We would all like to believe we live in a healthy home.  For most of us hygiene and safety are top priorities as we strive to keep our homes a safe environment for ourselves and our families.  As a nation we spend millions of pounds every year on products to clean, freshen and disinfect our homes as we fill our cupboards will all manner of washing powders, antibacterial sprays, air fresheners, cleaning mousses, creams and liquids.  However, many people are unaware of the potential dangers lurking within the toxic and poisonous chemicals in their homes.

Daily, people are swallowing, inhaling and absorbing hundreds of toxic chemicals, some of which have even been proven deadly to laboratory animals.  According to the World Wildlife Fund; “An estimated 1,000 new chemicals enter the market every year, in addition to the tens of thousands of chemicals already in commercial use. Very few of these have been tested adequately for the threats they may pose to wildlife and humans. There is growing evidence that many of these chemicals can alter sexual and neurological development, impair reproduction, cause cancers, and undermine immune systems.” (www.worldwildlife.org)

We are literally poisoning our immune systems with thousands of toxic chemicals that are known Carcinogens and Hormone Disrupters. Might this be the reason that so many people suffer from such things as dry, flaky skin, persistent skin irritations, rashes, sinus problems, allergies, asthma, respiratory ailments and other health problems which doctors and drugs just don't seem to cure?  Recent scientific research has linked chemicals in household products to childhood asthma and depression in young mothers who spend a lot of time indoors.

The Facts of the Matter

Every day vast quantities of chemicals are literally being washed down the drains from our washing machines, dishwashers and household sinks.  These chemicals find their way back into rivers, streams and seas and contribute to the pollution of the planet. 

The truth is that manufacturers are not obliged to list every single ingredient they put into their products, only the ones which can cause immediate harm or even death.  They argue that small quantities of potentially harmful substances means that they pose no threat however this does not take into account the cumulative effect of coming into contact with these chemicals on a daily basis.

The following information was obtained from the United States government, EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] and outlines the most common chemicals being used in everyday products and the effects they can have on health. 

Products and some of their harmful effects

Air Fresheners - Chemicals thought to cause cancer and brain damage. Irritants to eyes, skin and the throat. Solid air fresheners are usually highly flammable.

Antibacterial Cleaners - Irritants to eyes, skin and throat. They kill the beneficial bacteria along with the unwanted bacteria, and a warning has been issued by the USA FDA regarding a caution attached to prolonged usage of the antibacterial hand soap.

Bleach - Bleach is irritating to the skin and eyes can even cause blindness.  Mixing chlorine bleach with any other household cleaning product can result in different types of harmful acids being formed. These can release poisonous gasses which cause very serious breathing problems.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners - Fumes given off by these chemicals can cause cancer and liver damage. They have been known to cause dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, loss of appetite and disorientation.

Dishwasher Detergents - May produce skin irritations or burns. Poisonous if swallowed. Hand-dishwashing detergents may cause irritation to the mouth and throat. Residuals of phosphates cannot be completely rinsed from dishes and therefore are consumed.

Drain Cleaners - These chemicals have dangerous fumes, can cause skin burns and in some cases, blindness if they come in contact with your eyes. They can cause death if they are swallowed.

Furniture Polish - These chemicals may irritate  skin, eyes and respiratory tract if ingested and can cause nausea, vomiting, and medical help should be sought immediately.

Laundry Detergents - The ingredients in laundry detergents may irritate skin or make persons more sensitive to other chemicals. They might also cause asthma. Detergents are responsible for many household poisonings by accidental swallowing.

Oven Cleaners - Lye is extremely corrosive and can burn skin, eyes and lungs. If swallowed can be fatal.

Toilet Cleaners - Mixing a toilet bowl cleaner with any other cleaning product can result in poisonous gases being released and cause breathing problems. Most disinfectant cleaners are very irritating to your eyes and skin and will burn your throat and lungs. They must be washed off the skin immediately.

What can you do?
Visit Sue's website for tips on what action you can take to make a healthier home.

© Sue Marshall of www.new2uk-home.biz.