Many cleaning supplies or household products can irritate the eyes or throat, or cause headaches and other health problems. Some products release dangerous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals that vaporize at room temperature.The Notorious VOCs
As anyone who has used ammonia or bleach without proper ventilation can tell you, VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and skin reactions, or more severely, trigger asthma symptoms or damage the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system.Using household cleaners that contain soap or detergent will remove germs and dirt on surfaces and reduces risk of infection from surfaces in your home. Cleaning alone removes most harmful viruses or bacteria from surfaces.
What happens if you accidentally breathe in disinfectant spray : If you have inhaled or swallowed disinfectant spray expect symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, stomach pains, and irritations of the nose, throat and, eyes. Rinse your mouth out with water thoroughly and rest in a well ventilated area, looking out for any escalation in symptoms.
Can cleaning products be hazardous
Some cleaning chemicals can be hazardous, causing problems ranging from skin rashes and burns to coughing and asthma. Many employers are switching to green cleaning products because they are thought to be less hazardous to workers and the environment.
Are cleaning products carcinogens : Cleaning products with high levels of VOCs may raise health risks. Borges noted that the study “offers a compelling analysis.” “Extended exposure to VOCs has been associated with health problems,” she explained, “including an elevated risk of lung cancer, and an increased likelihood of cardiovascular diseases.”
Inhaling cleaning products can be extremely dangerous and lead to a wide variety of breathing issues. Some common side effects of inhaling cleaning products include: Coughing. Headaches.
When the breeze was blowing through, concentrations of all chemicals dropped. But when they closed the windows, it took a maximum of about 55 minutes for the chemicals to reappear at basically the same levels. In some cases, it took little more than eight minutes.
Are 7th generation products safe
The Safer Choice label signifies that the product's formula, as Seventh Generation, Inc has represented it to the EPA, contains ingredients with more positive human health and environmental characteristics than conventional products of the same type.The EPA Design for the Environment Antimicrobial Product Program has a list of disinfection products that use active ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment. These active ingredients are: citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, L-lactic acid, ethanol, isopropanol, peroxyacetic acid, sodium bisulfate.If a person swallows or inhales a chlorine-based product and shows symptoms of poisoning, contact the emergency services or go to the hospital immediately. In the United States, a person can also contact the National Poison Control helpline on 1-800-222-1222 for advice. This service is confidential and free of charge.
Store-bought cleaning products usually contain fragrances or chemicals that can be harmful to those with chronic lung disease. Many cleaners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that release harmful gasses into the air and can have long-term effects on lung health, as well as make current COPD symptoms worse.
What two cleaning products should never be mixed : The following demonstrates the potential lethal effects of combining commonly found household cleaning products:
- Bleach + Vinegar = Chlorine gas.
- Bleach + Ammonia = Chloramine.
- Bleach + Rubbing alcohol = Chloroform.
- Hydrogen peroxide + Vinegar = peracetic/ peroxyacetic acid.
Is bleach a carcinogen : How likely is chlorine to cause cancer The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have not classified chlorine as to its human carcinogenicity.
Which household chemicals are toxic to humans
Poisonous Products in Your Home: How to Stay Safe
- Bleach. 1/10. Bleach can irritate your nose, skin, eyes, and throat.
- Drain Cleaner. 2/10. Lye and sulfuric acid are the main ingredients in drain cleaners.
- Carpet Cleaner. 3/10.
- Ammonia. 4/10.
- Air Freshener. 5/10.
- Laundry Detergent. 6/10.
- Antifreeze. 7/10.
- Mothballs. 8/10.
If it is necessary to smell a chemical, do so by wafting the vapors toward your nose with your hand so that the minimum amount is inhaled. Never pour a chemical back into its original bottle after measuring out too much. This can contaminate the original contents.Long-term exposure to low levels of chlorine gas could cause permanent lung disease such as bronchitis and shortness of breath. It can also cause tooth corrosion. Long-term exposure is mostly found in the workplace. No cancer or reproductive effects have been reported from chronic exposure to chlorine.
How do you get toxic chemicals out of the air : 2. Eliminate and Ventilate
- Use green cleaning products or make your own!
- Avoid candles.
- Avoid wood-burning fireplaces and stoves.
- Open up!
- Use exhaust fans or open a window to control humidity while bathing.
- Use your exhaust fan while cooking.
- Arm your home with indoor house plants.
- Purchase a high-quality air purifier.