Reasons for going green - Health Benefits

Harmful chemicals are prevalent not only in general consumer cleaning products but also in foods, cosmetics, home construction, clothing and many more industries. By using more ecologically friendly products, including green cleaning formulas and products, consumers may be able to reduce human health risks by reducing exposure to these and other harmful chemicals.

Potential adverse health effects from exposure to common household products

- Glass Cleaners may contain Isopropyl alcohol which can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat, and ammonia which can irritate the skin and eyes and can also cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath

- All-purpose Cleaners may contain 2-butoxyethanol which can cause headaches, dizziness, light head and confusion, in addition to irritating the eyes, nose, throat and mouth.

- Bathroom Cleaners may contain Sodium hypochlorite/chlorine which can severely irritate the skin, may cause eye damage, coughing and/or shortness of breath.

 

Here is a list of some of the toxic ingredients found in common household and consumer products for you to watch out for:

- Chlorine Bleach

- Napthas and Mineral Spirits

- Phthalates (found in furniture polish)

- Ether-type Solvents

- Methylene Chloride

- Butyl Cellosolve and Petroleum Distillates (found in oven cleaning products)

- Sulphuric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide (found in drain cleaning products)

- Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (found in detergents and disinfectants, and are suspected hormone disruptors)

- Ammonia

- Triclosan (found in anti-bacterial cleansers, prevalent in the rise of antibiotic-resistant germs)

- Butyl Cellosolve Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether

- Diethanolamine

- Sodium Hydroxide (found in drain, metal and oven cleaners)

- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (a common suds agent)