Common Household Cleaning Products: Think They’re Safe? Think Again!

Inundated with Chemicals

We are often led to believe that if a product sits on a shelf at our neighborhood store, then it must be safe. Sometimes, nothing could be further from the truth; we live in a society that exposes us to toxic chemicals on a daily basis. For example, almost every household cleaner on the market today contains some toxic ingredients. Many disinfectant products have highly toxic ingredients. These substances can destroy our immune system, cause cancer, lung disease, and death. Yes, it is true; the common, everyday, household cleaners that you use to disinfect your home, to keep you and your family ‘safe’ from germs and bacteria, may be dangerous, even deadly. It is ironic that products designed to improve our quality of life, may actually be harming us.

Every year, various people suffer various injuries and illnesses from burns, chemical and toxic exposure; some of these are even fatal. Many common disinfectants contain phenols- caustic, poisonous, and dangerous compounds used to cover smells. Those who are extremely sensitive to phenols may experience serious side effects to the central nervous system or potential death, even with minimal exposure. Other volatile chemicals in common products include cresol, ethanol, ammonia and chlorine. Our homes have become little chemical factories. Everyday cleaners may be responsible for your allergies, asthma, headaches, chest pains, dizziness, eye and skin irritations, birth defects, fatigue, depression, and cancer. While these side effects are not common, they are happening to a growing number of consumers.

Manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients in household cleaners. Warning labels pertain to inhalation only. Labels do not warn about long-term effects of product absorption into the skin, or worse, into the bloodstream. Lacking full disclosure, consumers may unwittingly subject themselves and family members to unhealthy exposure. Most household product chemicals have not been tested for long-term health risks.

So, what is a consumer to do? Warning labels are a useful, first line of defense. Begin to educate yourself about the dangers of these household products. It is time well-spent to research all ingredients in all cleaning products in your home. Here are a few steps consumer should strongly consider:

· Read product labels. Don’t use products with a warning on the label that is stronger than “caution.”

· Research the chemicals listed on product labels through the Household Products Database.

· Use homemade cleaning solutions made from good, old-fashioned common ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, lemon juice, and borax.

· Find and purchase cleaning solutions that bear the Green Seal logo. Green Seal certifies cleaning products to be effective at cleaning yet safer for human health and the environment.

· Make sure there is good ventilation in the room while cleaning.

· Have a good skin barrier (ie. Wear gloves to clean and disinfect).

Interestingly, is the fact that “clean” is actually odorless, so when it comes to keeping your home clean, a good rule of thumb to remember is – if something SMELLS clean, then it most likely is toxic. Don’t be fooled by the “smells clean” factor in household cleaners. Take action now! What is lurking in your cabinets and under your sink could end your life. To learn more about the hazards of chemicals in common household products, visit the Environmental Protection Agency website.

Mark Bello has thirty-three years experience as a trial lawyer and twelve years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life funding is needed during litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Business Associate of the Florida, Tennessee, and Colorado Associations for Justice, a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board