We all love keeping our house clean. You can even count thorough cleaning of every corner in your house as a workout because of the physical effort it requires. But is it possible that you are doing household chores at the expense of your health? It’s quite likely, as it turns out.
Hanging your clothes to dry inside
Hanging your laundry inside increases the levels of humidity, which creates perfect conditions for mold and bacteria. If you can’t hang your clothes outside and don’t own a tumble dryer, you may consider using a dehumidifier.
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Using gas stoves
When you cook using a gas stove, a number of noxious gases, such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, are released into the air. Turn on the exhaust hood when you cook, or open a window in the kitchen.
Cleaning products can be harmful
According to a recent report, using bleach once a week raises the risk of chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) by a third.
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And bleach isn’t the only culprit. Ammonia, phthalates, and many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are all associated with various respiratory illnesses, such as asthma.
Allen Rathey, principal of The Healthy Facilities Institute, told HealthLine that harmful chemicals can be found in the following:
- bleach-based products;
- disinfectants;
- degreasers that contain 2-butoxyethanol, also called butyl cellosolve or ethylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE).
EGBE is potentially toxic to the eyes and skin, central nervous system, respiratory system, kidneys, and liver. It may also have a negative effect on reproduction and development. It’s just one compound from the long list of harmful substances found in cleaning products. But we have one simple solution for you!
Are so-called “eco-friendly” products safer?
There is a wide range of cleaning products marketed as a safer alternative, but researchers are skeptical.
Ratley said:
Be careful with green-certified-type labels or statements, as green certification may or may not assure safety. It depends on the scope of the certification, and what is being certified. Environmental impact and human safety in this context relate to exposures, and while green-certified products reduce exposures, they do not eliminate them.
Anne Steinemann, a professor at The University of Melbourne in Australia who has studied chemicals used in cleaning products, said:
"My research found that fragranced cleaning products called ‘green,’ ‘organic,’ ‘eco-friendly,’ and ‘all-natural’ emitted hazardous compounds similar to regular products.
How to protect yourself when cleaning"
- putting on gloves, goggles, and face mask when cleaning can limit your exposure to harmful substances;
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- also make sure the room you’re cleaning is properly ventilated;
- consider using baking soda and vinegar for cleaning.