People like to think of their homes as a place of relaxation and safety. And they usually are. But people need to be ever mindful that many of the products that they use every day can actually be hazardous to their health. With the right knowledge and a quality air filter containing activated carbon, homeowners can protect themselves and their families from the potential dangers caused by the following household products.
Cleaning products are the biggest culprits when it comes to everyday items that come with serious risks if not properly handled. Here are some cleaning products people need to be wary of:
- Bleach. One of the most common and useful cleaning products can irritate the throat and lungs if inhaled, and can even be corrosive to the lining of the mouth, throat, and nose. One should be especially careful not to mix bleach with ammonia, another common cleaning agent, as this can produce a toxic gas that can cause major breathing products and is potentially fatal. It is essential to check your cleaning products, particularly toilet bowl cleaner and glass cleaner, be sure to mark any products with ammonia in them and avoid mixing with bleach.
- Furniture polish. In aerosol form or in liquid form, the fumes from furniture polish have been found to be very harmful to the respiratory system, causing severe irritation to the nose, throat, lungs, and windpipe. People should be wary of other aerosol cleaners like oven cleaners, as well, which increase the risk of inhalation-related damage.
- Dish soap. Many dish soaps have added fragrances, typically signifying the presence of phthalates. You will not find this on the label, as companies are not required to disclose the amount of phthalates in their products. These chemicals disrupt endocrine production, leading to lower sperm counts in men. Even worse, phthalates can be absorbed straight into the skin, in which case the chemicals are absorbed straight into the organs.
These are just a few of the most common and obvious household chemicals that can be dangerous to people’s health. However, there are other, less obvious products and items lurking in many people’s homes that could be affecting their long-term health as well. Here are a few examples:
- Carpets. Not only do carpet cleaning solutions contain a variety of dangerous chemicals, but carpets themselves can also release dangerous toxins. Synthetic carpeting can release a group of chemicals known as VOCs, including acetone, formaldehyde and benzene. At room temperature, carpeting can outgas these chemicals into the air, causing a variety of symptoms including respiratory irritation, headache, and nausea. Long-term exposure can result in damage to the nervous system, liver and kidney function, and even cancer.
- Air fresheners. These fragrant items contain several dangerous chemicals, including VOCs like formaldehyde. They also emit petroleum distillates, which have been linked to fatal pulmonary edema and respiratory inflammation. The aerosol varieties of air fresheners emit fumes that have been linked with brain cancer and can be highly flammable.
- Moth balls. These closet fresheners contain naphthalene and P-Dichlorobenzene, which have been known to cause irritation of the eyes, throat, and skin, as well as causing headaches and dizziness. Long-term exposure can result in the formation of cataracts and serious liver damage.
There are a number of ways to reduce people’s exposure to these products. First of all, there are often natural alternatives to these chemicals that work just as well to clean and freshen the home. Installing a Permatron air filter with activated carbon to adsorb odors and fumes is another great way to help make sure that long-term health isn’t sacrificed for the sake of a clean home. Our air filters are designed to help you and your family rest easy, knowing that you are protected from the airborne pollutants and odor/fume irritants that are all around us. Contact us now to find out more about how air filters can protect your home.
References:
https://experiencelife.com/article/8-hidden-toxins-whats-lurking-in-your-cleaning-products/
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/most-common-hazardous-household-chemicals/
