Ecological specialists in cleanliness: Harmful cleaning products – get to know the list of substances that can poison you during cleaning.
Harmful cleaning products are the real bane of our time. Toxic liquids, poisonous detergents used daily during cleaning have a destructive effect on the health of not only the cleaner, but also other household members, including children and pets. It is hard not to mention the catastrophic effect of chemical cleaners on the natural environment, which they eventually end up in, as well as on all organisms living in it. In a word – extermination – in the name of purity.
Toxic ignorance
Many of us often do not even realize how harmful the daily use of chemical cleaning products can be and what danger they can pose not only for the skin, but also for mucous membranes, eyes and the entire respiratory system. The truth is that ignorance, habituation, convenience and easy access to popular, artificial cleaning products are undoubtedly disastrous, but we are not doomed to this chemical madness. It is worth getting to know the toxic “enemy”, get acquainted with the list of the most common harmful substances and just start avoiding them. We do not have to poison ourselves, loved ones and the environment in the name of a clean home, because there are many opportunities that will help in achieving impeccable cleanliness in the home while maintaining health, safety and respect for the environment.
Chemical poker – losers cleaned up
The market is full of strong household products, designed to quickly and efficiently clean even the most dirty, greasy or rusted surfaces. One whimp and the dirt is best to disappear by itself, everything has to shine and smell – that’s what we want. Manufacturers fulfill our dreams of impeccable cleanliness and easy cleaning, but they give us a set of poisonous substances that damage health. Are these substances somehow particularly hidden and secretly smuggled into the purchased cleaning products? No! We simply do not read labels, and even if we do not know the names and do not know what is behind them. So it’s time to meet the main enemies and remember the toxic list once and for all.
SLS and SLES – are mainly found in dishwashing liquids, liquid soaps, laundry detergents and bleaching agents. SLS is a substance that can sensitize, cause itching, dryness and irritation of the skin and eyes. SLS can also cause erythema and lead to atopic dermatitis. SLES is considered slightly less aggressive, however, it also has similar irritating properties to the skin.
EDTA – this compound, otherwise known as verse acid, can be found in washing powders, rinsing liquids and cleaning agents. It is a stabilizer that prevents changes in appearance, smell and consistency. May cause irritation to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. In combination with nitrogen compounds, EDTA forms nitrosamines that are carcinogenic.
CHLOR – the main component of toilet cleaners and bleaches. It is a compound with strong respiratory tract irritation. It can also cause skin and eye irritation. Chlorine can be a cause of sore throat, difficulty breathing and even with prolonged contact can lead to lung disease.
PHOSPHATES – found mainly in dishwashing liquids, powders and washing liquids. Contact with phosphates can lead to headache, throat and cause coughing. Phosphates are also particularly harmful to underwater ecosystems.
FORMALDEHYD – is found in air fresheners, furniture and floor cleaners. This compound is irritating to mucous membranes, studies have also shown that this substance is associated with an increased risk of developing cancers affecting mainly the throat and nose.
FTALANS – are found in most cleaning products, including glass cleaners and laundry detergents, as well as fabric softeners. Phthalates are credited with the possibility of endocrine disruption of men and women and fertility disorders. These substances are also very toxic to aquatic organisms.
AMONIAK – used in preparations for clearing pipes, agents for cleaning cookers, bathrooms and window cleaning. It has a characteristic, strong smell, it can irritate the skin, mucous membranes and eyes. Of course, the higher its concentration, the more dangerous it is. Therefore, staying longer in rooms where it was used in higher concentrations is not recommended as it may lead to breathing problems and liver and kidney damage.
CSA – found in fabric softeners, bathroom and wood cleaners, universal cleaning agents and surface degreasers. CSA has effects leading to irritation, allergies and skin allergies. It can also lead to respiratory problems and even contribute to the development of asthma.
NaDCC – is a component of air fresheners, toilet cleaners, is found in disinfectant liquids and those for cleaning various surfaces. This compound can cause serious irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory system. According to studies, higher doses of NaDCC can even cause kidney damage. This substance dissolved in water produces active chlorine in the form of gas, which is corrosive to the eyes, nose and mouth.
TRIKLOSAN – found in dishwashing liquids, disinfectants and antibacterials. Toxic substance may disrupt hormones, irritate the skin and eyes.
SODIUM HYDROXIDE – otherwise known as caustic soda, is a component of cleaning agents for bathrooms, cookers, toilets and preparations for clearing pipes. It is dangerous and can cause nasal ulceration, skin, eye and even respiratory system burns.
ALUMINUM DUST AND TRISODIUM SALT – it can be found in bathroom cleaning preparations, scouring powders and washing detergents. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has recognized these substances as promoting the development of cancer.
Of course, these are not all substances that should be avoided in cleaning products or cosmetics. The list of these substances is long and goes through parabens, optical brighteners, NTA, PEGs, petrochemicals, tar dyes, sulfates, sodium benzoate and many, many more. Is it possible, then, to find a reasonable solution that would allow us to clean the house and enjoy its safe and pleasantly clean space without endangering our health, without harming the environment?
A safe alternative exists
The need for change and the growing awareness of the harmful, undesirable effects of daily detergents have led to the emergence of widely available alternative solutions on the market. These are, for example, products for cleaning and caring for the home containing surfactants of plant origin. They mainly include ecological cleaning agents created from 100% organic ingredients. Products of this type do not contain fragrances, so they are odorless, hypoallergenic, which means that they do not cause allergies and do not cause eye and skin irritation. “Ecological and vegan cleaning products were created out of the need to care for the health and safety of their users and care for the environment. Speaking of users, I do not mean only cleaners, but also all household members, especially children, as well as pets. These products often have a composition so neutral to living organisms that even their accidental ingestion does not pose a direct threat to health and life, but of course it should be particularly emphasized that despite this, it is absolutely not recommended to consume them. It is also extremely important that such agents are completely biodegradable, i.e. completely safe for the environment. In addition, some of them have innovative packaging, which can later be used for upcycling, “says Agnieszka Tkaczyńska from ZAA-ZOO-LAA, a producer of ecological and vegan cleaning products. Cleaning products containing plant-based surfactants are as efficient and effective as traditional household “household chemicals”. With their help, you can clean even heavily soiled surfaces naturally and without unnecessary scrubbing. They are especially recommended for allergy sufferers, asthmatics, people with sensitive skin prone to irritation and all those who care about the fate of our planet.
Chemically endangered environment – the choice is ours
There are really many potentially harmful substances in cleaning chemicals that threaten the environment. Phosphates used include in dishwashing liquids, although they are currently heavily limited to just 0.5 percent. composition of the agent in high concentrations, for example, causes algal blooms in watercourses, contributing to the reduction of oxygen in water and the death of fish … This is just one example of the negative impact of household chemicals on the environment, but there are many more. A truism in the face of climate change and the progressive degradation of nature is that it is worth taking care of the natural environment. Respect and care for the environment is a must. Many people segregate garbage and use reusable bags. Dozens of companies are giving up plastic packaging. The next step is the use of preparations for maintaining cleanliness, which contain only organic substances that are safe for the environment. “Let’s be environmentally friendly. We should remember that not only our and loved ones’ health depends on it, but also the future of the planet, “says Agnieszka Tkaczyńska from ZAA-ZOO-LAA.
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