In recent years, consumers have become increasingly concerned about the ingredients in their everyday products and how those ingredients may affect their health. Many of us want to reduce our exposure to chemicals and focus more on natural products that don’t contain synthetic ingredients. While you can find plenty of products that are free of chemicals and synthetic preservatives, not all products are created equal. Some common household products contain chemicals that are harmful or can irritate your skin. When shopping for cleaning products, look for products that are free of harsh chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and triclosan. Here are some common household products that contain toxic chemicals:
Dishwashing liquids typically contain sodium hydroxide (lye) as a cleaning agent. While this is a mild cleaning agent, it can irritate skin and cause redness, burning, and swelling. It can also leave a lingering smell that some people find unpleasant. Some dishwashing liquids also contain sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) as a cleaning agent. While this is a stronger cleaning agent, it’s potentially more toxic and can irritate skin and eyes. Some dishwashing liquids also contain a fragrance or perfume to mask the smell of food debris. These chemicals are usually synthetic and can irritate skin and cause allergic reactions.
Bleach, which is used to clean and sanitize surfaces, contains sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) as a cleaning agent. While this is a stronger cleaning agent, it’s potentially more toxic and can irritate skin and eyes. Some bleaches also contain sodium hydroxide (lye) as a cleaning agent. While this is a mild cleaning agent, it can irritate skin and cause redness, burning, and swelling. Some bleaches also contain a fragrance or perfume to mask the smell of food debris. These chemicals are usually synthetic and can irritate skin and cause allergic reactions.
Hair dyes contain a mixture of chemicals, including ammonia and sodium hydroxide (lye). While these chemicals are effective at dyeing hair, they can irritate skin and cause redness, burning, and swelling. Hair dye can also contain phthalates, which are hormone-disrupting chemicals. Phthalates have been linked to a number of health issues, including birth defects and early puberty. Some hair dyes also contain parabens, which are a preservative that may irritate skin. These chemicals are usually synthetic and can irritate skin and cause allergic reactions.
Many cosmetics and personal care products contain synthetic ingredients that can irritate skin. Some of the most common chemicals found in beauty products include parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde. Parabens are preservatives that can irritate skin and cause allergic reactions. Phthalates are hormone-disrupting chemicals that can cause reproductive and developmental problems. Formaldehyde is a chemical used as a disinfectant in hospitals, but it’s also found in beauty products as a preservative. These chemicals are usually synthetic and can irritate skin and cause allergic reactions.
Deodorants and antiperspirants contain aluminum salts, which are effective at preventing body odor. However, these chemicals are usually aluminum salts that are irritating to skin. Some deodorants and antiperspirants also contain parabens, which are a preservative that can irritate skin. These chemicals are usually synthetic and can irritate skin and cause allergic reactions.
While you can find plenty of products that are free of chemicals and synthetic preservatives, not all products are created equal. Some common household products contain chemicals that are harmful or can irritate your skin. When shopping for cleaning products, look for products that are free of harsh chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and triclosan. You can also purchase unscented, fragrance-free, and paraben-free products. These products are more natural and less irritating to skin.
Make it a habit to clean regularly. By being religious in your daily cleaning routine, you develop a sense of order and standards. Learn to remove items that are not essential especially if your space is tiny. Go for a minimalist yet functional approach at home to keep your place organized and clean.
A healthy home is where you can breathe and live freely. Remove damp spaces and always keep your home well-ventilated and well-lighted. Eliminate possible allergens by maintaining your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Regularly replace your air filters every 3 months to avoid build-up of dust and dirt.