Sep
17
2019
4 Hidden Toxins: What’s Lurking In Your Cleaning Products
Many of us clean our homes without realising the products we use contain harmful ingredients. Common household cleaners often contain hidden chemicals that are toxic to humans and animals. Products such as laundry detergent can also cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin due to the harsh ingredients used.
It’s important to be aware of the hidden chemicals which may reside within your cleaning products in order to protect your family, pets and household. This article will uncover some of the main toxins found in the products you may currently have under the sink and why you should switch to natural products.
A list of the worst toxic offenders commonly found in household cleaning products
1. Phthalates and triclosan
This chemical is used for adding fragrance, and because of propriety laws, companies don’t have to disclose what’s in their scents and so you often won’t see ‘phthalates’ on the label.
Phthalates are known as endocrine disruptors, with studies showing that men with higher phthalates compounds in their blood had lower sperm counts. Dishwashing detergents also contain a harmful toxin known as triclosan.
If your dish soap or liquid has the word ‘anti-bacterial’ on it, chances are it contains triclosan. This aggressive antibacterial agent can promote the growth of drug-resistant bacteria and has also been found to be toxic to algae in rivers and streams.
2. 2-Butoxyethanol
Multipurpose cleaners used for floor cleaning can also contain a chemical known as 2-Butoxyethanol. It is a key ingredient in surface cleaners and is used to give them their characteristic ‘sweet’ scent.
Again, laws don’t require this harmful ingredient to be listed on the product label, despite its risks of respiratory issues such as sore throats, narcosis, pulmonary oedema, and severe liver and kidney damage. It is especially toxic if used in an area that isn’t well-vented.
3. Ammonia
Ammonia is also a common chemical used to clean households, yet it’s one of the most harmful. Ammonia is a powerful irritant which has been known to cause respiratory issues and lung diseases including bronchitis and asthma. It may also inflict severe skin burns, permanent eye damage and liver and kidney damage. Ammonia is particularly harmful if mixed with bleach since it creates a chloramine gas which can lead to breathing issues.
4. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATS)
Commonly found in fabric softener and laundry detergents, QUATS is also an antibiotic-resistant bacteria with links to asthma and contact dermatitis.
Why you should use natural cleaning products
Opting for natural cleaning products eliminates the risk of harmful chemicals affecting you and your family. Non-toxic cleaners such as bio-home’s floor cleaner are made using plant-based ingredients that are safe to use. But before you reach for the cleaning product labelled ‘all-natural’ at your local supermarket, be aware that it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s non-toxic.
One past study by TerraChoice Group found that more than 95% of so-called ‘green’ cleaning products contained at least one harmful or toxic ingredient. Switching to a completely non-toxic cleaning product with all active plant-based ingredients listed on the label is your only bet at ensuring that what you’re using is completely safe. Plant-based cleaning products are safe for allergy sufferers and those with sensitive skin, as well as better for the environment.
The Bio-Home difference is that, compared to other household cleaning products, ours is 100% plant-based. Bio-home products are made in biodegradable packaging and do not contain any chemicals or harmful toxins. Bio-home is an environmentally friendly alternative that is as safe for the planet as it is for your family. Whether you’re cleaning the kitchen, scrubbing floors or washing laundry you can always trust that you will get the best clean without the risks.
Take care of the health of your family and the environment
There is a common misconception that chemical-based cleaners give a deeper clean or work faster and more effectively to kill germs. But plant-based cleaners are proven to work just as well to clean the home and come with a number of advantages. Using plant-based cleaning solutions leads to a healthier home and a safer environment. Switching to greener methods helps reduce pollution to the waterways and the air, minimises climate change and produces less environmental waste.
Brightly coloured bottles promising a quick fix to germs aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Sure they’ll clean, but at what cost?
Take care of your health and your home by using plant-based products from Bio-Home. Using the bio-home floor cleaner on your home’s surfaces makes cleaning floors easy.
