Can Cleaning Chemicals Cause Cancer? What You Need to Know
In the modern world, when hygiene and cleanliness are more important than ever, many people rely on different cleaning products to keep their homes and workplaces pristine.
However, even if we work hard to maintain a clean atmosphere, it’s critical to consider any possible health hazards related to these items. Concerns over the potential for some cleaning products to cause cancer are beginning to be raised by both health professionals and consumers. But to what extent is this dangerous?
This blog will examine the possible link between cleaning chemicals and cancer, draw attention to potentially dangerous ingredients in common cleaning products, and offer safer options and best practices to help you and your loved ones stay safe.
By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll have gained more knowledge about how to keep your surroundings tidy and hygienic without endangering your long-term health.
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Understanding the Risks
Harmful Substances in Cleaning Products
Cleaning solutions often contain chemicals that may be hazardous to human health, even if their purpose is to remove dirt, bacteria, and odours from our environment. A wide range of compounds have been identified as potentially carcinogenic, suggesting that they may play a role in the development of the disease. Some of the compounds that should worry you the most are the following ones:
- Formaldehyde: This substance is commonly present in many cleaning products, air fresheners, and disinfectants. Formaldehyde is categorized as a known carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Even at low concentrations, prolonged exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly in the throat and nasal canals.
- Benzoene: A common solvent in detergents, degreasers, and other cleaning supplies is benzoene. It is also present in several adhesives and paint removers. There is a strong correlation between leukaemia, particularly acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and benzene exposure. Even at small doses, prolonged chemical exposure may be hazardous.
- Phthalates: Chemicals called phthalates are incorporated into textiles to increase their flexibility. They are frequently present in products with artificial fragrances, like laundry detergents, air fresheners, and home cleansers. Phthalates are chemical compounds that may impede the activity of hormones; research on this topic is still ongoing. Breast cancer and other hormone-related malignancies are more likely to occur when hormone function is disrupted.
- Triclosan: Several soaps, hand sanitisers, and disinfectants contain this antibacterial ingredient. Although the FDA banned its use, it is nevertheless present in a number of products. Since studies on animals have connected triclosan to liver and thyroid cancer, there is worry that exposure to the chemical could have a similar effect on people.
Exposure Pathways
It is essential to comprehend how these compounds enter our bodies to evaluate any possible risks. Cleaning agents can enter our bodies in many ways:
- Inhalation: A lot of cleaning supplies emit odours that are safe to breathe in. Considering sprays with aerosols, disinfecting agents, and freshening agents can remain in the air and be readily eaten, this is especially dangerous. Even in low quantities, frequent breathing of formaldehyde or benzene can result in prolonged exposure that ultimately raises the risk of cancer.
- Skin Contact: If you use products to clean without employing safety gloves, the chemicals may soak through your skin. This is a typical route for getting exposed to substances such as disinfectants, grease removers, and surfactants. Persistent skin contact with toxic chemicals such as phthalates or triclosan might raise the total exposure level over time.
- Ingestion: Although it is less often, cleaning supplies can be accidentally swallowed, particularly in homes where there are kids or dogs. Furthermore, if cleaning solution residues are not completely removed, they may end up in mouths through counters or plates. There may be health concerns when harmful compounds are ingested, even in small doses.
Scientific Studies
Although there isn’t enough information to link specific cleaning products to cancer in humans just yet, a growing corpus of research raises some red flags. Research on particular chemicals that employees are exposed to at work has shown that handling cleaning solutions regularly is linked to an increased risk of cancer in workers. These results imply that continuous exposure can be dangerous even at low exposure levels.
Studies conducted on animals have also yielded valuable information. For example, chronic triclosan exposure in mice has been connected to the development of liver and thyroid cancers. These results emphasize the need for caution when handling things that may contain hazardous materials, even if more research is required to validate these findings in humans.
Safer Alternatives
Given the possible risks, it’s critical to look into safer options so you can keep your house or place of employment clean without coming into touch with dangerous chemicals. Here are a few alternatives to think about:
Non-toxic and Eco-Friendly Products
Choosing cleaning solutions that are labelled as non-toxic, eco-friendly, or free of dangerous components is one of the best methods to lessen your exposure to chemicals that can cause harm. Natural ingredients that are safer for people and the environment are frequently used to make these items. Seek out certifications from respectable organizations attesting to the products’ sustainability and safety.
- DIY Cleaning Solutions: Making your cleaning solutions at home with basic, natural components is a fantastic alternative. For instance, glass surfaces can be cleaned with a vinegar and water mixture, and baking soda is an effective scrubber. Lemon juice has a fresh aroma and can be used to cut through grease. In addition to being efficient, these homemade remedies don’t contain any of the dangerous ingredients present in many store-bought goods.
Natural Scents
Synthetic scents, which are frequently created with phthalates and other potentially dangerous ingredients, can be found in cleaning products. Choose items with naturally occurring scents from essential oils to lessen your exposure. You may also create your air fresheners by adding a few drops of your preferred essential oil to some water.
Adequate Ventilation
To lessen the amount of hazardous fumes inhaled during and after cleaning, adequate ventilation is required. Open doors and windows and utilize exhaust fans in tiny areas, such as kitchens and toilets, to let in fresh air. You will consequently be exposed to fewer air contaminants overall.
Best Practices for Safe Cleaning
Even when utilizing safer cleaning supplies, it’s crucial to follow recommended precautions to protect your safety and the safety of others:
Assess safety data sheets and labelling
Always read product labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to learn more about the components and possible risks of the cleaning products you use. Keep an eye out for any threats and heed any safety recommendations, such as donning protective clothing or making sure there is enough airflow.
Deploy protective gear
Wearing safety equipment, such as gloves, masks, and glasses for vision protection can drastically lower your risk of having proximity to dangerous materials. This is particularly crucial if you’re working in poorly ventilated spaces or utilizing more potent cleaning agents.
Limit Your Use of Strong Chemicals
When softer solutions might not be beneficial, powerful chemical cleaners should be saved for difficult cleaning tasks. Maintenance cleaning can be accomplished with do-it-yourself remedies or non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning materials.
Secure Chemical Storage
To avoid unintentional exposure, cleaning chemicals must be maintained properly. Keep items dry and cold, out of the reach of kids and dogs, and away from food and liquids. Make sure all containers have accurate labels and are tightly sealed at all times.
Conclusion
Regular cleaning is necessary to keep your space neat and pleasant, but you should also be aware of the items you utilize and the possible dangers they pose. By following recommended procedures, selecting safer options, and being informed about the potentially harmful ingredients in cleaning products, you can safeguard your health and lower your chance of entering into exposure to chemicals which trigger cancer.
Keep in mind that maintaining your environment is just as important as cleaning it up if you want to make sure that you and your loved ones are safe for many years to come.
