Did you know that certain home care products contain hazardous chemicals, and most of the time, consumers are unaware of this exposure?
Accidental poisoning and long exposures to harmful chemicals from common household cleaning products are problems that continue to affect homeowners. This may happen through inhalation, ingestion, and skin and eye contact.
In fact, this recent case reports how the increased use of cleaning and disinfectant products in the time of the pandemic has led to multiple cases of chemical exposure intoxication.
As a homeowner, you should know if your home care products are safe to keep and use. But how?
When choosing home care products, checking the label of your day-to-day essentials will help you become a wise and healthy homeowner.
If you are eager to keep yourself and your family safe, keep reading to know the FIVE RED FLAGS to avoid in your home care products.
1. No Active Ingredient
Active ingredients are the backbone of every home care product. Some of them can pose potential risks to one’s health, which is why declaring an “active ingredients list” is essential. Products without an “active ingredients list” are alarming for consumers because you wouldn’t know if the chemicals you’re using are safe for your health and the environment.
Some of the active ingredients found in home care products are Ammonia, Bleach, D-Limonene, Quaternary Ammonium, Hydrogen Peroxide, and many more. You should know that companies need to fully disclose these ingredients as some of them have both positive and negative effects which the consumers should carefully think about before purchasing.
2. Caution, Warning, or Danger Signs
Most commercial products like aerosol sprays will bluntly include a warning sign that goes like this: “Hazardous to humans and domestic animals.” It is alarming, considering these products are part of our everyday lives for disinfection and home cleaning maintenance.
Danger warnings are also stated as “harmful when swallowed” or “skin and eye irritant.” People with respiratory diseases and other immunocompromised conditions should think twice before using products with caution warnings.
3. Recommended use of masks and gloves
A product that requires personal protective equipment every time you use them is an obvious red flag. It implies that the ingredients are toxic and dangerous when inhaled or touched.
A research study from Harvard University and the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research found that there is a fast decline in lung health when using commercial chemical cleaners regularly. Some of the particles from cleaning products such as air fresheners expel toxic fumes that cause respiratory irritation, leading to pulmonary diseases.
4. Synthetic Fragrances
While there are fragrances made with natural ingredients, synthetic fragrances are those made in laboratories often containing parabens and phthalates. These chemicals are known to cause allergic reactions and hormonal imbalance.
5. Combustible and Flammable
Pressurized home care products may require appropriate storage conditions to avoid bursting. Any unintended depressurization such as punctures, excessive temperatures, and faulty valves may result in combustion. Even worse, flammable products create a fire hazard that becomes a potential source of accidental house fires.
Products like these are dangerous especially for families with small kids and pets.
If your home care products include a thing or two from the list, it’s time to ditch and switch.
Your home should be as clean as your cleaning products to create a safe and healthy household environment. Why don’t you start inspecting your products for these red flags right now? See for yourself if you’re using the best home care essentials for your family.
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