5 current cleaning products that could harm your health, say the experts
What you use to rub or spray germs could be a health risk.
Keeping our houses clean has always been important, but for many of us, the COVVI-19 pandemic has launched a new Standard of cleanliness . According to data from the survey shared by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), the use of products like the hand disinfectant and disinfectant wipes has skyrocketed in 2020. It is not surprising, but this which may be as much as possible is that this 85% of survey participants Said they were "very or somewhat likely to maintain the same level of cleaning practices initially adopted in March 2020, even when the pandemic passed".
Staying vigilant against bacteria and germs can help us stay healthy, but in the fight against infection, it is essential to know that Some cleaning products can do more harm than good.
"Many household cleaning products contain chemicals that are really harmful to our health," warns Lily Cameron , A cleaning supervisor Fantastic services based in the United Kingdom. "They can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), irritate your eyes and throat, and cause even more serious headaches and health problems. Danger more serious because they are flammable and corrosive."
Read the rest to discover what experts say products to be used with caution and those who avoid completely.
Read this then: Never use these two cleaning supplies together, warns CDC .
1 Ammonia
The dangers of products containing ammonia (like Windex) are double. "[Ammonia] can irritate the eyes, nose and throat," warns Matthew Baratta , Vice-president of advertising operations and Industrial cleaning equipment company Daimer Industries.
Baratta also notes that ammonia is "known carcinogen, which means that if you feel long -term repeated exposure to this product, there is an increase Cancer luck , or damage to the liver and kidneys. "He suggests using an ecological product that does not contain ammonia or manufacturing yours with a part of vinegar and a water spraying solution in part.
2 Products containing MEA, DEA or tea
"It is important to read the labels of cleaning products and carefully follow the instructions to avoid any potential health risk," notes Ergo Soru , co-founder and CEO of TV company Dr House.
Steve Evans , Owner of Home cleaning service Memphis Maids, calls three specific ingredients to monitor: "Pay attention to products containing MEA (monoethanalomin), DEA (Diéthanolamine) or tea (triethanolamine)", he advises. "They can increase the risk of cancer and are in many cleaning products, including dish soap, liquid detergent and floor cleaners."
3 Drain cleaners
Cameron warns that drainage cleaners - especially those containing ingredients such as sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide - can be extremely dangerous.
"[These] hard chemicals can cause burns on your skin and your respiratory problems if their smoke is inhaled. Instead, use a piston or a natural cleaning method, such as baking soda and vinegar," suggests -Is she. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
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4 Bleach
"Leach kills bacteria, germs and viruses, which is why it is in so many current household cleaners, such as tank tank cleaners, detergent and dish detergent," explains Baratta. "However, Bleach is very strong , and direct exposure to it can cause burns and irritation to your skin and your eyes, or respiratory problems and pulmonary damage in the event of high concentration of whitening in the air. ""
Baratta suggests carrying protective equipment such as gloves and a mask if you choose to use bleach, and urges people to limit their exposure as much as possible. "You can also choose to use alternative cleaning solutions, vinegar , baking soda or castle soap, ”he says.
5 Antibacterial products
Many of us have adopted Hydroalcoholic gel as a pillar in the fight against Cavid and other viruses . But many antibacterial products "contain chemicals that can be harmful To your health and can lead to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria, "warns Cameron.
"Before using an antibacterial cleaner, check the triclosan label, which is a common antibacterial ingredient that is harmful," he said.