by Dr. Bruce Eichelberger, OMD |
Dangerous Chemicals in Common Household Products
Many commonly used household products contain hazardous chemicals. And many of these chemicals are there only to mask the noxious smell of other toxic ingredients.
This information emerged from a University of Washington study analyzing a variety of popular laundry products and air fresheners. The conclusion? These products released dozens of toxic chemicals into the air we breathe.
In fact, every product they initially tested (six in all) emitted at least one toxic or hazardous chemical according to federal guidelines even though none of these toxins were included in the ingredient list.
The Nose Knows
If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by the air freshener smell in a public restroom or the odor coming out of your neighbors dryer vent, you’re not alone. Many people report feeling nauseous or having a strong aversion to these odors.
Professor Anne Steinemann of the University of Washington heard so many of this type of complaint that she decided to find out what was behind them. She wanted to know what these products contained that made some people feel ill.
The study analyzed various products looking for what hidden ingredients they might contain. She was surprised at what she found. The toxic and hazardous chemicals in these commonly used products included:
- Acetone, the active ingredient in paint thinner and nail-polish remover
- Limonene, a molecule with a citrus scent, which in addition to use as a scent in cosmetics and cleaning products is also used as a paint stripper.
- Acetaldehyde, a fruity-smelling substance that is also the cause of hangovers. It is a probable carcinogen.
- Chloromethane, another scented additive can, when inhaled lead to drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and difficulty breathing. At higher concentrations, paralysis, seizures, and coma can occur. Chronic exposure can lead to birth defects.
- 1, 4-dioxane is toxic to the nervous system, kidneys and liver and is suspected of being carcinogenic.
- These were only a few of the almost 100 volatile organic compounds the study discovered. None of them were included on product ingredient lists. In addition, of the six products they tested, five of them gave off one or more hazardous air pollutants considered to cause cancer by the EPA and which are listed as having no safe level of exposure.
Naming No Names
Unfortunately the study didn’t identify specific products by name. Later they did a larger study that included 25 cleaners, air fresheners, personal care and laundry products. Many of these had the same chemicals in them.
Companies manufacturing such products are not required to list all of the ingredients they contain. This is particularly troubling since many people assume these products are safe to use in their homes around pets and children.
As an example, the analysis showed that one particular plug-in air freshener had more than 20 different volatile organic compounds in it. Seven of those show up on the toxic or hazardous list under federal laws. The label showed nothing and the required safety sheet for industrial use listed them as a “mixture of perfume oils.”
The Bottom Line
You might summarize these findings by saying, “If it smells too good to be true, it probably is.” Until manufacturers are required to accurately list ALL ingredients on the label, any product you buy that has a strong scent should be suspect.
If you suspect exposure to toxic chemicals, there are natural ways to clear them from the body. The best approach is to work with a health care provider familiar with this problem. Otherwise you run the risk of overloading your system when detoxifying.
In the meanwhile, by using 100-percent natural products for cleaning, personal care, laundry and air fresheners you’ll go a long way toward avoiding potential problems. And if you’re sensitive to smells, regardless of whether they’re natural or not, consider using fragrance-free versions of products.
References:
- Fragranced consumer products and undisclosed ingredients, Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Volume 29, Issue 1, January 2009, Pages 32-38.
For more info, contact Dr. Bruce Eichelberger, OMD of Reno, Alternative Medicine at (775) 827-6901, specializing in Oriental Medicine.
