Monday, February 23, 2015

Hazardous Materials in Home Cleaning Products

Soap, fabric softener and air freshener is a product that we use every day to keep the house clean. Apparently, these products save dangers hidden for health.

The reason, as some cleaning products on the market contain harmful chemicals. If exposed to direct even every day, can lead to respiratory problems and even kidney damage.

Well, my friend, these are hazardous materials that exist in the household cleaning products, along with other solutions that you can use more secure.

1. fragrances room and dish soap
Dangerous substances: Phthalates
Phthalates are widely found in household products are aromatic, such as air freshener, soap dish or tisue fragrant. Manufacturers typically do not have the words of phthalates on the packaging, but if you see the word fragrance or perfume in the list of substances, it is probable that these products contain phthalates.

The danger: These chemicals can interfere with the performance of the endocrine glands. According to the findings of the researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at the Harvard School of Public Health, men with high concentrations of phthalates in their blood, reduced sperm count. "Phthalates can also trigger migraines and asthma. Although these substances are generally enter the body through breathing, but can also damage the skin through. Phthalates are exposed can be absorbed through the skin and internal organs about," said researcher Alicia Stanton, MD, as reported Care2 page, Friday (19/9).

The solution: If possible, choose a product that is free of fragrances or contain organic and natural ingredients. For air freshener, should avoid products containing aerosols. Replace with aromatherapy essential oils or just open the windows of your house every morning so that fresh air can enter. Place also some plants inside and outside the home , because the plant is sucking natural toxins.

2. Antibacterial soaps and detergents
Dangerous substances: Triclosan
Triclosan is contained in almost every liquid soaps, bar soaps, detergents and soaps specially hand-labeled anti-bacterial.

The danger: Triclosan is an anti-bacterial agent that is very aggressive, but it can trigger the growth of bacteria that are resistant to the drug. The American Medical Association did not find any evidence that the anti-microbial material can make a person become healthier or safer. That is, we should not use the products anti-bacterial excessive because it potentially makes microbial become stronger.

In addition, some studies have also found that high concentrations of triclosan is very harmful to the habitat of algae that live in rivers and streams. Triclosan can also disrupt hormonal balance and function of the human body.

The solution: Detergents and soaps usual (without triclosan or anti-bacterial) is enough to kill bacteria. Only use products containing triclosan if you are in an environment that is very dirty and full of germs, such as public toilets, disaster site or after direct contact with open wounds that bacteria and germs can die quickly. As for everyday purposes, avoid its use.

3. Fabric Softener
Hazardous substances: Quartenary Ammonium Compounds (quats)
Quats contained in the liquid fabric softener and most household furniture cleaners labeled anti-bacterial.

The danger: Quats is another form of anti-microbial, and the effect is the same as triclosan potentially grow bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Quats can also make the skin iritasi.Ssebuah research conducted over 10 years found that quats is one of the triggers of skin infections. Quats are also suspected to be the cause of respiratory distress.

The solution: Reduce even if necessary discontinue use fabric softener. To soften the fabric, you can use natural ingredients with a mixture of vinegar and tea-tree oil.

"Vinegar is a natural fabric softener. Not only are non-toxic, but also eliminates the residual soaps and detergents," says the author of 'The Naturally Clean Home' Karyn Siegel-Maier.

Meanwhile, tea-tree oil serves as an anti-fungal. Mix a few drops of tea-tree oil with one tablespoon of vinegar, then mix into the water in a spray bottle. As fragrances, add a few drops of lavender oil. Use this mixture instead of fabric softener and anti-bacterial fabric.

4. Liquid cleaners and kitchen window
Dangerous substances: 2-butoxyethanol
2-butoxyethanol substances contained in the cleaning liquid multifunctional, the kitchen and the window.

The danger: 2-butoxyethanol is the main ingredient in cleaning the window. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the USA, this material can cause a sore throat when inhaled. In high concentrations, 2-butoxyethanol can also cause narcosis (decreased function of the central nervous system), as well as damage to the liver and kidneys. The effect can be dangerous if used in a small room and closed.

If you clean up in a restricted area, such as the bathroom without ventilation, you can be exposed to 2-butoxyethanol exposure to high levels.

Solution: Clean the glass window and cemin with old newspapers soaked in vinegar. To clean the kitchen, use homemade cleaning agents. Mix baking soda, vinegar and essential oils. This mixture produces a natural cleaning formula that is safe for health.

Hopefully with the information of hazardous materials contained in household products above, can make us much more aware of its use. Remember, it is better to prevent than cure.

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