The article has been automatically translated into English by Google Translate from Russian and has not been edited.

It deprives of sight, causes burns, hits kidneys: how household chemicals destroy our health

'12.02.2022'

Source: AiF.ru

Even quality products for cleanliness and freshness in the home can be harmful to health. After the accident with the poisoning of Bari Alibasov (we recall, the producer accidentally drank a tool for cleaning pipes), the topic of the danger of household chemicals received a new urgency. We tell you what tools should not be used.

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Death by freshener

One of the most dangerous household chemicals is air freshener, writes AIF. Its single use increases the amount of inhaled formaldehyde by 25%. A little more than a week ago, an 13-year-old teen died in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug, inhaled with a freshener. And such news, alas, is not uncommon.

But even if you use a fragrant aerosol with caution, it can lead to the development of cancer, diseases of the thyroid gland, liver and heart. In the second place in the ranking of hazards - glass cleaning agents. They contain petroleum distillates, even short-term exposure to which can cause irritation to the eyes, respiratory tract and headaches.

“Manufacturers often write the components that make up household chemicals in small print. You can read it only with a magnifying glass, says Andrey Mosov, a doctor. - And this, alas, is legal: "Requirements for household chemicals and paints and varnishes" (Russian legislation) say that the marking "must be applied in clear, legible, easily visible and indelible letters." But about the size - not a word!

On the subject: I drank a pipe cleaning fluid: life of Bari Alibasov is saved in intensive care

Almost all washing powders contain surfactants - surfactants. Without them, the product does not work: it is surfactants that free clothes from dirt. However, these substances are not always washed off when rinsing things. Getting on the skin, they can violate the integrity of the cell. This leads to a slowdown in metabolic processes and a weakening of the immune system. Many powders also contain chlorine and formaldehyde, which can cause allergies and respiratory problems.

How to choose safe

Look at the label for the intended use and composition - there should be indicated the percentage of all components, precautions, method of application and dosage of the product.

“Labeling should contain information about the degree of danger of the product, as well as the rules for safe use,” says Elena Smirnova, a leading expert of the environmental bureau. “For example, for combustible, flammable materials - sign F, for caustic, chlorine-containing materials - C.”

Manufacturers can also use ordinary words to warn the consumer, for example, “Keep away from children”, “Keep out of the reach of children”, “The product has an irritating effect on the skin”, “Use of hand protection is mandatory”, etc.

Who is especially harmful household chemicals

“Manufacturers often do not specify the chemicals in the composition, limiting themselves only to their group name, and do not indicate the method of application,” adds Mosov. “Such funds must be unequivocally abandoned.”

Also, according to Smirnova, fragrances and fragrances should be avoided using odorless products. These will definitely not cause allergies and contact dermatitis.

On the subject: Act immediately: what to do if an adult or a child drank household chemicals

“It is better to give preference to liquid products, since they are easily dissolved and washed off, there is no risk of inhaling them,” Smirnova explains. - And the content of surfactants should not exceed 5%. This is always indicated on the packaging.

Experts advise to choose household chemicals, on which there is environmental labeling.

Forget forever?

If you can, give up the chemistry in the form of an aerosol in general. It is impossible to erode it from the premises The fact is that the chemicals that make up the aerosols are not only rapidly distributed in the air, but also remain suspended for some time. Naturally, part of the sprayed base is deposited on the skin, hair and clothing.

The main ingredients in aerosol air fresheners are various volatile organic compounds: butane, propane, isobutane, formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, acetaldehyde, styrene, toluene, chlorobenzene, phthalates. These components have a negative effect on the nervous system, cause disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.

“Manufacturers expect to use the spray with a single spray on an area of ​​20-25 m². The toilet room is much smaller than this area, which means that any aerosol sprayed in it becomes poison! Smirnova says.

What to fear in cleaning products

Bleach Contains sodium hypochlorite. When mixed with ammonia, it releases chloramine gas, which is hazardous to health and can cause an asthmatic reaction.

Washing powders. They contain surfactants (surfactants), formaldehyde and chlorine. Can slow down metabolic processes, cause allergic reactions and respiratory diseases.

Fabric softener. The aromatic substances that make up their composition cause an allergic reaction in people suffering from allergic diseases.

Bactericidal substances. Contain phenols and cresols. Caustic, can cause diarrhea, dizziness, loss of consciousness and impaired kidney and liver function.

Polishes for floors and furniture. Contain nitrobenzene, which causes skin discoloration, shortness of breath, vomiting, and in severe cases, death occurs; exposure to this substance can cause cancer, birth defects in children.

Sanitary ware cleaners. Contain hydrochloric acid or sodium sulfate. May cause chemical burns to the skin; Eye contact may result in partial or complete loss of vision.

Glass cleaners. They contain ammonia, which irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract, causing headaches.

Polishes for metal surfaces. Contains petroleum distillates. Short-term exposure may cause temporary visual impairment; long-term - to violations of the functioning of the nervous system, kidneys, organs of vision and to skin diseases.

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