There are chemicals all over your house in cleaning products, paints, pesticides, etc. While it is unrealistic to believe that people will completely eliminate the use of chemicals in the house, we can certainly try to reduce the amount we buy. This is not only good for the environment, but for your own health as well. Look at the following products, their ingredients and their impacts.
- Petroleum distillates (in metal polishes): short-term exposure can cause temporary eye clouding,
longer exposure can damage the nervous system, skin, kidneys and eyes; - Ammonia (in glass cleaners): an eye irritant and can cause headaches and lung irritation;
- Phenol and cresol (in disinfectants): corrosive and can cause diarrhoea, fainting, dizziness and kidney and liver damage;
- Nitrobenzene (in furniture and floor polishes): can cause skin discolouration, shallow breathing, vomiting – associated with cancer and birth defects;
- Solvents (in carpet cleaners and spot removers): suspected carcinogen.