If you look in your cleaning cabinet what will you find? You may think that is where you keep the cleaners that help to keep you healthy. Cleaners that we spray on our counters, high chairs and toys. Most likely it is filled with things that actually harm us.
According to the EWG study, 53 percent of cleaning products under review contained lung-harming ingredients. In addition, well-known carcinogens like formaldehyde and chloroform were found in several cleaners.
The household cleaning industry is largely unregulated and companies aren’t required to include ingredient lists for cleaning products, like they are for food, drugs and personal care products.
Companies take advantage of that lack of regulation to make bogus claims about their cleaning products and to include toxic chemicals in their products without letting consumers know. Hidden behind vague terms or not stated at all, it’s hard to know just how bad these chemical concoctions really are for your health and for the environment.
Many of household cleaners contain the following toxic ingredients
Phthalates, a family of industrial chemicals used to soften PVC plastic and as solvents in cosmetics and other consumer products, can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system — particularly the developing testes — according to animal studies.
Triclosan, similar in its uses and mechanism of action to triclocarban, is an antibacterial and antifungal agent found in consumer products, including toothpaste, soaps, detergents, toys, and surgical cleaning treatments. Triclosan has actually been banned from soaps but still remains in toothpaste. It was stated that the benefits outweighed the risks.
Sodium Hydroxide, Ethyl alcohol, Triethanolamine, all of these chemicals have been suspected of causing cancer, developmental toxicity, reproductive and respiratory toxicity.
One of the most deceiving products is Simply Green. With the word Green in the name people naturally assume its safe. This all-purpose cleaner from Simple Green contains 2-butoxyethanol, a solvent known to damage red blood cells and irritate eyes. Despite its “non-toxic” claims on its labeling, this all-purpose cleaner also contains a secret blend of alcohol ethoxylate surfactants; some chemicals in this family are banned in the European Union.
Scrubbing Bubbles Bath Cleaner. Despite its cheery cartoon scrub brush mascot, Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom and shower cleaners should do anything but bring a smile to your eco-loving face. These products contain chemicals banned in the European Union including DEGBE, which can irritate and inflame the lungs. The European Union bans this chemical in household cleaners in concentrations above 3 percent. These products contain up to 10 percent.
Bleach. Even though this liquid bleach is highly diluted, it is still very dangerous. Bleach in its diluted liquid for can still poses a dangerous inhalation hazard. Acute exposure can cause eye irritation as well as respiratory irritation with symptoms such as red burning eyes, coughing, choking, and eventually death.
Comet Disinfectant Powder. One hundred forty-six: that’s the number of chemicals the EWG found in this common household toilet cleaner. Some of the chemicals are known to cause cancer, asthma and reproductive disorders. The most toxic of the chemicals found, including formaldehyde, benzene, chloroform and toluene, are not listed on the label. The EWG states that little is known about the health hazards of most of the hidden chemicals.
Here are some safe alternative store household products that you can replace your toxic cleaners with. I will also be posting DIY household cleaners soon made from natural ingredients and essential oils.
I am only providing this information as a reference. I do not go over board with things. I know most of these products have been around for years. I do believe we have more information these days due to social media and access to information is easier. I believe we should use things in moderation and if there a safer alternative why not use it.
If you have any questions or to tell me about your likes please contact me! I would love to hear from you.
