7 Most Common Household Chemicals That are Dangerous for Your Health

Did you have an idea that you, inevitably and unwillingly, get exposed to household chemicals each day? Household chemicals are mostly non-food chemicals that are commonly used in homes on a daily basis. It includes cleaners, pest control, antibacterial agents, and other similar kinds of chemicals.

These harmful chemicals are hazardous for your health as they cause the accumulation of toxins in your body. And if you don’t take measures to control it and opt for its green alternative, its long-term exposure may lead to lethal diseases like cancer.

Here are the 7 most common household chemicals which can have a detrimental impact on your health. 

1. Ammonia

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Ammonia is a volatile chemical found in various household cleaners and polishers that are used for bathrooms, kitchens, floors, and glass. A product with at least 5% ammonia is labeled poisonous. 

The short-term exposure to chemicals can cause irritation, burning sensation and can even damage eyes and skin. The damage to the respiratory tract leads to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. The high amount of exposure to ammonia can cause the life-threatening condition ‘pulmonary edema’.

2. Dishwasher & Laundry Detergents

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The dishwashers and laundry detergents have dry and highly concentrated chlorine which is the leading cause of child poisonings. The small, bright-colored packets of dishwashers and laundry detergent packages are generally mistaken by children as candy. As an alternative to these, fragrance-free, organic, and eco-friendly detergents should be used.

3. Bleach

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Bleach is a strongly corrosive chemical that can have a damaging effect on your eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. It should NEVER be mixed with ammonia as the mixture emits deadly fumes. Also, hydrochloric acid-containing products should NEVER be mixed with bleach as it also produces a toxic gas.

4. Drain Cleaners

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Drain cleaners are composed of sodium chloride or lye. Lye is strongly corrosive which causes irritation to the eyes and skin. And if they’re swallowed, it can cause irritation in the esophagus and stomach. High concentrations of lye can even cause skin burns and permanent blindness on contact.

Some drain cleaners also have hydrochloric acid (a corrosive that causes irritation to the eye and skin and damages kidneys, liver, and digestive tract) and trichloroethane (an eye and skin irritant and a nervous system depressant).

Apart from drain cleaners, oven cleaners also contain lye. And as lye is used for dissolving roadkill dumped in landfills, it’s bad for your health.

5. Furniture Polish

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Furniture Polish is a highly volatile chemical that can cause skin and lung cancer. Phenol is often found in it as well as nitrobenzene. And nitrobenzene happens to be an extremely toxic chemical that gets easily absorbed through the skin.

6. Air Fresheners

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The common chemicals found in air fresheners are formaldehyde, a highly poisonous cancer-causing substance, and phenol which causes circulatory collapse, hives, coma, convulsions, and even death. Opt for natural air fresheners like fresh flowers and houseplants rather than chemical-based air fresheners.

7. Antibacterial Cleaners

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Antibacterial cleaner more commonly contains triclosan which is known to cause liver damage and gets absorbed through the skin. Antibacterial soaps may also lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.