Originally Published July 14, 2012 Â Â We are all concerned with 
killing germs and bacteria around our home. But while we are disinfecting to kill germ cells, what else are we harming? Many home cleaning products, unless organic, are exposing us to an array of chemical toxins that negatively affect our bodies. If not eco-friendly, chemicals from these cleaning solutions are then washed down the drain finding their way into soil and ground water also contaminating the environment.
Obvious Hazardous Cleaners
Most obvious are household cleaners that produce a strong odor. These have an adverse effect on the respiratory system. Oven cleaners, as an example, are packed with hazardous chemicals that probably are the most toxic you will encounter. Glass cleaners are another example of a respiratory irritant. Being a mixture that includes ammonia and water, you can’t avoid inhaling the fumes of a sprayed glass cleaner. Toilet bowl cleaners contain some ferocious cleaning chemicals that can irritant eyes and skin. If used in a small poorly ventilated room, particles in the air can irritant the respiratory tract.
Did You Realize?
The toxicity of others cleaning solutions may not be as obvious. Dish detergents used in dishwashing machines are often extremely caustic containing very strong alkali. Particles being released into the air by steam escaping from the washer are eye and respiratory irritants. Do you like the fresh smell produced by plug-in air fresheners? Beware… these fresheners, as well as spray air fresheners, release a constant amount of artificial fragrance – a chemical that can be toxic. ‘Shake-On’ carpet deodorants also release artificial fragrances which are often toxic. These carpet deodorants are particularly hazardous for small children who often play on the floor.
Effects on Human Tissue
Household cleaners containing strong chemicals can cause a wide array of ill effects on human tissue. Immediate may include eye irritation, headaches, burns to mucus membranes, wheezing, skin burns, chest pains and nosebleeds to list just a few. Longer exposure to toxins in cleaners have some serious effects such as pulmonary edema, collapse of red blood cells, and damage to respiratory organs, eyes, skin and intestines. Further damage may occur to the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, reproductive system, liver, kidneys, and joints.
Select Wisely
You should be concerned with the cleaning products you are using to kill germs around your home. Many of the products you choose contain toxins very detrimental to your health and to our environment. Always look for organic and natural cleaning solutions.
