Some research indicates that chemicals in cleaning products can be particularly dangerous for children, and may cause developmental problems, neurological problems, or increase the risk of cancer.
Published on: September 18, 2023: 08:27 AM GST Last updated: September 18, 2023: 09:00 AM GST
A new study has sounded the alarm about common household cleaners found in our homes, after indicating that using chemicals to clean your home or office can pose a risk to your health, but choosing the appropriate products may help mitigate the risks.
According to what was reported by Business Insider, Business InsiderCommon commercial cleaning products like multi-purpose sprays or air fresheners can fill the indoor air with aerosols that cause respiratory illnesses, according to researchers from the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research organization.
Expressiveness
The researchers tested 30 different cleaning products, including some marketed as environmentally friendly and some without added scents. The study included an analysis of products such as floor cleaner, glass cleaner, stain remover, and bathroom cleaner in the form of sprays, wipes, and washing powders.
Among the 30 samples they tested, they found there were more than 530 different types of chemicals, called volatile organic compounds, which are released as gases into the air when the products are used. Nearly half of these products discovered are considered dangerous to human health, according to regulations in California and Europe.
Expressiveness
VOCs include substances such as formaldehyde, toluene and chloroform, which are linked to respiratory problems such as asthma and lung cancer, especially when people are exposed to them repeatedly over time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Some research indicates that chemicals can be particularly dangerous for children, and may cause developmental problems, neurological problems, or increase the risk of cancer.
The researchers found that many of the products they tested emitted chemicals that could reach a much higher concentration when used indoors than when using the products outside. They also found that some chemicals remained for days, or even longer, after use.
Exposure to dangerous chemicals can be reduced by purchasing “green” products without manufactured scents, as the study revealed that some cleaning products labeled “green” or “environmentally friendly” may be a safer and less risky option than their traditional counterparts. . Likewise, unscented products made without added fragrances also have lower emissions.
Of all the products tested, those labeled “green” and “fragrance-free” produced the least amount of fumes – about eight times less than conventional products, and four times less than eco-friendly products containing fragrances.
The results indicate that using environmentally friendly, unscented cleaning products may help mitigate the potential health risks of exposure to these chemicals, as switching to green cleaning products is an easy way to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. This may be particularly important for the health of women and children.
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2023-09-18 04:27:00
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