Are Chemical Cleaning Agents Harmful To Health?

Science informs that dry cleaning products that we use at home can be harmful to health. It is important to know more about it in order to avoid dangers in everyday life. 

Time and again we hear and see reports that chemical cleaning agents are harmful to health. Components such as chloroform, formaldehyde or phthalates can cause serious illnesses in children, adults and pets. Then learn more about this topic. We also have various tips for you on how to replace the harmful cleaning products.

The scientific data are very specific and categorical:  Over half of the cleaning agents that are offered in supermarkets and other shops contain substances that are harmful to health. These trigger allergies and respiratory problems in particular. 

Chemical cleaning agents viewed from a scientific point of view

In 2012 the Environmental Working Group (EWG) carried out an analysis of the cleaning products most frequently used in the household. The results were alarming. Around 65 highly toxic substances were found in it, which are often associated with infertility, endocrine disorders, general malaise and neurotoxic diseases. 

In Norway, the Department of Clinical Science at the University of Bergen conducted a study of 6,000 people who used chemical cleaning products on a daily basis. In this case, the researchers specifically studied  the harmful effects on the respiratory system of people exposed to the toxins it contains. 

Harvard University’s Nature Climate Change study  focused on  the harmful effects of these substances on the environment in general. The scientists also examined symptoms of the population, such as anemia or iron deficiency, which can occur due to environmental pollution from chemical cleaning agents.

The US Environment Protection Agency  (EPA) names the hair-raising number of 150,000 synthetic substances that are very dangerous for the health of people who come into daily contact with them. 

Chemical cleaning agents often contain the following toxic substances 

1. Phthalates: Contained in cleaning products with synthetic perfumes. The greatest danger of these substances is  that they can act as endocrine disruptors. This means that by changing the endocrine system, they are damaging to health. Phthalates can be found in dishwashing detergents, floor cleaning agents, cleaning agents for furniture, toilet paper and also in personal hygiene products.
2.  Perchlorethylene: This substance is found in dry cleaning products. It can cause dizziness, respiratory problems or eye irritation and is considered to be neurotoxic. Perchlorethylene is found in carpet cleaners, stain removers, etc.
3. Triclosan:  This substance is banned in the US because it causes bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. In addition, triclosan has been shown to be allergenic in animal experiments and can have a negative effect on the hormonal balance. This substance is also very harmful to the environment. It is partly found in dishwashing detergents, toothpaste and deodorants. However, the use of triclosan has been severely restricted in the EU.
4. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QAV):  Like Triclosan, these substances present themselves as “antibacterial”. However, prolonged contact with it can lead to dermatitis and respiratory allergies. These compounds are found in fabric softeners and various disinfectants. 
5. Butoxyethanol:  It is a solvent that is used very effectively in all-purpose cleaners, for example. Daily contact negatively affects the health of the lungs, liver and kidneys.

Alternatives that protect your health and the environment

Bear in mind that sprays are particularly harmful and should therefore not be used. It is also important to ventilate the apartment or house well after cleaning. Protect yourself with gloves and a mask when using commercially available cleaning products.

You must take all possible measures to prevent the toxic substances from being inhaled or coming into contact with your skin. Of course, it is even better to do without them altogether and to use natural cleaning agents and tricks to keep your home clean.

Chemical cleaning agents can easily be replaced with various alternatives. Environmentally friendly agents such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon, salt or (homemade) soap are very helpful! 

If there is no other option and you need to use chemical cleaners  , make sure there are no children, the elderly, or other vulnerable people such as pregnant women around. 

In a nutshell, chemical cleaning agents contain harmful substances that mainly have a negative effect on the respiratory tract, skin and eyes. You should therefore always inform yourself well about the ingredients and, if possible, switch to environmentally friendly alternatives. So you can not only protect your health, but also the environment!