So, you've gathered your rubber gloves and trusty lemon-scented cleaning supplies; you're feeling eager, motivated, and all set to tackle the dirt and stains in your home.

Tick tock, tick tock—it won't take long to breeze through that comprehensive 'Spring Clean' checklist!

But have you ever wondered about the potential health and environmental risks you and your family might encounter during your cleaning routine?

It's a somewhat sobering thought, but the truth is that when you use certain household cleaning products, you may unknowingly expose yourself to health hazards because of the harmful chemicals lurking in their ingredients list.

According to a study, common commercial cleaning products may emit hazardous chemicals into the air. Credit: Pexels.

It's vital that, as savvy consumers, we know what's contained in and emitted from the products we use daily.

To that end, a recent study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) on 30 common cleaning products picked up from the local supermarket has revealed disturbing evidence about chemicals released into the air whenever we use these cleaning solutions.

The results, published in the Chemosphere journal, showed that of the 30 samples tested, over 530 different types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found. These compounds become gases and are breathed in when we use these products.

What's concerning, though, is that nearly half of the 533 VOCs that were detected can be classified as potentially hazardous to our health, according to health regulations.

These compounds include formaldehyde, toluene, and chloroform, which can increase the risk of respiratory issues, asthma, and lung cancer when exposed frequently.

Furthermore, the study found that the amount of VOCs released from cleaning products is higher when used indoors rather than outdoors, and it's even worse when infusing items like air fresheners into the mix.

Even more distressing is that some of these chemicals, like formaldehyde, can remain in the air for days after using the products. Yikes!

Thankfully, there is a solution. The study discovered that when it comes to cleaning materials, safer options do exist. Even more reassuring, these options can be found at your local supermarket!

Products labelled 'green', 'eco-friendly', and 'fragrance-free' produced fewer hazardous VOCs and in much lower quantities than conventional cleaning supplies.

When it comes to eco-friendly products, those that are fragrance-free were found to be the least risky among the options.

'Going green with your cleaning products is an easy way to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals,' said Samara Geller, Senior Director of Cleaning Science for EWG.

Key Takeaways

• Common commercial cleaning products can release volatile organic compounds, some of which are linked to serious health issues, including respiratory problems and cancer.
• A study by the Environmental Working Group examined 30 cleaning products and found over 530 different types of these compounds, with nearly half considered potentially dangerous to humans according to health regulations.
• The research also found that 'green' or 'eco-friendly' and unscented products produced significantly fewer harmful emissions than conventional products.
• The study suggests that using eco-friendly and unscented cleaning products can help reduce exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals.

You read it here, members! The next time you're about to put that elbow grease to the test for your next deep-cleaning session, check the labels on your cleaning supplies and opt for green products whenever you can.

What are your thoughts? Do you have some go-to cleaning products that are safe for you and the environment, too? Share them in the comments below; we'd love some recommendations!

 

[Veggiepatch]

Having a keen interest in toxicology from my chemistry background, I'd be interested to check these compounds out.

Strange thing is I used to wash my hands in toluene for years before the advent of OH & S madness. Luckily, it's non carcinogenic otherwise I'd be up that certain creek without a paddle.

 

[DrivingGirl]

Air freshener and artificial fragrance- one of the worst hormone disruptors on the planet
Some geranium oil/ a little alcohol and water makes a gorgeous room freshener.
We all know that bicarbonate of soda and vinegar/ lemon juice and non toxic washing soaps are the better choice and for heavens sake get that toxic little smelly tree out of your car - it’s the absolute worst!

 

[MariaG]

So, you've gathered your rubber gloves and trusty lemon-scented cleaning supplies; you're feeling eager, motivated, and all set to tackle the dirt and stains in your home.

Tick tock, tick tock—it won't take long to breeze through that comprehensive 'Spring Clean' checklist!

But have you ever wondered about the potential health and environmental risks you and your family might encounter during your cleaning routine?

It's a somewhat sobering thought, but the truth is that when you use certain household cleaning products, you may unknowingly expose yourself to health hazards because of the harmful chemicals lurking in their ingredients list.

View attachment 29975

According to a study, common commercial cleaning products may emit hazardous chemicals into the air. Credit: Pexels.

It's vital that, as savvy consumers, we know what's contained in and emitted from the products we use daily.

To that end, a recent study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) on 30 common cleaning products picked up from the local supermarket has revealed disturbing evidence about chemicals released into the air whenever we use these cleaning solutions.

The results, published in the Chemosphere journal, showed that of the 30 samples tested, over 530 different types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found. These compounds become gases and are breathed in when we use these products.

What's concerning, though, is that nearly half of the 533 VOCs that were detected can be classified as potentially hazardous to our health, according to health regulations.

These compounds include formaldehyde, toluene, and chloroform, which can increase the risk of respiratory issues, asthma, and lung cancer when exposed frequently.

Furthermore, the study found that the amount of VOCs released from cleaning products is higher when used indoors rather than outdoors, and it's even worse when infusing items like air fresheners into the mix.

Even more distressing is that some of these chemicals, like formaldehyde, can remain in the air for days after using the products. Yikes!

Thankfully, there is a solution. The study discovered that when it comes to cleaning materials, safer options do exist. Even more reassuring, these options can be found at your local supermarket!

Products labelled 'green', 'eco-friendly', and 'fragrance-free' produced fewer hazardous VOCs and in much lower quantities than conventional cleaning supplies.

When it comes to eco-friendly products, those that are fragrance-free were found to be the least risky among the options.

'Going green with your cleaning products is an easy way to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals,' said Samara Geller, Senior Director of Cleaning Science for EWG.

Key Takeaways

• Common commercial cleaning products can release volatile organic compounds, some of which are linked to serious health issues, including respiratory problems and cancer.
• A study by the Environmental Working Group examined 30 cleaning products and found over 530 different types of these compounds, with nearly half considered potentially dangerous to humans according to health regulations.
• The research also found that 'green' or 'eco-friendly' and unscented products produced significantly fewer harmful emissions than conventional products.
• The study suggests that using eco-friendly and unscented cleaning products can help reduce exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals.

You read it here, members! The next time you're about to put that elbow grease to the test for your next deep-cleaning session, check the labels on your cleaning supplies and opt for green products whenever you can.

What are your thoughts? Do you have some go-to cleaning products that are safe for you and the environment, too? Share them in the coto make mments below; we'd love some recommendations!

We have a grandson (now 17) with chronic asthma. When he was diagnosed at 6 months, I made it my mission in life to make sure the environment he came to visit is safe. It didn't take long for me to learn that there are far too many nasties present in household cleaning products. So, as a result, my home is pretty much chemical free.
One of the worst spots is the bathroom. Clean the shower recess with bleach or ammonia based products, the steam hits and that is what you breathe. This can be a huge trigger for asthma.
For me, the advent of microfibre was a godsend. Also there are lots of products out there that are planet and human friendly. Right now, I am heavily into KOH products.
It pays to do the research. There is a way to look after your environment and those you love.