.
Tip: Avoid antibacterial products with triclosan for homes use instead use simple detergents and soaps with short ingredient. For hand sanitizer, you can choose the one that is alcohol-based and without triclosan.
4. Quarternary Ammonium Compounds, or “QUATS”: Usually labeled “antibacterial” which designed to kill germs and used as disinfectants and surfactants in home and medical settings but the side effect could cause you asthma.
Found in: bathroom cleaning products, all-purpose cleaners, fabric softeners, and degreasers.
Tip: You can mix a few drops of tea-tree oil and a tablespoon of vinegar with water in a spray bottle for a germ killing all-purpose cleaner. Also, you can add drops of lavender essential oil for the scent.
5. 2-Butoxyethanol: It is a solvent used to remove dirt. Exposure to high doses of 2-BE could cause reproductive problems. There are some reports on irritation of the nose and eyes, headache, a metallic taste, or vomiting
Found in: glass cleaners, laundry stain removers, carpet cleaners, automobile cleaners, windshield wiper fluid, degreasers, oven cleaners, and rust removers.
Tip: You can clean mirrors and windows with used newspaper and diluted vinegar as an alternative. While for other kitchen tasks, use the simple cleaning compounds like Bon Ami powder that is made from natural ingredients like ground feldspar and baking soda. You can also make your own formulas with baking soda, vinegar and essential oils.
6. Ammonia: A cleaning solution used for household and industrial cleaning products. This is a powerful irritant and it’s going to affect you right away. With high concentrations in air causes burning of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract that can result in blindness, lung damage or death. It can also create a poisonous gas if mixed with bleach.
Found in: window cleaners, drain cleaners, toilet cleaners, bathroom cleaners, oven cleaners, stainless-steel cleaners, car polish, and all-purpose cleaners.
Tip: Vodka is a good alternative and will produce a reflective shine on any metal or mirrored surface. You can also use toothpaste as silver polish.
7. Chlorine: A chemical element that present in many bleach compounds. Chlorine is the chemical used to clean pool water. Prolonged exposure can disrupt thyroid function, cause chronic dryness and can irritate skin.
Found in: Toilet bowl cleaners, mildew removers, scouring powders, laundry whiteners, household tap water.
Tip: Toilet bowls can be cleaned with vinegar. Borax powder and vinegar both work well for to whiten clothes. For scrubbing: Use baking soda. You can also install filters on kitchen sink and shower to reduce the exposure of chlorine through tap water.
8. Sodium Hydroxide: It is known as lye which is extremely corrosive: It can cause severe burns if it touches your skin or gets in your eyes. Also, inhaling sodium hydroxide can cause a sore throat that lasts for days.
Found in: oven cleaners, bathroom cleaners, disinfectants, drain openers, and toilet bowl cleaners
Sources:
8 Hidden Toxins: What’s Lurking In Your Cleaning Products
AlphaZelle: Harmful Ingredients in Household Cleaning Products
Avomeen: What Chemicals Should Be Avoided in Cleaning Products?