Chemicals in Household Cleaning Products

Think safety first.

Household cleaning products assist in general and specialized cleaning of the home. The chemicals contained within these products have the potential to cause harm if not handled properly. Read the label and use the information to make important usage and storage decisions, for the safety of yourself and all the members of your family.

Common Chemicals

Chemicals exist in practically every household cleaner. For instance, lye and sulfuric acid help drain cleaners unclog drains. In addition, pesticides such as sodium hypochlorite and bleach are in toilet cleaning products. Antibacterial cleaners contain pesticides to help kill bacteria present on various surfaces throughout the house. Typically, the pesticides found in antibacterial cleaners include quaternary ammonium. Other chemicals, such as ammonia and trisodium phosphate are present in all-purpose cleaners.

Chemical Concerns

Dangerous fumes and the possibility for bodily harm or injury represent just a few of the concerns related to chemicals found in common household cleaning products. Fumes can cause throat and lung irritation. Direct contact with many household cleaning products can cause skin burns and even blindness if the product comes in contact with the eye. Specifically, toilet bowl cleaners can release a poisonous gas if combined with other products. This gas can cause serious breathing problems and even death if not treated immediately.

Pet Protection

Read the label before using household cleaners in a home with pets. Some cleaners require you to keep pets at a safe distance until the cleaners dry completely. The chemicals in many household cleaning products can cause stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. In severe cases, pets breathing in dangerous fumes from cleaning products may develop irritation of the respiratory tract. Store household cleaning products in locked cabinets and keep them out of the reach of your pets. Keep the lid of your toilet closed to keep pets from coming in contact with toilet bowl cleaners and recently cleaned toilet bowl surfaces.

Safety and Precautions

Always read the label before using any household cleaning product. Identify potential dangers and take steps to mitigate problems. Open the doors and windows to ventilate rooms before using cleaners. Wear rubber gloves to prevent contact with the skin. Refrain from mixing different cleaners. The result can be toxic and dangerous. For instance, mixing ammonia with chlorine produces fumes that can be fatal. Wear goggles to prevent household cleaners from splashing up into your eyes.

References

• American Veterinary Medical Association: What You Should Know About Household Hazards to Pets
• Environmental Protection Agency: Learn About Chemicals Around Your House: Drain Cleaners
• Environmental Protection Agency: Learn About Chemicals Around Your House: Antibacterial Cleaner
• Environmental Protection Agency: Learn About Chemicals Around Your House: Toilet Cleaners
• Environmental Protection Agency: Learn About Chemicals Around Your House: All-Purpose Cleaner
• Environmental Protection Agency: Read the Label First

Resources

• Environmental Protection Agency: Learn About Chemicals Around Your House