The phrase “you are what you eat” is very well known, but did you know that you are also what you digest and absorb? Ingestion, inhalation and absorption are the three ways that these hazardous substances may enter the body.
Cancer now affects 1 in 2 of us and if I can make a little difference to the amount of harmful chemicals that my family are in contact with then I will.
Check out some of the worst offenders below to see if they are in your everyday cleaning products, do your own research, and then make up your own mind if you want to continue to use them.
Why not look at my Blog “Cleaning with no fuss and no chemicals” for homemade cleaning alternatives.
Cleaning chemicals that affect how our body rids itself of toxins:
- Synthetic musks – found in fabric softeners, detergents and air fresheners, prevents cells from blocking toxins in animal studies.
- Phthalates – found in air fresheners, household cleaners and plastics is an endocrine disruptor and may cause organ damage and cancer.
- Terpenes – used in household cleaners and air fresheners with pine, lemon and orange scents. Terpenes produces toxic chemical substance similar to formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen.
- 1,4-dichlorobenzene – found in toilet bowl cleaners, air fresheners and other household cleaning products. This chemical damages the lungs and cause organ system toxicity.
- Benzene – found in household cleaning products is a known human carcinogen and linked to increased blood diseases, leukemia and organ system toxicity.
- Phenol – found in household detergents and mouthwash. This is toxic and linked to respiratory and circulatory system damage. Hypersensitive individuals can experience serious side effect at very low levels.
- Styrene – found in many household cleaning products. This chemical is linked to cancer, organ system toxicity, problems with reproduction and birth or developmental defects.
- NPE (Nonylphenol ethoxylates) found in laundry detergents and all-purpose cleaners. It’s a potent endocrine disrupter.
- Butyl cellosolve – found in window cleaners and all-purpose cleaners may damage liver, kidneys, bone marrow and nervous system.
- Triclosan – found in most antibacterial products. This chemical not only kills bacteria but human cells. This can affect thyroid hormones and metabolism.
Cleaning chemicals that contribute to increase breast cancer risk are:
- Chlorine – is said to be the number one cause of breast cancer and can be lethal. Scientists wont even handle chlorine without protective gloves, facemasks, and ventilation, yet it can be found in most conventional cleaning products, including dishwasher detergents and is widely used in swimming pools.
- Alkylphenols – are found in detergents and other cleaning products. This chemical is an endocrine disruptor that alters mammary gland development in rats.
- PERC (perchloroethylene) a dry-cleaning chemical accumulates in body fat and remain in the body increase the risk of breast cancer.
Cleaning chemicals that contribute to skin and eye irritation:
- Ammonia – is found in disinfectants, laundry detergents and window cleaner the vapour is irritating to the eyes, respiratory tract and skin. Detergents contain ammonia as well as phosphorus, enzymes, naphthalene, phenol, sodium nitilotriacetate and countless others. These chemicals can cause rashes, itches, allergies, sinus problems and more. The residue left on your clothes, bed sheets, etc. is absorbed through your skin.
- Formaldehyde – found in spray and wick deodorizers and air fresheners is a suspected carcinogen. Formaldehyde is in almost all cleaning products, including laundry detergents, air fresheners and furniture polish. It is a potential human carcinogen and a known cancer-causing agent in animals. It is also an irritant to the eyes, nose, throat and skin and may cause nausea, headaches, nose bleeds, dizziness, memory loss, and shortness of breath.