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2.1.3. 18+ DID YOU MISS THE TREND? SEE ALL 400 V!D£0 CLIPS, $£X T4P£ OF Equatorial Guinea Baltasar Ebang Engonga.Experts have warned that a common bathroom habit could increase your risk of cancer. Here’s what you need to know about the hidden dangers of using certain products in your bathroom. Years of being exposed to the chemical could have consequences on your health ...READ THE FULL STORY FROM SOURCE ...READ THE FULL STORY FROM SOURCE
While many people take pride in maintaining a spotless bathroom, a common cleaning habit could be putting your health at risk. It may come as a surprise that everyday bathroom cleaning products can pose more risks than initially thought.
Chemicals such as formaldehyde, phthalates, and VOCs, often found in some cleaners, significantly contribute to indoor air pollution. This is linked by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to respiratory problems and potentially even cancer in severe cases.
By switching to non-toxic alternatives and ensuring proper ventilation, these risks can be reduced, leading to safer cleaning routines. Bathroom experts from Plumbworld have highlighted the hidden dangers of using certain products in your bathroom.
Not all cleaning products contain these chemicals, but some are made with substances such as formaldehyde, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The EPA states that these substances significantly contribute to indoor air pollution, leading to respiratory issues, headaches, and other long-term health concerns, reports the Mirror..
This risk is particularly worrying in bathrooms, which are enclosed spaces with limited ventilation, allowing these chemicals to remain in the air for longer periods, reports Surrey Live.
Some household cleaning products contain preservatives that can release small amounts of formaldehyde to prevent microbial growth. These preservatives include quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, bromopol, and glyoxal.
It’s advisable to read the labels when choosing cleaning agents and opt for those that are free from formaldehyde. Should you be concerned about formaldehyde?
This chemical is present in certain disinfectants and air fresheners and has been classified as a human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), indicating that it could increase cancer risk with prolonged exposure. Phthalates, often found in fragranced products, may disrupt hormones and have been linked to various health problems.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can also degrade indoor air quality and cause long-term respiratory issues. The NCI has noted on its website that “Studies of workers exposed to high levels of formaldehyde, such as industrial workers and embalmers, have found that formaldehyde causes myeloid leukemia and rare cancers, including cancers of the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, and nasopharynx.”
It’s important to remember that formaldehyde is naturally produced in the human body and can be found at safe levels in fruits and other foods. Additionally, it exists in the environment, meaning people may encounter low levels of formaldehyde in the air they breathe.
The general public may encounter formaldehyde in everyday products, but using these items correctly shouldn’t pose health risks. However, indoor exposure can also come from smoking, cooking, incense, and certain building materials.
A Gov.uk statement warns: “Formaldehyde has been classified as a cancer causing chemical in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). There is evidence that formaldehyde causes nasal tumours (tumours of the nose) and leukaemia in industrial workers exposed over long periods of time (years).”
“However, exposure over short periods of time is unlikely to have the same level of risk.”
For safer cleaning practices, it’s recommended to use natural, non-toxic cleaning agents or homemade solutions like white vinegar and baking soda for effective cleaning without harmful fumes. Plumbworld cautions that many are unaware of the dangers lurking in common bathroom cleaners and suggests tips for safer cleaning.
These include ensuring good ventilation during cleaning by opening windows, using exhaust fans, and keeping doors open to improve airflow.
In the midst of housekeeping efforts, it’s advised to take occasional rests when dealing with potent cleaning agents and ensure the area is ventilated for at least half an hour afterwards. A Plumbworld spokesperson warns about bathroom cleaners, citing, “People often don’t realise the hidden dangers that come with common bathroom cleaning products. When chemicals like formaldehyde and VOCs accumulate in enclosed spaces, such as bathrooms, the risks can become significant.”
They further noted that these hazardous substances can persist beyond the actual cleaning episode, stressing, “These substances aren’t just present during cleaning – they can linger in the air, turning regular cleaning sessions into potential health hazards. Choosing natural or non-toxic alternatives can greatly reduce these risks.”
To mitigate such health perils, the representative advocates using natural cleaning solutions. They explained, “Ingredients like white vinegar and baking soda not only clean effectively but do so without releasing harmful fumes. It’s important to remember that what we breathe in while cleaning matters as much as what we use on surfaces.”
Not forgetting a final measure, after cleaning, give all surfaces a swab with a moist cloth to eliminate any residue of cleaning products.
The spokesperson emphasised the significance of airing out spaces, stating: “Ensuring proper ventilation is another essential step that is often overlooked. Opening windows, using fans, and taking breaks while cleaning can help dissipate these chemicals and minimise exposure. Even small adjustments to your routine can contribute to a safer and healthier home environment in the long run.”...READ THE FULL STORY FROM SOURCE ↔️
