Safer household cleansers?
Almost all household cleaning products contain some toxic ingredients, and many contain carcinogens or suspected carcinogens. However, the danger the chemicals pose really depends on how often you use the products and the length of time you’re exposed to the fumes. If you use an air cleaning filtering system, check to make sure it filters more than just dust. Here’s a list of several of the common chemicals found in household products and the symptoms they can cause: • Petroleum distillates. Found in metal polishes, these chemicals can irritate the eyes and lungs; longer-term exposure can damage the nervous system, kidneys, eyes, and skin. • Phenol and cresol. Found in disinfectants; if ingested can cause diarrhea, fainting, dizziness, and kidney and liver damage. • Nitrobenzene. Found in furniture and floor polishes; if inhaled can cause shallow breathing; if ingested can cause poisoning and death. The substance has also been linked to cancer and birth defects. • Hydrochloric acid or
Almost all household cleaning products contain some toxic ingredients, and many contain carcinogens or suspected carcinogens. However, the danger the chemicals pose really depends on how often you use the products and the length of time you’re exposed to the fumes. If you use an air cleaning filtering system, check to make sure it filters more than just dust.
