We use cleaning products to make our homes and workplaces free of bacteria and toxins, but what if they already contain chemicals that are harmful to consumers’ skin, internal organs and the environment?
Several cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that provide effective cleaning but at the cost of health and pollution.
Hence it is important to be careful while choosing a cleaning product. Here is a list of chemicals that must be watched out for.
Formaldehyde:
It is found in heavy cleaners. It can lead to ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a neurodegenerative disease that slowly eliminates the brain’s ability to control the body.
Perchloroethylene (PERC):
This chemical is found in fabric cleaners, including those that dry clean clothes. It’s a potential carcinogen, and neurotoxin can often lead to several degenerative diseases if they come into contact.
Ammonia:
It is used as a polisher and glass cleaner because of it's stain-free shine. It can irritate human tissue; one suffering from lung or breathing problems might notice pain and discomfort quickly.
Sodium Hydroxide:
This chemical is found in ovens and heavy-duty cleaners. It is also found in drain cleaners because sodium hydroxide can corrode baked-in food and clumps of dried and hardened hair and skin.
Even mild contact with skin or inhalation can cause severe reactions with sensitive areas.
Chlorine:
It is used to clean pool water and is concentrated in scouring powder, laundry whiteners, toilet bowl cleaners, and mildew removers. Prolonged exposure can disrupt thyroid function, irritate the skin, and cause chronic dryness.
Sometimes we are quick to choose products readily available over the counter; especially if the label says “the best stain remover,” but now you know there is more you need to read. Choose cleaners that are good for you and your children's health and the environment. Natural cleaning products are a solution to the dangers of chemical based cleaners.
Safer to use:
Green cleaners aren’t corrosive as compared to the sulphur-based cleaners that can irritate the skin. They meet strict standards regarding inhalation toxicity, combustibility and skin absorption.
Better environment:
Non-toxic cleaning products do not release toxins into the environment, making the air safer to breathe. Shifting to cleaner and greener methods minimizes the impact on ozone depletion and global climate change with fewer smog-producing chemicals.
Better air quality:
The stench of strong odours like ammonia is often intolerable by people. Green products contain natural essential oils that have a pleasant odor.
As health concerns become more prevalent and people become more aware of the harsh effects of cleaning chemicals, it’s important to switch to the non-toxic traditional ways that are equally strong and more sustainable than the chemical based cleaners. The benefits speak for themselves; the greener, the better.
God Bless,
Sonny Hobbs
Culleoka Company, Owner Principal