Common Household Chemicals To Be Careful Of
Hazardous chemicals are everywhere, even in the comforts of your own home. However, these chemicals are a staple to our homes because of their important use. We can always take precautions of how to reduce it’s negative impact to our health. Here are the most common hazardous chemicals you’re likely find in your home and how to reduce the chances of it damaging your health.
Dishwasher and Laundry Detergents
The bright, fruit-smelling, bubblegum-y colored dishwashing detergents tempt a lot of kids to curiously put It in their mouths. These dishwashing detergents contain a dry, concentrated form of chlorine. This can easily lead to poisoning. Same for the laundry detergent packets, these are the leading cause of child poisonings.
Solution: You can always choose to use eco-friendly and organic alternatives. You can make DIY dishwashing liquid with citrus water and grapefruit oil. But if it’s not possible, make sure to keep it away from where children can reach it.
Household cleaners
Kitchen, bathroom, glass cleaners and floor polishers have at least 5% ammonia. Ammonia can easily irritate and burn the eyes and skin even with short-term exposure. It can also irritate the respiratory tract. A lot of exposure to ammonia can eventually lead to life threatening issues.
Drain and oven cleaners contain sodium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide is corrosive and can strongly irritate the skin and eyes. Toilet bowl cleaners also often contain hydrochloric acid. It is also corrosive and will seriously damage any tissue it gets in contact with. Be careful not to mix any household product containing hydrochloric acid with bleach as this will produce toxic gas.
Solution: Baking soda mixed with vinegar and water is also a very effective cleaner. This is a natural, non-toxic alternative. Sometimes, it’s even better than household cleaners.
Air Fresheners
They are a source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in our home. They also contain formaldehyde which causes respiratory dysfunction and sensory irritation. Long term exposure to air fresheners can lead to serious problems and side effects.
Solution: Fresh flowers and plants are a good alternative for air fresheners. They provide you more oxygen and fresher air also.
Toxic carpets and furniture
Toxic substances such as perchloroethylene, which is a carcinogen, can damage the kidney, liver and nervous system and ammonium hydroxide, a corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory passages, are present in carpet cleaning formulas.
Solution: Opt for wool, natural latex or organic cotton instead of the traditional mattresses, as these might contain flame-retardant chemicals. You may also use organic and biodegradable alternatives as a carpet cleaner.
As these chemicals make our job to clean our homes easier, they can also take a toll on our health and children. Even with solutions on how to reduce its impact to our health, these toxins are almost impossible to avoid. A health insurance would have your back if the worst happens.
At Velox Insurance, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that makes your life easier. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (855) 468-3569. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.
