The Hidden Dangers of Traditional Cleaning Products.
Traditional cleaning products are a staple in most households, but few people realize the hidden dangers lurking within their bottles and cans. Despite their effectiveness in cleaning and sanitizing, many of these products contain a cocktail of harmful chemicals, allergens, and pollutants that can adversely affect both human health and the environment.
Chemical Cocktails in Your Home
When you reach for a common household cleaner, it's easy to overlook the list of ingredients on the label. These products are designed to clean and disinfect, but they often contain a complex mixture of chemical compounds that can pose serious health risks. Some of the most common offenders that we don’t use:
Ammonia
Ammonia, a colorless gas with a distinct odor, can irritate the skin and eyes, as well as the nose and throat. It is highly caustic and can contaminate water bodies and aquatic life, resulting in ammonia poisoning and death.
Triclosan
Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent used in many consumer products like soaps and toothpaste. It poses health risks, potentially disrupting the human nervous system and thyroid function. Long-term exposure can lead to skin irritation and increased cancer risk. Environmentally, triclosan is concerning because it converts to toxic dioxin when exposed to sunlight in water bodies, and it can combine with chlorine in tap water to form chloroform, a possible human carcinogen. Additionally, triclosan harms aquatic life and disrupts ecosystems, being toxic to algae and other key organisms.
Sulphates
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) are common foaming agents found in shampoos, soaps, and cleaning products. They can cause health issues, such as skin, eye, and lung irritation, especially with prolonged exposure. Additionally, SLES can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen in laboratory studies.
Environmentally, when SLS and SLES enter waterways, they can harm aquatic life, disrupting ecosystems and affecting sensitive species. This is due to their toxicity and persistence in the environment.
Phthalates
Health hazards associated with phthalates include endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, and an increased risk of developmental problems in children. Exposure to phthalates has also been linked to respiratory issues and certain cancers. Environmentally, phthalates are persistent and can leach into soil and water, potentially harming wildlife and disrupting aquatic ecosystems. They can accumulate in the food chain, posing broader ecological risks. Their widespread use and persistence make them a concern for both human health and environmental sustainability.
Phosphates
Phosphates are chemical compounds commonly used in detergents, and cleaning products. While they are effective in these applications, they pose significant environmental and health hazards. In the environment, phosphates can lead to nutrient pollution, causing excessive growth of algae in water bodies, a process known as eutrophication. This can create "dead zones" where oxygen levels drop, killing fish and other aquatic life, and harming ecosystems. From a health perspective, high phosphate levels in drinking water can affect kidney function and contribute to cardiovascular disease. Additionally, overuse of phosphates in agriculture can lead to soil degradation, impacting food production and sustainability. Due to these risks, many regions have implemented regulations to reduce phosphate use, particularly in detergents and other household products, to mitigate their environmental and health impacts.
Chlorine Bleach
Toxins in bleach can cause respiratory issues when inhaled. When breathed, it causes irritation to the skin, lungs, and eyes. The fumes from bleach can also cause migraines, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, esophageal perforation, nausea, and nervous system damage. When chlorine enters the water, it interacts with the other minerals and elements already present. This process produces new toxins known as "persistent organic pollutants," so termed because they remain in water for several years before disappearing completely. Bleach byproducts in the air eventually reach the ozone layer, contributing to global warming.
Mineral Acids
Mineral acids, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid, are commonly used in home care products like toilet cleaners, drain cleaners, and rust removers. Health hazards associated with mineral acids include severe skin burns, eye irritation, and respiratory issues if inhaled. Accidental ingestion or splashes can cause serious injury, requiring immediate medical attention. The fumes from these acids can also be harmful, leading to respiratory distress and other complications. Environmentally, mineral acids can be highly corrosive, leading to damage to plumbing and other infrastructure when overused. When released into the environment, they can cause acidification of soil and water, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems.
2-Butoxyethanol
2-Butoxyethanol is a colorless liquid with a mild odor. It can harm the eyes, skin, kidneys, and blood. It can also contaminate the air and water bodies, causing great harm to the environment.
Methylisothiazolinone
- Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is a powerful preservative and antimicrobial agent commonly used in personal care products, household cleaners, and industrial applications to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. While effective in extending product shelf life, it carries significant health and environmental risks. MI is a known allergen and can cause severe skin reactions, including contact dermatitis, redness, and itching. Prolonged exposure or high concentrations can lead to respiratory issues and eye irritation. Due to these risks, some countries and regions have imposed restrictions or limits on its use in consumer products. Environmentally, MI is toxic to aquatic life. When products containing MI are washed into waterways, they can harm fish, algae, and other aquatic organisms, potentially disrupting ecosystems. Its persistence and bioaccumulation potential make it a concern for environmental safety.
Nonylphenol Ethoxylates
Nonyl phenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are a group of non-ionic surfactants used in detergents, cleaning products, and industrial applications for their effective cleaning and emulsifying properties. NPEs can act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone function in humans and animals. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to reproductive issues and developmental abnormalities. They can also cause skin and eye irritation upon direct contact.
NPEs are highly persistent in the environment, breaking down into nonylphenol, a more toxic and bioaccumulative compound. Nonylphenol can contaminate water bodies, harming aquatic life by mimicking hormones and causing reproductive and developmental harm in fish and other species. Its persistence and tendency to bioaccumulate make it a threat to entire ecosystems and raise concerns about its impact on the food chain.
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) or phenolic chemicals
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and phenolic chemicals are disinfectants used in household and industrial cleaning products, offering powerful antimicrobial action. QACs can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and allergic reactions. Long-term exposure has been linked to asthma and other respiratory problems. Overuse may contribute to the development of resistant bacteria. Phenolic chemicals are corrosive and can cause skin burns and severe eye irritation. Inhalation of their fumes can lead to respiratory issues, and prolonged exposure may cause liver and kidney damage.
QACs are persistent in the environment, and can be toxic to aquatic life. They can disrupt sewage treatment processes, impacting biodegradation, and cause ecological imbalance. Phenolics are also persistent and can bioaccumulate in the food chain, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems. They can contaminate water bodies and harm aquatic organisms.
Chlorinated solvents:
Chlorinated solvents are chemicals used in various home care products for their strong cleaning and degreasing properties. They are commonly found in products like stain removers, degreasers, and spot cleaners. Chlorinated solvents are toxic and can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. Inhalation of fumes can lead to respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Long-term exposure to chlorinated solvents has been linked to liver and kidney damage, and some are considered carcinogenic (e.g., trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene).
Chlorinated solvents are highly persistent in the environment and do not biodegrade easily. These chemicals can contaminate groundwater and surface water, posing a risk to aquatic life and potentially entering the human food chain. Chlorinated solvents can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, contributing to air pollution and affecting indoor air quality.
Colours
Colors in home care products are added to enhance visual appeal and indicate product type or function. These colors are typically derived from dyes and pigments. Some dyes can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin. Aerosol products with colorants may release particles that can irritate the respiratory system when inhaled. Certain synthetic dyes contain harmful chemicals that, when ingested or absorbed through the skin, can be toxic to humans. Some dyes are associated with adverse effects on the endocrine system or are potential carcinogens.
Colored cleaning products washed down drains can carry dyes into waterways, contributing to water pollution. These dyes may not degrade easily and can impact aquatic ecosystems. Some dyes are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms, affecting the food chain. If improperly disposed of, dyes can leach into soil, potentially affecting plant life and the broader ecosystem.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a chemical commonly used in various home care products for its preservative and disinfectant properties. Formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma. Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen. Formaldehyde can cause skin rashes, redness, and eye irritation, particularly in sensitive individuals.
Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC), contributing to indoor and outdoor air pollution. It can exacerbate air quality issues and contribute to smog formation. It is relatively persistent in the environment, leading to long-term exposure risks for wildlife and ecosystems.
How Can we accomplish this?
Choosing Safer Alternatives
The good news is that there are safer alternatives to traditional cleaning products. At Palley Sustainable Solutions, we are committed to creating household cleaners that are effective, affordable, and free from harmful chemicals. Our plant-based concentrated products are derived from renewable sources and are designed to minimize environmental impact.
By choosing Palley's products, you can reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals while also supporting a cleaner, greener future. Our products are packaged in 100% post-consumer recyclable HDPE bottles with recyclable caps, ensuring that every aspect of our production is sustainable.
"Trust Palley for efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly household cleaning. Palley's commitm
