Table of contents:
- The chemicals in household cleaning products can cause breathing problems
- Tips for safe cleaning of the house
When shopping monthly, you definitely don't forget to buy various household cleaning products such as carbolic acid, detergent, and dish soap. Keeping the house clean is very important to maintain family health. However, recent research has shown that household cleaning products have the potential to cause health problems. How come, huh? Find out the answer below.
The chemicals in household cleaning products can cause breathing problems
According to Allen Rathey of The Healthy Facilities Institute, ammonia compounds, disinfectants (germ killers), phthalates, and other compounds in cleaning products are associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases, such as asthma.
These harmful chemicals are often found in toilet or clothing bleach products as well as in products for cleaning dust. Some of these bleaches and cleaners usually also contain the chemical compound ethylene glycol butyl ether or commonly abbreviated as EGBE. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), this chemical compound EGBE can affect the blood.
EGBE is very easily inhaled through the air and absorbed through the skin. EGBE is even recorded as a toxic chemical compound for the eyes, skin, central nervous system, respiratory system, kidneys, and liver. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, EGBE can affect a person's development and reproductive system. So it can be concluded that EGBE is a dangerous chemical compound and should be avoided.
A study published in the Journal of Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health found that more than a third of Americans report health effects such as migraine headaches and asthma attacks from exposure to household cleaning products, detergents, and air fresheners.
Dr. Ahmed Arif, an epidemiologist from the University of North Carolina Charlotte said that most home cleaning products have organic compounds that are volatile and can irritate the respiratory tract if exposed to too long and too often.
Tips for safe cleaning of the house
If you do have to use a risky household cleaning product, wear it long sleeves, gloves, masks, and goggles so as not easily exposed to chemicals.
You also have to work in a place that has good air circulation (ventilation). If you don't want to take the risk, you can choose natural home cleaning products such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. You can also mix it yourself at home.
In addition, if you do have respiratory problems or asthma, avoid cleaning the house with cleaning products with these harmful chemicals. Try to buy products that are the most natural and have the least chemical additives.
