What are the risks of inhaling cleaning product fumes. How can you choose safer cleaning supplies. What precautions should you take when using household chemicals. How do volatile organic compounds (VOCs) impact indoor air quality.

Understanding Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Cleaning Products

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals that vaporize at room temperature and are commonly found in many household cleaning products and supplies. These compounds can have significant impacts on indoor air quality and human health.

VOCs are released into the air when using products like:

• Aerosol sprays
• Air fresheners
• Bleach and ammonia-based cleaners
• Detergents and dishwashing liquids
• Furniture polish
• Oven cleaners
• Rug and upholstery cleaners

Even products advertised as “green” or “natural” may contain ingredients that off-gas VOCs. The chemicals continue to be released into the air even when products are stored away in cabinets.

Health Effects of VOC Exposure

Exposure to VOCs from cleaning products can cause both short-term and long-term health effects, including:

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Headaches and dizziness
• Nausea
• Skin reactions
• Respiratory issues
• Damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system (with prolonged exposure)

People with asthma or other respiratory conditions may be especially sensitive to VOCs. Studies have linked occupational exposure to cleaning chemicals with increased rates of asthma and other breathing problems.

Risks of Mixing Cleaning Products

While VOCs pose risks on their own, mixing certain cleaning products can create even more dangerous chemical reactions and fumes. One of the most hazardous combinations is bleach and ammonia.

When bleach and ammonia are mixed, they produce toxic chloramine gas. Inhaling these fumes can cause:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Pneumonia
• Fluid in the lungs

In severe cases, exposure to chloramine gas can even be fatal. Always read product labels carefully and never mix bleach with ammonia or any ammonia-containing products.

Choosing Safer Cleaning Products

To reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, it’s important to choose cleaning products carefully. Here are some tips for selecting safer options:

• Look for products certified by third-party organizations like EPA Safer Choice or Green Seal
• Avoid products with fragrances, which often contain undisclosed chemicals
• Choose products with plant-based ingredients when possible
• Opt for concentrates to reduce packaging waste
• Make your own cleaners using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice

Remember that terms like “natural” and “green” are not regulated, so it’s important to look beyond marketing claims and check ingredient lists.

DIY Cleaning Solutions

Many effective household cleaners can be made with common pantry staples. Some easy recipes include:

• All-purpose cleaner: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar
• Glass cleaner: Combine 2 cups water, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol, and 1-2 drops of liquid dish soap
• Scrubbing paste: Mix baking soda with just enough water to form a paste

These homemade solutions are often just as effective as commercial products while being safer and more environmentally friendly.

Proper Ventilation When Cleaning

Even when using safer products, proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality while cleaning. Here are some tips for improving ventilation:

• Open windows and doors to create cross-ventilation
• Use fans to circulate air
• Avoid using cleaning products in small, enclosed spaces
• Take frequent breaks to get fresh air when cleaning for extended periods
• Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove airborne particles

Good ventilation helps disperse chemical fumes and reduce their concentration in the air, minimizing potential health risks.

Safe Storage of Cleaning Products

Proper storage of cleaning supplies is essential for both safety and effectiveness. Follow these guidelines to store cleaning products safely:

• Keep products in their original containers with labels intact
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep cleaning supplies out of reach of children and pets
• Don’t store incompatible products near each other (e.g., bleach and ammonia)
• Ensure lids and caps are tightly sealed to prevent spills and off-gassing

Proper storage not only reduces the risk of accidental exposure but also helps maintain product efficacy.

Recognizing Symptoms of Chemical Exposure

Despite taking precautions, accidental exposure to cleaning product fumes can still occur. It’s important to recognize the signs of chemical exposure, which may include:

• Coughing or wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Watery or burning eyes
• Skin irritation or rashes
• Headache or dizziness
• Nausea

If you experience these symptoms while cleaning, immediately stop what you’re doing, move to fresh air, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.

First Aid for Chemical Exposure

In case of accidental exposure to cleaning chemicals, take these immediate steps:

1. Move to fresh air immediately
2. If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes
3. Remove any contaminated clothing
4. Call poison control or seek emergency medical attention if symptoms are severe

Always have the product label or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available when contacting emergency services.

Alternatives to Chemical Cleaners

While chemical cleaners can be effective, there are many alternatives that can keep your home clean without the associated health risks. Consider these options:

• Microfiber cloths: These can clean many surfaces effectively with just water
• Steam cleaners: Use heat and water to sanitize without chemicals
• UV light sanitizers: Effective for disinfecting surfaces without chemical residue
• Enzyme-based cleaners: Natural and biodegradable, effective for organic stains and odors
• Essential oils: Some have natural antimicrobial properties and can be used for cleaning and freshening

These alternatives can be particularly beneficial for those with sensitivities to chemical cleaners or households with young children or pets.

The Impact of Cleaning Products on the Environment

Beyond their effects on human health, many cleaning products can also have negative impacts on the environment. These environmental concerns include:

• Water pollution: Chemicals in cleaning products can contaminate waterways
• Air pollution: VOCs contribute to smog and ground-level ozone formation
• Aquatic toxicity: Some chemicals are harmful to fish and other aquatic life
• Packaging waste: Many cleaning products come in single-use plastic containers

Choosing environmentally friendly cleaning products and methods can help reduce these impacts. Look for products with biodegradable ingredients, minimal packaging, and eco-friendly certifications.

Proper Disposal of Cleaning Products

When it’s time to dispose of cleaning products, do so responsibly to minimize environmental harm:

• Use up products completely when possible
• Never pour cleaning products down the drain or onto the ground
• Check with your local waste management facility for proper disposal methods
• Participate in household hazardous waste collection events in your community
• Recycle empty containers according to local guidelines

Proper disposal helps prevent chemicals from contaminating soil and water sources.

Creating a Healthier Home Cleaning Routine

Developing a healthier approach to home cleaning involves more than just switching products. Consider these strategies for a safer, more effective cleaning routine:

• Clean regularly to prevent buildup of dirt and grime, reducing the need for harsh chemicals
• Focus on high-touch surfaces for daily cleaning and disinfecting
• Use the right tool for the job to minimize the amount of product needed
• Dilute concentrated cleaners properly to avoid overuse
• Allow surfaces to air dry rather than wiping dry, giving cleaning products time to work
• Wash cleaning tools regularly to prevent the spread of bacteria

A thoughtful approach to cleaning can maintain a healthy home environment while minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals.

Educating Family Members on Safe Cleaning Practices

Ensuring everyone in the household understands safe cleaning practices is crucial. Here are some tips for educating family members:

• Explain the importance of reading product labels and following instructions
• Demonstrate proper techniques for using and storing cleaning products
• Teach children about the potential dangers of cleaning chemicals
• Create a family plan for what to do in case of accidental exposure
• Involve family members in choosing safer cleaning alternatives

By making safe cleaning a family priority, you can create a healthier home environment for everyone.

The Future of Safe and Effective Cleaning

As awareness of the health and environmental impacts of traditional cleaning products grows, the industry is evolving. Some promising developments include:

• Advancements in green chemistry, creating safer synthetic ingredients
• Increased transparency in product labeling
• Development of more effective natural and plant-based cleaning agents
• Innovations in packaging to reduce plastic waste
• Growing market for refillable cleaning products

These trends suggest a future where effective cleaning doesn’t have to come at the cost of health or environmental harm.

The Role of Regulation in Cleaning Product Safety

Government regulations play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of cleaning products. Current and potential future regulatory actions include:

• Mandatory disclosure of all ingredients on product labels
• Stricter limits on VOC content in consumer products
• Bans on certain harmful chemicals in cleaning products
• Standardization of terms like “natural” and “green” in product marketing
• Increased safety testing requirements for new cleaning product ingredients

Consumers can support these efforts by staying informed about cleaning product regulations and advocating for stronger safety measures.

In conclusion, while cleaning is essential for maintaining a healthy home environment, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with cleaning products. By choosing safer alternatives, using proper ventilation, and following safe cleaning practices, you can effectively clean your home while protecting your health and the environment. Remember, a clean home should never come at the cost of your well-being.

Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals

Cleaning helps to protect our health in our homes, schools and workplaces. However, household and cleaning products—including soaps, polishes and grooming supplies—often include harmful chemicals. Even products advertised as “green” or “natural” may contain ingredients that can cause health problems. Some cleaning supplies can even be flammable or corrosive. Fortunately, you can limit your exposure to those risks. Read all labels and follow instructions when using cleaning products.

How can cleaning supplies, household products affect health?

Many cleaning supplies or household products can irritate the eyes or throat, or cause headaches and other health problems. Some products release dangerous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals that vaporize at room temperature. Even natural fragrances such as citrus can react to produce dangerous pollutants indoors.

VOCs and other chemicals released when using cleaning supplies contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions and headaches. Studies are underway to assess how these chemicals affect people who have asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Studies also link exposure to chemicals from cleaning supplies to occupational asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Cleaning supplies and household products containing VOCs and other toxic substances can include, but are not limited to:

• Aerosol spray products, including health, beauty and cleaning products;
• Air fresheners;
• Chlorine bleach*;
• Detergent and dishwashing liquid;
• Dry cleaning chemicals;
• Rug and upholstery cleaners;
• Furniture and floor polish; and
• Oven cleaners.

*Never mix bleach or any bleach-containing product with any cleaner containing ammonia. The gases created from this combination can lead to chronic breathing problems and even death.

Learn how to make safe tub/sink cleaner.

Learn how to make safe window cleaner.

Learn how to make safer drain cleaner.

How can you prevent harm from cleaning and household products?

Read all labels on cleaning supplies and household products before you buy them. Choose products that do not contain or have reduced amounts of VOCs, fragrances, irritants and flammable ingredients. Avoid using air fresheners altogether.

Manufacturers are not obligated by U.S. law to list all ingredients in consumer products. Products that are labeled “green” do not necessarily mean they are safer. Do a little research on the product from a reliable source. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a list of products that meet its Safer Choice requirements for cleaning and other needs. The list includes cleaning products for home and vehicles.

As a safer cleaning alternative, warm water and soap often will do the trick, especially at home. Baking soda is good for scrubbing. A mix of vinegar and water can clean glass.

When using cleaning or household products, keep the area well ventilated. Open windows and doors. Never use cleaning products in a small, enclosed space.

Page last updated: November 17, 2022

Living Safe – Are You Breathing In Your Cleaning Products?

Blog / For your home

6 minute read

As COVID-19 retains its grip on the headlines, keeping our homes clean and virus-free remain top priorities. But, does all the spraying, scrubbing, and disinfecting come at a cost to our health? The truth is – yes – all that deep cleaning can spread some nasty chemicals into the air of your home.

Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors – even without a global pandemic – and our indoor air can be dirty. In fact, it’s been found to be 2-5x more polluted  than outdoor air. Much of our indoor pollution comes from what’s called volatile organic compounds – a.k.a. VOCs – from chemicals in our cleaning products and other household items.

The Notorious VOCs

Invisible and insidious, VOCs are toxic chemicals that vaporize or “off gas” and enter the air from thousands of common items like traditional cleaning products, disinfectants, air fresheners, aerosol sprays, paints, pesticides, and more. You not only breathe VOCs in while using these products, but they can continue to “off gas” while stored away in a cupboard or under the sink. As anyone who has used ammonia or bleach without proper ventilation can tell you, VOCs can cause  eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and skin reactions, or more severely, trigger asthma symptoms or damage the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system.

Healthy Advisory: User Error

A recent CDC survey revealed that 1 in 3 respondents have been using chemicals and disinfectants unsafely while trying to protect against COVID-19 and a related uptick in calls to poison centers since the start of the pandemic. They identified big knowledge gaps on proper preparation, storage, ventilation, and a host of other high-risk behaviors like misting the body with disinfectant and purposely inhaling cleaning product vapors. Yikes.

All this exposure to toxic VOCs and chemical substances on any given day, week, or year can accumulate over time, adding to the body’s overall toxic burden and can contribute to a variety of health problems. Despite obvious health concerns, there is no national requirement to list ingredients on cleaning product labels. This leaves consumers in the dark, unknowingly bringing potentially harmful chemicals into their homes. According to the Environmental Working Group, over 53% of household cleaners include one toxic ingredient, 22% contain chemicals reported to cause asthma in otherwise healthy individuals, and over 93% of manufacturers won’t even list their ingredients!

Know Your Clean

Cleaning and disinfecting smart starts with learning what to avoid, and swapping out conventional cleaners with products that contain safer ingredients, so you aren’t spraying toxic chemicals into the air. Some common toxins and VOCs to steer clear of include:

• Ammonia (or ammonium hydroxide) – causes nose and throat irritation, leading to coughing and difficulty breathing.

• Chlorine Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) – toxic if inhaled; causes respiratory, skin and eye irritation.

• Quats (quaternary ammonium cations) – often listed as “cationic surfactant” or “benzalkonium chloride,” can cause wide-ranging health concerns from lung and skin irritation to reproductive issues; known asthma contributor.

Breathe Easier

Here are some simple steps you can take to spray, scrub and disinfect smarter and safer to improve the air quality in your home and help protect your health:

• Look for plant powered cleaning sprays that are U.S. EPA Safer Choice certified. It’s a great way to find products that use the safest ingredients in their class, have proven superior performance, and avoid potentially toxic ingredients.

• Find products with safer disinfectant chemical alternatives that have been shown to be just as effective in killing viruses and other germs without the related health hazards like: hydrogen peroxide.

• Open the windows! Let fresh air inside daily, especially while you clean. Circulate the air with ceiling, bathroom, attic, or portable fans. 

• Invest in an air cleaner and change the HVAC filters in your home every 60-90 days – more often if you have pets. 

A Safer Way to Clean

Current CDC COVID-19 guidelines advise cleaning visibly dirty surfaces first, then disinfecting. Try ECOS One-Step Disinfectant Cleaner, to safely kill germs and clean without VOCs or harsh fumes. If you just need an effective surface cleaner, try Safer Choice-certified ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner Parsley Plus. Both are safe for everyday use throughout your home.

ECOS is so committed to using safer ingredients that we made a list of 500 known toxins – a.k.a. “the Nasties” – that we promise never to use in our products. Check out the list here. We hope it helps guide you to products that are better for your home and your health during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

Want more tips on detoxing your home? Join us on Instagram.

Allergy to household chemicals – symptoms and treatment

The long-awaited cleaning – the windows shine with cleanliness, the floor shines, everything in the apartment is arranged on the shelves, the dust is wiped off the surfaces, beauty! And suddenly, unexpectedly, you start sneezing, coughing and other signs of allergies. It is quite possible that this is due to the reaction of your body to household chemicals. What leads to the development of an allergy to household chemicals, can it be avoided? How to protect yourself from exacerbation, and are there treatments to completely cure this type of allergic reaction? Answers in this article.

What is an allergy to household chemicals?

• An allergy to household chemicals refers to hypersensitivity to substances in various cleaning products and detergents, as well as shampoos and soaps. These substances damage the skin by making it more permeable to chemicals and are themselves serious allergens ^{1, 2} .

What are its reasons?

The most powerful factor in the development of sensitization, that is, increased sensitivity to foreign substances, is the contact of the skin or respiratory tract with household chemicals. At the same time, contact can occur not only when using cleaning and hygiene products, but also be indirect – that is, through things and household items that have leftovers of detergents or cleaning agents.

After contact, the substances enter the body, causing a reaction from the immune system, the cells of which come into battle with the substances, trying to destroy them as quickly as possible. The biological and immunological processes that take place during this battle lead to the formation of special complexes and antibodies, which in the future must fight allergens.

• At the same time, it is important to remember that the complexes are specific: some develop on insect bites or plant pollen, others on cleaning products or animals, that is, in each case, the antigen is different. This explains a kind of paradox, in which some people have a reaction to household chemicals, others to animals, but at the same time they can all safely use ordinary detergents ^1.3 .

What household substances and products can provoke an allergic reaction?

There are many substances that can lead to allergies to household chemicals ^1.2 .

• detergents.

• Cleaning products, including those containing chlorine.

• Surfactants, including those found in washing powders and other household chemicals.

• Solvents, adhesives.

• Food additives and certain food products.

• Means for coloring and care of hair.

• House plants and preparations for their care.

What are the symptoms of an allergy to household chemicals?

• This type of allergy refers to contact, and the first symptoms appear at the site of direct penetration of the allergen into the body. Most often, this is the skin and mucous membrane of the respiratory tract – the main points of contact of household chemicals with the body. So, for example, a rash and itching, dryness, redness, peeling, cracking or blisters, a rash in the form of urticaria, etc. may appear on the skin. If the allergen has penetrated the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, then the allergy is manifested by a respiratory syndrome: runny nose, copious secretion of mucus, a feeling of nasal congestion, itching and perspiration in the nose and nasopharynx, cough. But when an allergen enters through the eyes, an allergic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye develops – that is, the conjunctiva. If the remedy was swallowed by inhalation and entered the digestive system, then the symptoms may be similar to those of poisoning: nausea, vomiting, stool disorders.

Severe allergies to household chemicals can manifest as bronchospasm, Quincke’s edema, anaphylactic shock ^{2, 3} .

The treatment of allergies to household products depends on many factors: the localization of the manifestations (that is, where exactly it arose), the severity of the symptoms (what exactly happens to the body), the individual characteristics of the patient, as well as his social activity.

Therefore, the first thing treatment begins with is, if possible, the complete exclusion of contact with allergy-causing agents. This does not mean that you have to move around the apartment in a spacesuit, not at all. You can, for example, start using hypoallergenic products, clean with a steam cleaner and a vacuum cleaner, and involve other family members who do not suffer from allergies.

• Drug treatment (as a rule, long-term and requiring careful adherence to doctor’s prescriptions) is built according to individual schemes, and may include taking various drugs and their combinations. To begin with, diagnostics are carried out, which helps to identify the allergen and prescribe appropriate therapy. Based on its results, antihistamines can be prescribed, and their selection will depend on which symptoms are leading. In addition to antihistamines, enterosorbents, glucocorticosteroids, as well as physiotherapy procedures are also used in the treatment ^{1, 3} .

Prevention of allergies to household chemicals

Prevention of allergic reactions to household chemicals is similar to the initial treatment regimen and consists primarily in the exclusion of contact with household allergens.

There is a whole bunch of tips here, of which the main ones are:

• Careful selection of detergents and hygiene products. In no case do not buy those that contain potentially dangerous components.
• Use of barrier methods of prevention – gloves, masks for the nose and mouth, respirators, protective clothing.
• If allergens do get on the skin, they should be washed off as soon as possible: removal of allergens should be carried out with clean water using non-allergenic detergents.
• Strict ban on clothing and bedding that has been laundered using conventional, non-allergenic detergents.
• Exclusion from the diet of foods with a high risk of an allergic reaction: citrus fruits, exotic fruits, smoked meats, fried, spicy, industrial convenience foods, chocolate, etc.
• The healthiest lifestyle possible. That is, walking in the fresh air, playing sports, alternating work and rest, getting enough sleep.
• And finally, avoid contracting SARS. And also treat various foci of infection – teeth, tonsillitis, chronic otitis media, etc. ^{1, 3}

Poisoning by cleaning agents and detergents.

Category: In the Republic

Published: September 23, 2020

Views: 4189

Today, no housewife can do without cleaning and detergents, which make people’s lives so much easier. All these substances are harmless and useful as long as they are used for their intended purpose. If used incorrectly, they can cause irreparable harm to health and even death. How can you get poisoned by cleaning products? Since household chemicals have become an integral part of our life, there will always be a risk of getting poisoned. The main causes of poisoning are: inhalation of drug vapors, ingestion of the drug into the body (accidental or intentional ingestion), contact of the drug on the skin (work with aggressive substances without personal protective equipment). According to official statistics in the Chuvash Republic from 2017-2019years, 13 cases of poisoning with detergents were registered (10 – children from 1-2 years old, 1 – a schoolboy aged 13 years and 2 – adults) (for 8 months of 2020 – 3 cases). Children aged 1-2 years were poisoned when taking drugs in the absence of parents, a 13-year-old schoolboy and 1 adult – when taken by mistake (with a fatal outcome), 1 adult – when taken with the intent of suicide. Signs of poisoning with cleaning and detergents. The clinical picture in case of poisoning can appear immediately, or after a certain time, and depend on which way and what substance has penetrated into the body. Common symptoms of intoxication include: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loose stools, skin manifestations in the form of spots, itching and urticaria, irritation of mucous membranes, eyes. There are general weakness or loss of consciousness, convulsions, respiratory failure, coughing, blurred vision, impaired urine output. How to provide first aid? If there is a strong poisoning with cleaning or detergents, you should immediately call an ambulance. Before the arrival of the doctors, provide all possible assistance – this will help relieve the pain. Depending on what poisoned the victim, appropriate assistance should be provided. 1. If detergents get into the eyes, they are washed under running water (if a chlorine-containing agent has got in, use a 2% soda solution for washing). 2. If the toxic substance only got into the mouth, rinse the mouth thoroughly with plenty of water. 3. When swallowing an alkaline agent, neutralize it with weak citric or acetic acid at the rate of 4 tbsp. l. acids per liter of water (drink little by little at intervals of 15 minutes). 4. If acidic household chemicals are ingested, quickly prepare a soda solution (5 tbsp. / 1 ​​liter of water) and give to drink 3 tbsp. l. once every 10 minutes (for the same purpose, you can use milk or raw egg white – they will prevent further absorption of the chemical into the blood). 5. If an aggressive substance gets on the skin, it is washed with clean warm water, then the burn is lubricated with a neutral cream. If a burn is received with alkaline or acidic agents of high concentration, keep the affected area under running water for at least 20 minutes until the chemical is completely washed out.