Common Toxins Found In Cleaning Products

With the holidays coming, you may be inspired to do some extra cleaning in preparation for the in-laws arrival. Before you reach under the sink you may want to understand the chemicals and products you might encounter. In case you were wondering what lurks in those everyday cleaning products found in the market today, here is a list of toxins you may or may not be aware of.

Ammonia (in many glass cleaners) Can cause headaches.

Formaldehyde (in many different products) Suspected human carcinogen and acts as a strong irritant to eyes, throat, and lungs.

Hydrochloric acid or sodium acid sulfate (in some toilet bowl cleaners) Can burn the skin and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach burns if swallowed.

Nitrobenzene (in some furniture and floor polishes) Can cause vomiting, and death. This toxin is associated with cancer and birth defects.

Petroleum Distillates (in some metal polishes) Short-term exposure can lead to temporary eye clouding and longer exposure can damage the nervous system.

Phenol and cresol (in many disinfectants) Can cause dizziness.

Sodium Hypochlorite (in chlorine bleach) Fumes cause eye and lung irritation. Long term exposure harmful to lungs. If mixed with ammonia, this releases toxic chloramine gas, which may cause asthmatic symptoms, respiratory problems or even death.

butoxyethanol also known as ethylene glycol butyl ether (used as a solvent in carpet cleaners and specialty cleaners) It can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin and may cause blood disorders, as well as liver and kidney damage.

Here's a solution to exposing yourself and your family to this potentially hazardous chemicals: Hire a professional cleaning service to maintain your home and throw those toxic cleaners in the trash. A service such as Partners In Grime will create a healthy home by using environmentally cleaning products and equipment.

Partners In Grime uses products from companies such as:

IPAX Cleanogel, Inc. ipax.com
Portionpac Sustainable Solutions portionpaccorp.com
Core Products coreproductsco.com
Siamons Intl. concrobium.com