Chemicals in Your Cabinets: The Dangers of Typical Cleaning Products

For the environmentally conscious, knowing what is in everyday products is an important

step in protecting the environment and their families.

Many times, the shiny counters and streakless-glass from these products come at a price

that can be dangerous.

Many people are unaware of the pollutants and toxins present in the everyday cleaning

products they use.

For those who want to, there are plenty of alternative, natural ways to clean your home.

You can have a Better Life with many of these safe products.

If you are unaware of some of the dangerous chemicals that are in products right in your

cabinet, here are a few of the most common.

Aerosols

Aerosols are a mixture of fine particles in a chemical solution that propels them out of a can

through a nozzle, producing a spray.

Typically, you may see aerosol sprays in the form of glass cleaners, deodorants and hair spray.

While aerosol makes a fine dispensing system, it poses many health risks.

Accidentally inhaling too much aerosol can trigger lung problems, such as asthmatic attacks

and irritation.

The fine particles get into the lungs and can clog them up, making it difficult to breathe.

In some extreme cases, this can even trigger dangerous heart problems.

Skin irritation is another common complaint from those exposed to aerosols.

Rashes can form and the spray can cause eczema in rare cases.

Allergic reactions can also take place in certain conditions and can cause frost burns if the

aerosol is released too close the skin.

VOCs

VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds that are byproducts of many household items.

Some VOCs are naturally occurring and are responsible for the urban smog that arises

during hot seasons around the world, while others are produced by cleaning and

personal care supplies.

VOCs contribute to respiratory problems like asthma and bronchial irritation.

Prolonged exposure can occur fairly easily because the VOCs from household products

become trapped indoors, contributing to indoor pollution.

Typical products that release VOCs are: paints and glues, cleaners and disinfectants,

stored automotive products, air fresheners and pesticides.

As with anytime you use a chemical, make sure that the area is well ventilated.

This will help reduce the amount of VOCs inhaled and also get rid of any pollutants that have

lingered in your house for a time.

You can also wear a cleaning mask if you are particularly sensitive, or switch to natural products

that do not contain VOCs.

Hormone Disruptors

Hormone disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with your body’s natural messaging systems

by blocking or mimicking hormones.

Also known as “endocrine” disruptors because the endocrine system regulates hormones, these

chemicals can cause a wide variety of health problems.

Prolonged exposure can result in serious health effects like ADHD, prostate cancer in men and

developmental problems in children.

The risk for children is greatest in pregnant woman and in early life when the immune and

endocrine systems are not yet fully developed.

The biggest problem with hormone disruptors is that they are in a variety of products, from

shampoos and soaps to non-stick kitchen products to canned foods.

If you are worried about hormone disruptors, then you need to research the products you buy

and, if the chemicals are present, then look for alternatives.

Avoid eating canned, processed foods and buy cleaning supplies and beauty products that only

contain natural ingredients.

This is an easy first step in protecting yourself and your family.

Ammonia

Although not as popular of a choice as it once was, ammonia is still present in many household products.

The most common is glass cleaner, but it can also be found in jewelry cleaners and polishing agents

for bathrooms.

Ammonia is still present in glass cleaner because it dries quickly without streaking, giving mirrors and

windows the clean look that most people want.

The problem is that it is a powerful irritant and can affect you immediately if you come into contact with it.

Ammonia can produce rashes if you get it on your skin and most commonly causes breathing problems

because it is easily inhaled when used.

If you accidentally mix bleach with ammonia, you will create a powerful toxin that can kill you if you are

exposed to it long enough, so take care whenever you use products with the chemical in them.

Vinegar and water make a great alternative to chemical glass cleaners and will leave surfaces streak free.

“Many people are unaware of the

pollutants and toxins present

in the everyday cleaning

products they use.

Fortunately, there are plenty of

alternative, natural ways to

clean your home.”

Before you use any household cleaning products, make sure they are safe and don’t contain any of these

common toxins.

About the Author
Nathan Armstrong is a green guy on a mission to educate the world one article at a time! He writes about how to make small eco-friendly changes around the home for a healthier life. His articles appear on lifestyle, green/eco and parenting blogs.

Have you used substituted harmful chemical cleaners with safe, natural cleaners?

What are your favorite natural cleaners?

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