Toxic clean – Harmful household cleaning chemicals

Toxic clean – Harmful household cleaning chemicals

The majority of household cleaners contain a wide variety of toxic chemicals. Sure we know not to ingest them and to keep them safely stored away from children, but do we know about some of the hidden harmful side effects? The chemicals in household cleaners are designed to cut through grime, stains and dirt and many are very effective in doing this. But many of the chemicals are concentrated to achieve these cleaning effects and they expose us to harmful toxins that most of us aren’t even aware of.  

The effect of cleaning chemicals on health

While most of the time we don’t notice any impacts on our health, the underlying truth is that chemical household cleaners increase our exposure to toxins on a daily basis. Over time, combined with other environmental pollutants, stressful modern lifestyles and poor nutrition, it can have a very serious and damaging effect on our health. Some people may develop mild skin or respiratory allergies, but for others it could result in tumors and more chronic illnesses.

Here are some of the harmful ingredients found in common household cleaners and how they can impact your health.  

General purpose cleaners with ammonia – ammonia is an ingredient in many kitchen and bathroom cleaners. It easily cleans away greasy, sticky or moldy residues. In high concentrations inhaling ammonia gas can be very toxic, even fatal. Even in small amounts it can cause coughing and irritation to the lungs, affecting breathing. Ammonia is very corrosive and contact with the skin can result in irritation and rashes. It can also cause irritation to the eyes either from the fumes or if any of the cleaner splashes in the eyes.

Bleach – sodium hypochlorite is one of the primary ingredients in household bleach. Like ammonia it can be an irritant to the skin and respiratory system. If bleach is ever used in combination with ammonia it can produce highly toxic fumes.

Laundry detergent – a variety of chemicals can be found in laundry detergents from sodium hypochlorite – which is a highly corrosive chemical that can cause irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract; to linear alkylate sulfonate - which can be absorbed through the skin and may contribute to the cause of liver damage.  Sodium tripolyphosphate, another common ingredient in laundry detergent, is also easily absorbed through the skin from clothes and can affect the mucous membranes and cause skin allergies.

Furniture polish ingredients – Many types of furniture polish are made from petroleum distillates which are not only highly flammable but have been linked to skin and lung cancers. Phenol is another common ingredient in furniture polish. Contact with skin can cause severe irritation resulting in hives, inflammation and blistering. In high levels of exposure it can cause convulsions and even heart issues which could lead to death.   

Air fresheners – while they are not cleaners as such, air fresheners are commonly used and are among the most toxic of household products. Many contain phenol as well as formaldehyde - a highly toxic and carcinogenic ingredient. Exposure to air fresheners can affect the nervous system and the respiratory system.

Most people aren’t even aware of these chemicals and the impact they could be having on our health. The good news is that by removing them from your household and replacing them with natural alternatives, you can start to detoxify your environment and still have a hygienically clean home.

The new Natureland Cleaning range is guaranteed to only use natural, non-toxic and chemical-free ingredients. While organic and natural, certified allergy friendly, vegan, and cruelty free, you can rest assured that each of these products do precisely what they are intended to: acting as effective cleaning products, but without the risk of harm to you, your family, your pets, or the environment.