Natural cleaning agent : for a radiant household without harmful chemicals ( recipe )
Chemical cleaners can affect our health in a number of ways, depending on the ingredients they contain and how they are used.
Some of the common chemicals in cleaning products that can be harmful include:
- Ammonia: can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, eyes and skin.
- Formaldehyde: can be carcinogenic and cause breathing problems.
- Phthalates: can disrupt hormones and affect the reproductive system.
- Glycol ethers: they can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, eyes and skin.
- Alkali (sodium hydroxide): can cause skin burns and damage the eyes.
- Sulfates: can cause skin and respiratory irritation.
- Alcohol (ethanol, isopropanol, methanol): can cause respiratory irritation, headache and nausea.
- Bleach: can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, skin and eyes.
In addition to these specific chemicals, there are other risks associated with the use of chemical cleaners, including:
- Exposure to mixtures of chemicals: Many cleaning products contain mixtures of chemicals that can have a synergistic effect, which means that they can be even more harmful than individual chemicals.
- Long-term exposure: even if individual exposure to a chemical in a cleaning agent is not harmful, long-term exposure can lead to health problems.
- Sensitivity of children and the elderly: Children and the elderly may be more sensitive to the harmful effects of chemical cleaning products.
How to reduce the impact of chemical cleaners on health:
- Use natural cleaners whenever possible: there are many natural and effective cleaners that can be made at home with simple ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda.
- Choose cleaners without harmful chemicals: Look for cleaners that are free of ammonia, formaldehyde, phthalates, glycol ethers, alkalis, sulfates, alcohol, or bleach.
- Ventilate the area to be cleaned well: when using chemical cleaners, it is important to ventilate the area well to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Wear gloves: when using chemical cleaners, always wear gloves to protect your skin.
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes: avoid contact of cleansers with skin and eyes. If contact occurs, rinse the affected area with plenty of water.
- Store cleaning products out of the reach of children and pets: Store cleaning products in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.