Maintaining a clean house is generally a high priority of most homeowners or apartment renters. Keeping surfaces and floors clean not only lends to the aesthetic value of a residence, but it also helps eliminate bacteria build-up. When a member of the household has been sick, it is always wise to wipe down surfaces, doorknobs, light switches, and other areas that they may touch on a daily basis.
What Ingredients are Dangerous?
Sometimes, the components of common cleaning products may not be obvious to the everyday user. Generally, the buyers themselves have to take the initiative to examine the ingredients list to make sure that the chemicals that make up the product are safe. Common elements that may be damaging to the user include the following:
- Ammonia: Found in a large range of products and has a number of health impacts, including kidney damage, eye and nose irritation, and burns.
- Formaldehyde: Found in many different products, particularly furniture polishes. Can cause asthma and affect the central nervous system. Symptoms include headaches, depression, fatigue and dizziness, and joint pains.
- Monoethanolamine: Found in a wide variety of products, particularly floor cleaners, and affects the liver, kidneys, reproductive system, and central nervous system.
- Parabens: Used in many cleaning products, and causes hormone disruption.
- Sodium Hypochlorite: Found in a variety of products and typically irritates the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
- Turpentine: Found in solvent cleaners and polishers. Can irritate allergies and affect the kidneys, bladder, and central nervous system.
Obviously, this list is not comprehensive, but it does lend some insight to some of the most common chemicals present in a variety of household cleaners.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know has suffered a serious injury due to exposure to toxic chemicals in household cleaners, the Minneapolis personal injury lawyers of Terry, Slane, & Ruohonen, P.L.L.C. can help you. Please call their law office to make an appointment at 612-362-0000.
