Did you know
that every day in your home you come in contact with toxic and
hazardous chemicals? If you don’t pay attention and make a concerted
effort, it’s almost impossible to avoid this stuff. Let’s look at
the most common household chemicals, and what you can do to reduce
your exposure and susceptibility to their negative impact on health.
Are Air Fresheners Hazardous?
Just because something smells nice and fresh doesn’t mean that it is
good for you. Air fresheners are a prime example. Air fresheners can
work by interfering with your sense of smell by coating your nasal
passages with an oily film, or they can contain nerve-numbing
agents.
Information published in a 2015 issue of The Journal of
Toxicological Sciences concluded that air fresheners are a source of
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor environments. They also
contain ultrafine particles and formaldehyde which may cause sensory
irritation, respiratory dysfunction, and other serious problems.The
full list of harmful side effects is long… damage to the central
nervous system, altered hormone levels, organ damage, and damage the
pulmonary and cardiovascular systems.[1] Even worse, the negative
effects of air fresheners may take years to surface. At that point,
it’s too late.
Are Household Cleaners Hazardous?
Ammonia is found in a variety of household cleaners kitchen,
bathroom, floor, oven, glass, and polishers. If the product is at
least 5% ammonia, it has to be labeled as poisonous.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine maintains TOXNET, the
Toxicology Data Network. According to TOXNET, short-term exposure to
ammonia can irritate, burn, and even damage the eyes and skin.
Ammonia is irritating to the respiratory tract and causes coughing,
wheezing, and shortness of breath. Higher exposure can cause
pulmonary edema, a life-threatening issue.
Ammonia is not the only hazardous ingredient in household cleaners.
Drain and oven cleaners contain sodium hydroxide (lye). Lye is
corrosive and a strong irritant to both skin and eyes.Just touching
the stuff can produce serious damage and swallowing it will result
in a “lights out” emergency.[4] In high concentrations, lye can burn
skin and cause permanent blindness on contact.
Toilet bowl cleaners often contain hydrochloric acid, which is
corrosive and will seriously damage any tissue it touches,
irreversible damage. Protective equipment is an absolute requirement
when handling any product that contains hydrochloric acid (or better
yet, don’t handle it). Never mix hydrochloric acid-containing
products with bleach as it will produce toxic gas!
When buying household cleaners, read the labels. Pay attention if
they say “danger” or “corrosive.” All household products come with
warnings and disclaimers. Read them and make sure you know what you
are about to buy and exactly how, and how not, to handle it!
The Problem With Dishwasher and Laundry Detergent
Most dishwashing detergents contain chlorine in a dry, concentrated
form. Those little dishwasher packets usually have bright colors and
have been mistaken for candy by many a curious child. In fact,
they’re actually a leading cause of child poisonings. The
similar-looking laundry detergent packages have also become a
problem.
From January 2013 through December 2014, poison control centers in
the U.S. received 62,254 calls related to laundry and dishwasher
detergent exposure by children younger than six years old. About 60%
of all calls were related to detergent packets; 45% were referred to
a healthcare facility more than twice the number of visits caused by
traditional laundry detergents.Every 45 seconds, poison control
centers receive a call about a child exposed to toxic laundry
detergent packets.
Toxic Carpets, Hazardous Furniture
Many carpet cleaning formulas use toxic substances such as
perchloroethylene and ammonium hydroxide. The former is a known
carcinogen and can damage the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.The
latter is corrosive to the eyes, skin, and respiratory passages.
It’s easy for the carpet, upholstery, and furniture to blend in with
the scenery. Few people think of these items as a source of
hazardous chemicals. But, they can actually outgas VOCs.VOCs are a
group of hazardous chemicals that evaporate at room temperature and
include benzene, acetone, and formaldehyde. Exposure, even
short-term exposure, to VOCs can cause respiratory irritation, eye
irritation, nausea, and headache. It can also trigger asthma
symptoms. Long-term exposure to VOCs can cause liver, kidney, or
nervous system damage, even cancer.
How to Limit Exposure to Hazardous Household Chemicals
There are many other ways to reduce the toxicity of your indoor
living environment. Stop using toxic brands, start using natural,
non-toxic alternatives. You can even go a step further and make your
own. Baking soda can be an effective cleaner for sinks and tubs. Mix
water and vinegar to make a good surface cleaning solution that’ll
handle doors and windows without issue.
Instead of chemical-based air fresheners, opt for natural air
fresheners such as fresh flowers and houseplants.
For laundry, use fragrance-free detergents and avoid the detergent
packets. Opt for eco-friendly and organic alternatives.
Traditional mattresses can be loaded with flame-retardant chemicals.
Instead, get one that’s all-natural and made from untreated wool,
organic cotton, or natural latex.
Instead of cheap, synthetic carpet, find a natural option,
preferably something made from wool or hemp. Hemp is resistant to
mold and mildew and you can use it in the bathroom or other moist
areas. Also, consider that most popular carpet cleaners can be quite
harmful to humans and the environment. Instead, use organic and
biodegradable alternatives.
To compensate for the toxins you can’t avoid, consider performing a
comprehensive, full-body cleanse. Cleansing your colon, kidneys,
liver, and gallbladder is a great way to feel better. You can also
perform targeted cleanses for harmful organisms or chemicals and
toxic metals. Eliminating toxins should not only make you feel
better, it should boost your energy.
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