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Chemicals to avoid in the home
It’s particularly important to reduce chemical exposure in the home if you are pregnant or have young children. There are many reasons why children are particularly susceptible to the hazardous chemicals found in and around the home. Children are exposed to chemicals from the moment of conception because chemicals can cross the mother’s placenta and reach the embryo and foetus during key developmental stages. · Children have immature liver and immune systems which means they are less able to detoxify chemicals · Their brains and organs are constantly developing and therefore more susceptible to damage or disruption caused by chemical exposure · Researchers are investigating the role that chemical exposures might play in a range of childhood illnesses such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), hyper and hypo-activity, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies and sensitivities and increasing rates of childhood cancers · Due to children’s nature of playing on the floor they are more likely to be in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces such as carpets and dirt
What are common chemicals found in the home that should be avoided where possible?
Antibacterial chemicals – these can be found in detergents, disinfectants, chopping boards and soaps. Recent research shows that excessive use of antibacterial products may increase the likelihood of auto-immune conditions like asthma and other allergic responses, caution should be exercised in the selection and use of these compounds.
Detergents can be tailored to particular applications such as washing hair, dishes and clothes. Unlike soaps, detergents do not form scum when used with 'hard' water. All synthetic detergents should be kept away from children. While most are relatively harmless to skin, some, especially dishwashing machine detergents, are extremely dangerous if swallowed or splashed into the eyes. Compared to soaps, detergents are potentially more harmful to waterways because they break down more slowly or not at all. Phosphate detergents, when discharged into freshwater streams or lakes, promote the growth of algae which rot and reduce the available oxygen. Optical brighteners are not readily biodegradable. Use Phosphate-free, biodegradable detergents with reduced fragrance instead.
Toilet cleaners - available as liquids, powders or as in-tank clip-on dispensers. In-tank products containing paradichlorobenzene should be avoided as this chemical has been linked to liver and nerve damage. Toilet cleaners are often based on sodium hydrogen sulphate, an acidic substance. In common with other cleaning agents, these add unnecessary chemicals to our waterways. Never mix the acidic toilet cleaners with bleach because large quantities of chlorine may be produced.
Bleaches - they all contain strong oxidising agents such as hydrogen peroxide. The products of the bleaching reaction of chlorine can be highly toxic and are persistent chlorinated organic compounds (POPs). Very large amounts of bleach are used in manufacturing textiles and paper. Chlorine bleaching in pulp mills produces chlorinated dioxins and furans; both classes of compounds are targeted for elimination globally under the Persistent Organic Pollutants treaty. It is now possible to buy some unbleached paper products such as toilet paper, coffee filters and stationery. Alternative cleaning products are available, which are less toxic and equally effective in controlling bacteria.
Synthetic fragrances are added to a wide range of products including cosmetics, perfume, personal care products, air fresheners, cleaning agents, detergents, soaps, toilet paper, tissues, furniture wax, car upholstery, plastic garbage bags, inks and kitty litter. There are some 4,000--5,000 chemical ingredients used in fragrances in As fragrances are often applied on or are worn close to the body, volatile ingredients can rapidly enter the body by inhalation and absorption through the skin, particularly if surfactants are also present in the product. Many people have adverse reactions including: anaphylaxis, migraine, double vision, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, tinnitus, dizziness, coughing, difficulty in breathing, headache, seizures, fatigue, confusion, incoherence, short-term memory loss, anxiety, depression, eczema, muscle and joint inflammation, pain and weakness, and irregular or rapid heartbeat. The American Lung Association now lists fragrance as a common asthma trigger. It may be due to the presence of the solvent, toluene (known to cause asthma), which has been identified in many fragrances. Fragrances that find their way down the drain from laundry, shower and household cleaning activities may not be removed in sewage treatment plants and can build up in the environment.
Furniture polishes These products are used to give a pleasing look to furniture, but often contain solvents which are a major source of air pollution. With a subsidiary purpose of providing a protective coating against wear and tear. They are either waxes (synthetic or natural) or oils, which often contain solvents to improve application or are emulsified in water. The solvents include naphtha, nitrobenzene and formalin (see Formaldehyde) and ethylene glycol ethers Solvent fumes given off during application of polishes may cause headaches and respiratory irritations. Nitrobenzene, which smells like bitter almonds, is toxic. Good ventilation during use is important. The solvents that escape from floor polishes are a major source of indoor and outside air pollution. They contribute to the formation of smog.
More information can be found at http://www.safersolutions.org.au
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