Believe it or not, many of the popular household cleaners and products that you and your family are in contact with daily are full of hazardous and hidden toxins that are unsafe. Here’s a helpful guide to understanding what substances to avoid and their potential health risks.
Phthalates
Phthalates are known to be endocrine disruptors. Men with higher phthalates deposits in their blood have lower sperm counts than men with fewer compounds in the bloodstream. Exposure to phthalates typically occurs through inhalation and even skin contact.
Many household products such as dish soaps, air fresheners, and even toilet paper contain Phthalates. The scarier bit is that you’ll hardly find it on labels, but if you see “fragrance” as an ingredient anywhere, it is likely that the product has phthalates.
Perchloroethylene or “Perc”
Perc can damage the liver, kidneys and harm the brain. It can also cause harm to the central nervous system, and most importantly, it can cause cancer. Exposure to this type of chemical mainly occurs through inhalation.
So where is it? This chemical solvent used to dry clean clothes can be found in dry-cleaning detergents, stain and spot removers, and upholstery cleaners. It can also be found in paint strippers and other solvent-based household products.
Triclosan
We all use liquid hand soap, body wash and detergent daily. Well, Triclosan can be found in these everyday products. But, it can also be found in dental care, cosmetics and personal care products that you use directly on your skin.
Triclosan is an agent with antibacterial properties that aid the growth of bacteria, which is resistant to drugs. It helps our microbes develop resistance to antibacterial household products and natural antibiotics that we need for our survival.
Ammonia
Most glass, window, metal and oven cleaners contain Ammonia. Ammonia can also be found in polishing substances for bathrooms, kitchens and jewels. So here’s a pointer, start reading those labels to avoid this substance and other hazardous chemicals.
Ammonia tends to evaporate without leaving streaks, which is among the most common ingredients in glass or window cleaners. Using products with Ammonia can be especially harmful to those with asthma, lung problems and breathing issues.
Sodium Hydroxide
You can find this in degreaser products, oven cleaners, sink and drain openers. Sodium hydroxide is also known as lye and is highly corrosive, which means if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes, it can cause severe chemical burns. Routes of exposure to sodium hydroxide are skin contact and inhalation, which can cause terrible throat aches.
Your home shouldn’t be a place with harmful chemicals. At Living Life Natural Blog, we care about your personal environment – the one you build for your family and loved ones. Try our natural and organic products – an excellent start to a natural home is to begin reading those labels. The next step is to swap your standard household cleaning products for safer and healthier options. This way, you can ensure you and your family stay away from hidden toxins.
Cheers to a clean and organic home!
