Most cleaning products use harsh chemicals to remove stains and clean up messes, but consumers need be aware that these cleaning products could actually be doing more harm than good. Chemical exposure happens when someone comes in contact with a chemical or a surface that has been contaminated by a chemical. Exposure can happen by inhaling, ingesting, or touching a chemical or area that has been in contact with the chemical. It is important to choose your cleaning products carefully because exposing yourself or your family to toxic chemicals can result in some very serious side effects.
Toxic Chemical Exposure Side Effects
- Skin Irritation, Rash, or Redness
Toxic chemicals that come in contact with skin can cause irritation, rash, redness, discoloration, burns, dermatitis, or other problems once the chemical is absorbed. Sodium Hydroxide, for example, is a corrosive chemical found in many home cleaning products that can irritate the skin.
- Asthma, Cough, or Inflammation (Sore Throat)
Toxic chemical exposure can also cause a variety of harmful side effects that affect your respiratory system. These side effects can include asthma, cough, inflammation, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or even lung cancer. Ammonia (found in glass cleaners) and chlorine (found in bathroom cleaners and mildew removers) are common cleaning chemicals that can negatively impact your respiratory system.
- Headache and Blurred Vision
Exposure to toxic chemicals that affect your nervous system can cause headaches, blurred vision, confusion, and dizziness. Pthalates are a class of several different chemicals that are often used to add fragrance to household products and they have the potential to cause severe migraines or asthma.
- Allergies and Autoimmunity
Your immune system can also be harmed by exposure to toxic chemicals that cause allergies or autoimmunity. Cleaning products that contain added fragrances and/or formaldehyde have the potential to damage the immune system, which increases risks for allergies or infections.
- Liver Damage and Tumors
If your hepatic system is exposed to toxic chemicals, you could experience liver damage, tumors, or liver cell damage. Your hepatic system processes food and attempts to remove chemicals from the body. One example of a toxic chemical that affects the hepatic system is 2-Butoxyethanol, a multi-purpose cleaner that can damage your liver and kidneys when inhaled.
- Kidney Damage and Cancer
The renal system moves waste out of your body and regulates body fluids. If you come in contact with toxic chemicals, you could suffer renal system damages including kidney damage or kidney cancer. 2-Butoxyethanol can cause these side effects and should be avoided.
- Birth Defects or Infertility
In extreme cases, toxic chemical exposure can cause birth defects or infertility. When the reproductive system is exposed to toxic chemicals, natural functions like egg or sperm cell production can be negatively affected.
How to Avoid Toxic Chemical Exposure
To make sure you are using safe cleaning products, check the labels. Safe products that are free of toxic chemicals will often be labeled “environmentally friendly,” “eco-friendly,” “non-toxic,” or “natural.” At The Grime Stoppers, we use and sell environmentally friendly products like Vital Oxide and PURETi that are safe for you and your family, and even safe for babies. Other precautions you can take to avoid toxic chemical exposure include washing your hands, making sure your home is well ventilated, and being aware of the chemicals in your household products.
If it’s time to clean your home but you want to make sure you are not using any toxic chemicals, contact The Grime Stoppers today about our safe and eco-friendly product recommendations.
