A lot of generic cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can harm your health. In fact, numerous studies have shown that chemicals present in cleaning products have adverse health effects. To give you a better view, here are some of the harmful effects of generic cleaners.
Naphthalene
Most of you probably use mothballs to protect your clothes from insects. Unfortunately, this product contains naphthalene. Aside from that, this chemical is also used in some disinfectants. While naphthalene is useful, it can cause some harmful effects. To be specific, inhalation of this chemical can cause dizziness, headaches, and irritated skin. Additionally, prolonged exposure to this chemical may also lead to cataract formation.
Chlorine
Some of the harmful effects of generic cleaners are eye irritation, difficulty breathing, nausea, and vomiting. These undesirable effects are usually observed when someone is exposed to too much chlorine. As you know, this chemical is used in laundry whiteners and toilet bowl cleaners. You may experience its adverse effects if you use cleaning products containing this chemical or inhale its fumes.
Ammonia
Another common chemical present in generic cleaners is ammonia. Keep in mind that a high concentration of this chemical is hazardous to your eyes and respiratory tract. It can also cause rashes or burns when it comes in contact with your skin. In low concentrations, ammonia may cause causing and a burning sensation in your throat or nose.
Phthalates
Some chemicals in generic cleaners can also affect your reproductive health. To be specific, one of the harmful effects of generic cleaners is decreased reproductive capacity. This effect is often caused by phthalates that are present in cleaning products with fragrances. Aside from that, this chemical is also linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer and irregular menstrual cycles.
Final Thoughts
All in all, these are some of the harmful effects of generic cleaners. As presented, most chemicals in your household cleaning products may cause undesirable effects, especially when you’re exposed to high doses for a long period of time. For this reason, many homeowners opt for less harmful cleaning products.
As you know, there are numerous alternatives to generic cleaners. For example, you can use baking soda to remove stains and unwanted odors. Other excellent products are white vinegar, borax, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon. You can use these products to create a natural cleaning solution that can remove dirt and kill bacteria without causing any harmful effects on your health.
