To protect our health, we keep our homes, offices, schools, and public places clean. To prevent disease and virus spread, it is important to remove pathogens and allergies from surfaces. People are becoming more aware of the risks associated with chemicals found in cleaning products.
Some cleaning products can contain chemicals that are irritating to the skin and eyes of humans and may even cause cancer.
Cleaning products and our health
Many traditional cleaning products have components that can be harmful to humans. These products can irritate the skin, eyes, and throat, as well as headaches when inhaled.
The regulations on the use and disposal of hazardous chemicals differ between countries and industries. Health regulations often cannot keep pace with the rapid use and development of new synthetic compounds and chemicals. It can be difficult to determine if the products we use are safe.
All types of household cleaning products, including:
Carpet cleaners and furniture cleaners Some products contain toxic fumes. Naphthalene is particularly dangerous for children, as it’s a carcinogen.
Oven Cleaners -They can contain many chemicals which are harmful to the human body when inhaled. These include butane monoethanolamine, diethylene glycol mono butyl ether sodium hydroxide, or diethanolamine.
Aerosol Sprays -Aerosol aerosols can also contain chemicals such as formaldehyde and xylene, which are harmful to adults, children, and pets.
Chlorine Bleach -This may cause lung irritation if mixed with other cleaning agents. Dioxin, for example, could cause cancer if exposed.
Dishwashing and laundry detergents
Polishes for wood floors and furniture
Mold and mildew products for fighting
Mixing ammonia and bleach in household cleaners can be dangerous. The combination of these two products can create harmful gases, which could cause breathing problems and serious lung irritations. Some cancers may be caused by exposure to these gases. Dioxin, a gas that is released by chlorine bleach, is also known to be a carcinogen. Combining these products is a bad idea. Also, if you use strong cleaning products like bleach or ammonia, make sure the area is well-ventilated.
Cancer and cleaning products?
In 2010, a study on household cleaning products was released. The study found a possible link between breast cancer and carcinogenic cleaning agents (including methylene chloride). The study involved 780 American women diagnosed with breast carcinoma between 1988 and 1994. The study showed that women who use large amounts of cleaning products are at a greater risk of breast cancer.
Researchers often focus on household cleaning products and hygiene products because they contain ingredients known to cause cancer of the mammary glands. Fabric cleaners, for example, contain methylene chloride and soaps, often nitrobenzene. These chemicals are commonly used, and they have been detected in human urine and blood samples during research. The chemicals can cause abnormal mammary development in rats, and according to evidence, they may also cause breast cancer in people.
It is alarming to know that air fresheners, odor-neutralizers, and other products can also contain harmful chemicals. This is especially true when you consider the large number of people using automatic air fresheners in their homes each day. Air freshener products can contain terpenes that react with background ozone to create formaldehyde. Formaldehyde, a substance that causes cancer in both humans and animals, has been linked with air freshener products.
Our lawns and gardens can be a source of health problems. Certain ingredients in pesticides and herbicides can cause us to become sick, and they can also harm our pets and neighboring animals. It is important to use hand and eye protection when using these products. Children and pets should also be kept away from the treated areas for a couple of days after treatment. Read all warnings and instructions carefully before using any weed or bug killer.
Protect yourself from harmful products.
Reading labels is a good habit. People are now making a conscious decision to use “green” or “natural” cleaning products. However, these products may not be any safer than the traditional ones. It’s because the definition of a “natural” product isn’t clearly defined, nor is it regulated. Some companies may also be dishonest with their marketing and packaging to convince people to buy their products.
It is important to know what’s in the bottles you buy. Be sure to check the ingredient lists. Only use certified products that are safe for use in your home. Start with the list of accredited eco-friendly cleaners and detergents from Environmental Choice New Zealand. These products are not only safer for the environment but also for people and animals.
Crewcare – The difference
Crewcare is concerned about the environment and the health of its customers. Our core cleaning products, in addition to adhering to our environmentally sustainable policy, are all ECNZ-certified. ECNZ has also accredited our services, including commercial cleaning and carpet and upholstery, window cleaning, and hard floor cleansing.