Demystifying the health risks of daily necessities

Most people think that their home is an absolutely safe place, but in fact some common items in our home may contain toxic substances. British environmental scientist Steven Smith recently warned: "If we are in the laboratory, we will wear gloves when facing these toxic substances, but people tend to ignore the risks at home."

Experts caution that we can consider other safer alternatives for the following household items that may be harmful to human health. Air freshener

Phenol contained in air fresheners may cause difficulty breathing and headaches, and may cause discomfort to the eyes. If it is applied to the skin, it may cause redness and peeling of the skin, and may even cause measles.

Alternatives: Spray with soda and white vinegar and clean water to absorb odors, and place some plants in the room, such as rubber trees, to remove odors.

bleaching powder

Most bleaching powders contain a compound called sodium hypochlorite, which is extremely corrosive and emits toxic fumes that cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. Excessive exposure to bleaching powder can easily damage the lungs and hair. The risk of using bleaching powders while using other cleaning fluids is greater, and when they are fused together, they release toxic chlorine.

Alternatives: For stains that are difficult to remove on sinks and faucets, try scrubbing with lemon peel.

dish washer

Most dishwashing liquids used in dishwashers contain sodium carbonate, a compound that can cause irritation to skin that is allergic. In addition, wearing clothes washed with biological laundry detergent may also be harmful to the body's immune system.

Alternative: Use a non-biological washing solution. Kitchen cleaning solution

Spray kitchen cleaning fluids and cleaning fluids for toilets often contain propane, butane, and isobutylene, which can cause headaches or dizziness if inhaled. Alternative: Clean the kitchen counter or bathroom sink with a damp cloth dampened with soda. Toilet cleaning solution

Most of the cleaning liquids used in the bathroom contain methyl ether, a toxic substance. Methyl ether can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. If a large amount of methyl ether is inhaled, it may cause liver and lung damage.

Alternatives: Pour some white vinegar into a bowl and use it to clean the bathroom overnight. The effect is surprisingly good.

Glass cleaning fluid

Many cleaning liquids for scrubbing glass give off a unique odor, which is the smell of ammonia, which can cause skin irritation and even burns, as well as irritation to the eyes and lungs. Excessive exposure to ammonia can cause liver and lung damage. If you mix ammonia with bleach, it can also produce harmful chlorine.

Alternative: Wash the glass with a mixture of vinegar and warm water, then dry with old newspaper. Chemical hair dye

Various studies have shown that the body quickly absorbs the compounds contained in hair dyes through the scalp. Not long ago, the European Commission banned the addition of 22 compounds to permanent hair dyes on the grounds that they could cause bladder cancer in users.

Alternatives: Try to use plant-based hair dyes. Plastic feeding bottle

Most plastic bottles used to feed babies are made from synthetic compounds, which contain a compound called polycarbonate that can interfere with human hormone secretion, with negative effects including miscarriage and infertility.

Alternative: Buy a bottle that does not contain polycarbonate.

plastic toys

Plastic toys may contain phthalates, which make plastics more malleable. Once a baby bites such a toy there is some risk. Studies have shown that excessive exposure to phthalates may cause abnormalities in the external genitalia.

Alternatives: Use wooden or non-deformable toys.

Nail polish remover

Nail polish removers often contain acetone, which can cause headaches and dizziness when breathing for a long time. The toluene that may be contained may also cause fatigue, nausea, or bad appetite.

Alternative: Purchase a nail polish remover made from natural materials.

preservative

Preservatives in hair styling agents such as hair gels can irritate the skin and eyes.

Alternative: Use a natural hair styling product. shoe polish

Shoe polish may contain nitrobenzene, a substance that affects the central nervous system, causing headaches and fatigue. Excessive exposure to nitrobenzene can cause depression and coma.

Alternative: Add a few drops of lemon juice to the olive oil for shoe shine, just rub the olive oil and lemon juice on the surface of the shoe, then wipe it off in a few minutes.

cosmetic

Cosmetics may contain a range of potentially toxic compounds. A study found that some of the fragrances and xylenes contained in cosmetics are prone to miscarriage in pregnant women, and many creams also contain compounds similar to estrogen.

Alternatives: Choose cosmetics that do not contain artificial flavors or use pure natural products. Paint

Paints, industrial waxes, etc. contain potentially toxic substances that can cause headaches and eye, nose and throat discomfort after inhalation. Studies have shown that children who are more exposed to paint are five times more likely to develop asthma than other children.

Alternative: Buy natural or organic paints. Yarn in bedding

Yarn in bedding can cause health problems, and anti-wrinkle cotton products may have formaldehyde, which can irritate the skin and cannot be washed away from the fabric.

Alternatives: Try to use 100% organic cotton products.

Source of information: Shanghai Family News

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