416-742-0082Here’s a quick question; how “clean” are your household cleaning products? That’s the last thing that comes to your mind when you use them, right? It’s common to assume that home cleaning products should be non-toxic, clean and safe. But watch out! While you are scrubbing to clean your sinks and furniture, are the chemicals in your detergents doing more damage to your health that you realize? Are germs invading your body from products that you least suspect? Pause and reflect on these questions for a while.
Watch Out for Health Hazards From Household Detergents
In the year 2000, household cleaning products were responsible for nearly 10% of all toxic exposures reported in North America. Of these, hundreds involved children under six who were poisoned by swallowing or touching cleaning liquids in homes and stores. Studies say that foam, bleach and disinfectants that make our dishes, sinks and countertops sparkle can affect our own health if ingested, inhaled or touched.
Home cleaners are said to be among the most toxic products that you could have around you. Think twice before you stock up your home with strong detergents, bleach, fragrant softeners or acidic liquid that promises extra cleaning strength or magical results. The stronger they are, the more toxic they may be for your family’s health.
How do you know those home cleaning products are a health hazard?
Allergic Reaction: Next time you spray your floors and bathtubs, see if there is any reaction. Do you or anyone else in the family have skin or eye irritation? Is any of your kids facing breathing problems or allergies after home cleaning?
Acidic Cleaners:
According to Philip Dickey of the Washington Toxics Coalition, corrosive or acidic cleaners such as grease busters, toilet bowl cleaners and oven cleaning sprays are the most dangerous. They can leave severe burns on the skin, eyes, throat or esophagus when the fumes are inhaled.
Chlorine and Ammonia:
The high toxicity is caused by mostly ammonia and chlorine bleach. If you or a family member suffers from asthma or allergic conditions, make sure to keep the products well away from them. The combination of chlorine and ammonia (commonly found in oven cleaners) produces chloramine gases that form hazardous chlorine gas.
Dangerous Fragrances:
Many strongly scented laundry detergents, fabric softeners and multipurpose cleaning liquids could cause an adverse reaction. If they trigger headaches, sneezing, watery eyes or rashes in sensitive individuals, replace them with safe, organic alternatives. One-third of the chemical formulas used in the fragrance industry are said to be toxic. The chemicals are seldom mentioned on the labels. You will only find the word “fragrance.”
Environmental Hazard:
Even the bubbly liquids poured down the drains to treat sewage and wastewater can be dangerous. They are released into nearby waterways that affect fish and other wildlife. 60% of stream water across the U.S. were found to contain disinfectants in May 2002, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. Many water-softening mineral additives in laundry detergents and dishwashing detergents are said to equally dangerous. When phosphates in these products flow into the waterways, they spawn the growth of algae and kill oxygen supply for aquatic plants and fish. It’s a well-known fact that the non-biodegradable plastic containers that contain these harmful detergents are an environmental threat that’s rapidly getting out of hand.
Switch to Natural, Non-Toxic Household Detergents
So, what’s the alternative? Just switch to simple natural cleaning agents such as lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, borax, herbal soaps and scrubbing sponges. They save your health and a lot of unnecessary expenses. Look for non-toxic, eco-friendly, plant-based organic cleaners. Avoid products that are loaded with flammable ingredients or those that warn of skin irritation. For extra help in scrubbing and cleaning effectively, get in touch with Star A1 Maids.
Stars A1 Maids: Toronto’s First Choice in Cleaning
For fast, hygienic, professional cleaning, call Star A1 Maids to give you a hand. We use your preferred supplies and offer flexible hours for your convenience. From carpet cleaning, window cleaning, polishing wood floors, putting away dishes and cleaning every inch of your kitchen, living room, bathrooms and bedrooms, we do it all. Call now to schedule service at the earliest.
