Bleach is one of the most common cleaning products used around the world. However, it can cause many health issues. Regular exposure to bleach can cause asthma and pneumonia, while one-time contact can cause eye irritation, burning skin, and chest pains.
If you really must use bleach, it should always be used and stored in a well ventilated area away from kids. However, we recommend that you replace bleach with safer products. Non-chlorine bleach can be used for white laundry and in the majority of cases lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide are perfectly good alternatives to bleach when cleaning your home. An important thing to know about bleach is that it is even more dangerous when mixed with other chemicals.
2. Formaldehyde
This is a chemical that you do not want in your home. Therefore, when checking cleaning product labels, be sure to keep an eye out for both formaldehyde and formalin. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization that provides information for creating a healthier living environment. Mrs. Meyers and Earth Friendly are two highly popular formaldehyde-free cleaning product brands and can be found in most major grocery stores.
3. Borax and Boric Acid
Borax is commonly used in laundry detergents, and is wildly believed to be a safe house cleaning product. However, this is not necessarily true. Some studies have suggested that borax and boric acid have lasting negative effects on libido and fertility in men and women. Although the US is still working on a decision about the safety of borax, the European Union has already decided that it should be avoided. Baking soda is a perfect replacement for borax or boric acid as it does the same job and is much safer.
5. Fragrances
We all love it when our homes smell like fresh cotton or flowers, but many fragrances aren't actually that good for our health. In general, artificial fragrances are often allergen or irritants, causing wheezing or other respiratory problems or skin irritation. Reactions to fragrances vary from person to person, but it's not a bad idea to avoid them altogether since they are some of the top allergens in the world, according to the EWG.
Therefore, you should choose unscented products just to be on the safe side. If you love fragrances, find a natural way to bring them into your home, like adding fresh flowers to your dining table.
6. Ethanolamines
When you're checking the label of your cleaning products, keep an eye out for monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine. These are surfactants, or a chemical that reduces the surface tension of a liquid. The EWG have claimed that these chemicals are also asthmagens. Unfortunately, these chemicals are commonly found in cleaning products, including tile and floor cleaners, and laundry detergents.
If you're looking for a safer option, brands like Martha Stewart, Eco-Me, and Babyganics all have a high safety rating.
Source: rd.com
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