Household Chemicals Vs. Going Green Household Chemicals
Household products, particularly cleaning products, contain a battery of chemical ingredients. These ingredients can cause mild to severe health problems. Green household products do not use the chemicals found in traditional products. These products rely on natural ingredients. As a result, green products do not cause health problems with proper use. Does this Spark an idea?
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Chemicals in Household Products
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Air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds. Oven cleaners contain lye. Toilet bowl cleaners have chlorine and acids. All-purpose household cleaners often contain bleach, ammonia and the sudsing agents diethanolamine and triethanolamine. Laundry detergents contain phosphates and often have added fragrances made from chemical components. Dish-washing detergent contains sodium carbonate, sodium silicate and sodium dichloroisocyanurate. Drain cleaners contain surfactants, sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite.
Health Risks
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The volatile organic compounds in air fresheners can lead to breathing problems. U.S. News reports that these compounds can increase the likelihood of developing asthma by as much as 50 percent. Fragrances added to laundry detergents can cause difficulty breathing, eye irritations and headaches. The chemical ingredients in drain cleaner can cause chemical burns on the skin, eye irritation and problems with the digestive tract if ingested. The chemicals in dish-washing detergent can irritate the lungs, eyes and skin.
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Ingredients in Green Household Products
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Green household products use natural alternatives to chemical ingredients. These products do not typically contain added dyes or fragrances. Many green cleaning products contain water, essential oils and plant- and mineral-based ingredients. While generally safer than traditional household products, green products can cause health problems if inhaled or ingested.
Tips
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Many household items work just as well as cleaning products and do not contain harsh chemicals or additives. Plain white vinegar works as an all-purpose cleaner. You can use vinegar to clean countertops, mop hardwood or tile floors or remove streaks from glass. Vinegar also works to brighten and soften clothes in the washing machine. Baking soda works as a scrubbing agent to remove stuck-on foods from counters. Baking soda also removes odors from the air. Lemon juice works as an all-purpose cleaner.
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References
- "U.S. News"; Health Hazards in Household Cleaners Exposed; Serena Gordon; July 2008
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: All Free Clear Automatic Dishwashing Detergent
- LiveScience; The Truth About 'Green' Cleaning Products; Andrea Thompson; August 2007
- Organic Consumers Association: How Toxic Are Your Household Cleaning Supplies?
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Drano Clog Remover
- Seventh Generation: All Ingredients
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
