A study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, investigated home cleaning products, including sprays and other cleaners. The findings are alarming for what they show, and unexpectedly gender-specific.
Women who cleaned at least once per week, whether at home or occupationally, suffered significantly more decline in overall lung function across all markers, as compared to women who did not clean. Lung function decline in women working as cleaners or regularly using cleaning products at home was comparable to smoking 20 cigarettes a day over 10 to 20 years.
Below are some of the most dangerous chemicals currently used in home cleaning products:
1. Dioxine:
This ingredient is suspected carcinogen found in many common detergents.
2. Bleach:
Bleach fumes can contain chlorine and chloroform, which have been linked to respiratory and neurological effects and cancer.
3. Antibacterial:
It is an endocrine disruptor. Though the FDA banned triclosan and 18 other anti-bacterial compounds from hand and body soaps in 2016, these may still be found in cleaners.
A way to avoid toxic cleaning products is by using natural products or vinegar to clean your house. Here is a recipe that you can use for a natural all-purpose cleaner:
Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) of water. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc. Or use a citrus-based natural all-purpose cleaner.
References:
2. https://draxe.com/home-cleaning-products/
3. All Purpose Cleaner Recipe: https://learn.eartheasy.com/guides/non-toxic-home-cleaning/
