As we grow more conscientious about our health, our impact on the environment, and how we spend our money, we become more choosey about the products we will - and will not - allow into our homes. Below are five chemicals commonly found in household cleaning products that you are urged to avoid.
AMMONIA
A gas comprised of nitrogen and hydrogen, ammonia is found in a plethora of household cleaning products due to its effectiveness in cutting grease and cleaning glass. As its strong odor indicates, ammonia is caustic; it's also poisonous if swallowed and particularly dangerous when mixed with chlorine bleach. Derived from petroleum, ammonia is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract, burns skin on contact, and can trigger asthma attacks and cause headaches. Vinegar works just as well, is non-toxic and cheaper than commercial cleaners containing ammonia.
CHLORINE BLEACH
Chlorine bleach may be next to ammonia on this list, but they should never be next to each other under your sink; the two combined are extremely dangerous. Also known as sodium hypochlorite, bleach is used as a disinfectant and whitener, sold by itself or as an ingredient in common household cleaners like dishwasher detergents and toilet bowl cleaners. Unfortunately, its fumes can irritate the lungs, making it a poor choice for those with respiratory problems. It can also damage the skin, eyes and other mucous membranes, and is potentially lethal if ingested.
FORMALDEHYDE
This pungent, colorless gas, commonly used as a disinfectant or preservative, is found in air fresheners, carpet cleaners, furniture polish, and dishwashing liquid, to name a few. Formaldehyde has been associated with a litany of health hazards, including respiratory problems, dermatitis, dizziness, headaches, joint pain, immune dysfunction, fatigue, and eye, nose and throat irritation. It's also a carcinogen. Check product labels for these synonyms: 1,3-dioxetane, formalin, methanal, methyl aldehyde, methylene oxide, oxymethyline, Quaternium-15, urea.
SODIUM HYDROXIDE
Also known as caustic soda or lye, this is one of the most toxic chemicals you'll find in a household. It's the main ingredient in oven, drain and metal cleaners. In ovens, the strong chemical compound, alkali, works by converting grease to a kind of soap; in drains, it works by decomposing complex molecules like the protein in hair. As such, it's not surprising that sodium hydroxide can seriously irritate the eyes and respiratory system, causing asthma attacks, and can even corrode the skin. It can also have an effect on the pH levels of water, killing aquatic life.
TRICLOSAN
Classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a pesticide, triclosan is the active ingredient in antibacterial products like liquid soap, though it's found in other products like laundry detergents and sponges, too. Studies show there's no benefit to using antibacterial soaps and that triclosan may actually encourage bacterial resistance to antibiotics. It's also been linked to weakened immune systems, asthma and allergies, decreased fertility, cancer and tainted water. Triclosan is marketed under brand names including Microban®, Irgasan®, Lexol 300, Cloxifenolum, BioFresh™, and Ster-Zac.
Article from my February 2010 online newsletter. To sign up for my free e-newsletter, click here: http://www.jackiemacdonald.com/ and fill out the request form!