We use cleaning products to keep us safe from germs, but are they doing us more harm than good?
THE BAD, THE STINKY AND THE UGLY
Indoor air puts us at greater risk of toxic chemical exposure than outdoor air. Products that we so often touch and inhale, including carpet, paint, plastics, particle board and cleaning agents, are the main sources of indoor air contamination. Even more unsettling is that the long-term health effects of over 90% of registered chemicals remain largely unknown. The following are just a few of the chemicals commonly found in household cleaning products:
Bleach *Most frequently reported toxic exposure to poison control * Bleach can irritate the skin, lining of the nose, throat and lungs. When mixed with other chemicals it can form toxic chlorine gas.
Ammonia It can Irritate the eyes, nose and lungs and can cause rashes, redness and burns. When mixed with bleach it forms toxic gas Propellants. These are easily breathed into the lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream. It can irritate the lungs and cause irregular heartbeats and lung diseases
Hydrochloric / Phosphoric acid Caution: dissolves and destroys tissue upon contact. It can burn the lungs if inhaled. It can result in blindness if it comes into direct contact with eyes. These are listed as hazardous air pollutants
Triclosan This is a dioxin, the most toxic substance ever tested. When it comes in contact with tap water, forms chloroform. Dioxins are linked to cancers, weakened immune systems, decreased fertility and birth defects to name just a few.
Benzene, classified as a carcinogen, is listed as a hazardous air pollutant
Phenols Known to cause DNA mutations. It is a suspected carcinogen. Can interfere with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen
Artificial fragrances These can irritate skin causing headaches, sneezing and watery eyes. 95% derived from petroleum and contain other toxins such as methyl chloride, formaldehyde and phthalates. They can worsen existing respiratory problems
Formaldehyde This is a known carcinogen and exposure can lead to allergies, asthma attacks and severe irritation of eyes, nose, mouth and throat
Petroleum distillates These are found in most cleaning products. They are suspected carcinogens and contribute to global warming. Neurotoxins and hormone disrupters accumulate in our bodies and can damage immune, cardiovascular, reproductive and respiratory systems
Sodium hydroxide Dissolve skin and tissue on contact. pH of 14 and can cause lung damage if inhaled
YUCK!...DON'T WORRY, I'M POSTING SOLUTIONS!
HOW CAN I HELP? I can help reverse some of the damage already caused to your body by these toxins. I will create a customized plan for you that will help your body eliminate existing toxins and metabolize new ones more efficiently!