CLEANING
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
Avoid
products that say 'Danger', 'Poison', 'Warning', 'Combustible', or 'Flamable'.
Alkylphenol
ethoxylates (APEs) are
synthetic surfactants found in laundry detergents and all-purpose cleaners.
They are known hormone disrupters which mimic estrogen and interfere with human
reproduction and development.
Ammonia
(ammonium hydroxide) - A severe eye
and respiratory irritant that can cause intense burning pain, corrosive damage
including chemical burns, cataracts and corneal damage. It can also cause kidney and liver
damage. Ammonia reacts with bleach to
form poisonous chlorine gas. It is found in a very wide range of cleaning
products.
Benzene
(benzol) is a known carcinogen and a
volatile organic compound (VOC) used as a solvent I waxes, paints, and paint
thinners. Exposure can lead to a decrease in red blood cells, and possibly
cause anemia, bone-marrow damage, excessive bleeding, immune-system depression,
and drying and scaling of skin. The effects of benzene on the central nervous
system range from drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches to loss of
consciousness.
Butyl
cellosolve (*ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) is a neurotoxin and mutagen found in
anti-freeze, all-purpose cleaners, window cleaners, spray cleaners, and scouring
powders. Exposure can damage the liver, kidneys, and male reproductive glands,
as well a cause harm to developing fetuses. An eye, nose, and throat irritant,
it can cause headaches, dizziness, light-headedness, and confusion. It has been
linked to learning disabilities among children.
Chlorine
bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is a
severe irritant found in bleaches, scouring powders, toilet-bowl cleaners,
dishwasher detergents, laundry detergents, and disinfectants. Household bleach
is the most common cleaner accidentally swallowed by children.
Dioxane
(diethylene dioxide) is a carcinogen
and immunosuppressant used as a solvent in window cleaners, laundry liquids,
and dish liquids. Exposure to hight levels of dioxane can result in liver
damage, kidney damage, and death. Eye and nose irritation was reported by
people inhaling low levels of dioxane vapors for short periods.
Formaldehyde
is a known carcinogen found in
air fresheners and disinfectants. It is a strong-smelling VOC and common indoor
air pollutant. It can cause allergy-like reactions, such as watery eyes;
burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat; stuffy nose; and skin rashes.
It can also cause flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
Inhaling formaldehyde fumes can cause respiratory problems and asthma like
symptoms.
Kerosene
is a petroleum fuel oil found
in furniture polishes and waxes that can damage the lungs and nervous system.
Drinking small amounts of kerosene may cause vomiting, diarrhea, coughing,
stomach swelling and cramps, drowsiness, restlessness, painful breathing,
irritability, and unconsciousness. Drinking large amounts of kerosene may cause
convulsions, coma, or death.
Sodium
Lauryl Sulfate is used as a
lathering agent. It is a known skin
irritant and it enhances the allergic response to other toxins and
allergens. Sodium lauryl sulfate can
react with other ingredients to form cancer-causing nitrosamines. It is found in a wide range of cleaning
products.
Xylene is a neurotoxin that can lead to memory loss,
loss of consciousness and even death in extreme exposures. It may damage liver, kidneys and the
developing fetus. It is a severe eye and moderate skin irritant. Xylene is used in some spot removers, floor
polishes, ironing aids and other products.
SOURCES
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Environment,
Health and Safety Online
Chemical
Information – Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Healthy
Child Healthy World
www.healthychild.org/resources/chemical
Schoff,
Jill Potvin. Green-up Your Clean-up. Upper
Saddle River, New Jersey, Creative Homeowner, 2008. (pp. 212-217)