“Unknowingly, in the products at home, there are toxic chemicals that can cause illness. These materials include sodium hypochlorite, ammonia, and formaldehyde.
Cleaning the house is one of the most important things to start living a healthy life. A clean home will make the whole family feel more comfortable and healthier.
So, in order to clean the house to the fullest, many people use chemical products. The reason, this product is able to clean the dirt thoroughly.
However, please note that not all ingredients in cleaning products are safe for the body. There are toxic materials that can trigger new diseases. What are these toxic materials?
Toxic Chemicals in the Home
Choosing household products must be selective. Not only pay attention to the claims, pay attention to the chemicals in it. Some products contain toxic ingredients that actually cause disease in the body. The following are toxic materials that are often found at home:
1. Sodium hypochlorite
Sodium hypochlorite is often found in bleach. Bleach is usually used to clean bacteria and fungi, or it is also used to whiten and lighten the color of clothes. Sodium hypochlorite contained in bleach is usually around 3-8%.
Dissolved sodium hypochlorite can release harmful gases, namely chlorine, which if exposed to several parts of the body will cause irritation. If it gets on the eye area and skin, it will cause a burning sensation and redness.
This chemical can also cause problems in the respiratory system if inhaled. For example, causing irritation to the nose and lungs, causing coughing and difficulty breathing.
2. Perchlorethylene (PERC)
PERC is a very powerful chemical for cleaning many types of clothing. PERC is often found in dry cleaning product solutions and carpet cleaners. PERC can enter the human body from inhalation and skin exposure. If the body is exposed to too much of this toxic substance, the body can experience the following symptoms:
- Central nervous system depression
- Damage to the liver and kidneys
- Memory impairment
- Dizziness and headache,
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Dermatitis, if exposed to the skin
3. Ammonia
Ammonia is a chemical used to scrub bathrooms or sinks. Ammonia is corrosive which means it is damaging, including damaging the cells in the body. Exposure to even small amounts of ammonia can cause coughing and irritation of the nose and throat. In fact, it can cause shortness of breath in people with asthma.
In larger amounts, exposure to ammonia can have effects such as a burning feeling in the eyes, nose and throat. If you want to use this material more safely, you should use it in an open place or with good air circulation. Also, don't mix ammonia with bleach, as this will create more dangerous fumes.
4. Formaldehyde
Spraying room deodorizer is the best way to keep the house clean and smell good. However, it should be noted that in air freshener products there are toxic chemicals that can damage breathing, one of which is formaldehyde.
On a small scale formaldehyde can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. On prolonged exposure or higher doses this toxic substance may cause coughing or choking.
5.Sodium hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide or caustic soda is a chemical found in detergents. These chemicals tend to be corrosive and if they come in contact with the skin they can be irritating. Almost the same as other toxic materials, sodium hydroxide can also cause sore throats if inhaled frequently.
Those are the toxic chemicals that are often found in homes. Remember to be careful and selective in choosing household products, choose products that are not only good for the home, but also safe for the health of the body.
So, for those of you who experience health complaints due to exposure to chemicals, immediately see a doctor to get the right treatment. You can also get medicines prescribed by a doctor through the Halodoc application. Come on, download Halodoc for easier access to medicines and vitamins.
Reference:
- Experiencelife. Retrieved 2023. 8 Hidden Toxins: What's Lurking in Your Cleaning Products?
- WebMD. Retrieved 2023. Poisonous Products in Your Home: How to Stay Safe.
- CDC. Accessed 2023. Control of Exposure to Perchlorethylene in Commercial Drycleaning (Substitution).
- CDC. Accessed 2023. Medical Management Guidelines for Formaldehyde.
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