Have you ever thought about the fact that many household laundry and cleaning products that we are used to can contain very strong allergens and other irritants? Powders and gels sometimes contain ingredients that are best avoided. Why are these substances hazardous to health and how to make your home 100% environmentally friendly?
We study the label
Many products contain surfactants or surfactants. They are necessary for the cleaning agent to be effective. Therefore, these components are often present in almost any dish gel or washing powder. It is important to try to take into account their share in the composition of the funds. Anionic and cationic surfactants are especially dangerous. These substances can cause severe allergies, reduce immunity and even affect the brain, lungs and liver.
It is better to abandon household chemicals in which these substances are present. The best choice is powders and other household chemicals that contain non-ionic surfactants or amphoteric ones. They are also environmentally friendly and biodegradable. As for the share of surfactants in the composition of the product, they should be no more than 5%. Typically, the label indicates that the product contains from 5% to 15% surfactants. And it is better to refuse such a powder or gel.
Stop list
A number of recommendations have been developed on the choice of detergents and cleaning products for housekeeping. In general, it is recommended to be careful with the following three substances:
- Ammonia and chlorine-containing products. These substances, when interacting, emit very toxic fumes.
- Triclosan. The antibacterial properties of this substance have not yet been proven, but it is known for certain that it can greatly harm health. For example, in the United States, household chemicals containing triclosan are completely banned.
- Various perfumes and fragrances of unknown origin. We must be careful with products with fragrances, if only because they can cause a severe allergic reaction.
This list was later supplemented with several more substances:
- Phosphates. Phosphates are a substance that causes allergic reactions. Phosphates also have a negative impact on the environment.
- Formaldehyde. Substance that causes allergies and contact dermatitis. Formaldehyde has a negative effect on the skin, causing severe irritation. Formaldehyde is especially dangerous for young children.
It is desirable that the selected product does not contain chlorine and other dangerous, caustic substances. But among the products with which we are accustomed to washing the floor, this is a rarity.It is best to use liquid concentrates for washing, which contain essential oils. The vegetable base of these liquid products contains oils that help to care for the flooring and protect the floor from dirt. Such a product is suitable for washing ceramics, linoleum, wood and marble, as well as concrete. By choosing the right cleaner or detergent that is safe for your family, you can protect your loved ones from many unwanted reactions, and especially from allergies.
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