A recent study exploring whether household cleaners cause cancer made us stop and wonder.
Do the products we use to keep our homes sparkling also contribute to health risks? Especially with young ones around, the thought of inadvertently harming them is concerning.
Today, we’re getting into the details of the study and looking at the potential culprits.
Let’s go!
Study Finds Some Household Cleaners May Increase Your Risk of Cancer
A recent article in Newsweek revealed a hidden danger. In some household cleaners, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may increase your risk of certain cancers. The magazine cited a study published in Chemosphere by researchers in the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization.
They looked at 30 common household cleaners to see if dangerous levels of VOCs were in them. What they found is shocking.
Scientists discovered nearly 200 unique hazardous compounds in their samples. Cancer isn’t the only health risk present. They also impact development, reproduction, and the respiratory system when inhaled.
In fact, an earlier study suggests that breathing them in is like smoking 20 cigarettes a day.
Toxicologist Dr. Alexis Temkin calls the report a “wakeup call for consumers” in the Newsweek article. Because most of these products are for home use, indoor air quality decreases whenever they’re present. And they may even impact the environment when released outdoors.
About Cancer-Causing VOCs in Household Cleaners
To understand the actual risk, you must first know what VOCs are. Volatile organic compounds are gasses released into the air from certain products that may impact your health. Dangerous enough on their own, they also produce pollution by combining with air particles.
However, these 30 household cleaners aren’t the only culprits related to increased cancer risk. They’re also present in painting supplies, glues, disinfectants, and deodorants. And while there are over 500 identified, only certain VOCs cause health issues.
Aerosol sprays are some of the worst when it comes to indoor air quality. The propellant in cans allows cleaners to bond with elements in the air. Combined, they form nitrogen oxide, one of the leading causes of smog.
Not surprisingly, when we breathe them in, they can sometimes cause asthma attacks, headaches, and nausea. Unfortunately, even checking the labels won’t protect you. Manufacturers aren’t required to list ingredients in these products.
However, industry leaders are paying attention, and there’s a push to keep them out of everyday household items.
Join the debate: Natural or Not? The Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners
What Health Risks Are Associated With Scented Cleaners?
Fragrances often mask cancer-causing VOCs in cleaners. In reality, most active ingredients in cleansing agents are the same. So, scents are how companies make their products stand out.
But health risks are also possible from additives that make your spray smell like fresh laundry. Some of them cause skin allergies or reproductive harm, including HICC and Lilial. While banned in Europe, they’re still present in the United States and Latin America.
The other issue is that they give us a false sense of safety. They seem less harmful because they don’t have the same harsh odor as unscented products. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Add the toxic fragrance compounds to what’s already in household cleaners, and the risk of cancer increases. Sadly, since women still complete nearly 70 percent of housework, they’re saddled with the consequences.
Do you know the 5 Cleaning Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes?
Can You Avoid Exposure to Harmful Household Cleaners?
True avoidance is impossible because we use these chemicals in nearly every environment. However, reducing your exposure to cancer-causing household cleaners isn’t out of the question.
One of the most significant steps you can take is to use them only in well-ventilated areas. Turn on the fan or open a window when cleaning the bathroom or scrubbing the oven.
And, whatever you do, don’t mix products containing bleach and ammonia. Together, they create chlorine gas, one of the deadliest on the planet.
You can also positively impact your home’s health at the store. Try something new instead of choosing the brand you’re most familiar with. Many natural formulas don’t contain the same toxic stew. Instead, they use safe alternatives to keep your space clean.
The Environmental Protection Agency also has a website that compares popular items. Their Safer Choice page can help you make informed decisions for your family’s health.
3 Great Alternatives to Scented Household Cleaners
As hard as it may seem, finding alternatives to cancer-causing household cleaners is easy. Look for “reduced VOCs” or “green” on the label. Additionally, fragrance-free usually means that they’re a safer choice.
Seventh Generation Free and Clear All Purpose Cleaner
Seventh Generation is a company dedicated to household products that don’t contain artificial ingredients. Their all-purpose cleaner is one of the highest-rated on Amazon. Using only plant-based compounds, it’s VOC-free and has no fragrance added.
It’s designed for hard surfaces like granite, marble, and stainless steel and has the grease-cutting power of traditional options.
Price Check: Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner, Free & Clear
Grab Green Fragrance-Free All-Purpose Cleaner
This hypo-allergenic spray from Grab Green is safe and effective. For those with sensitivities to fragrances, it’s an ideal replacement. It’s another plant-based alternative to chemical cleaners, not tested on animals.
You won’t miss the headaches and burning eyes when using this item.
Price Check: Grab Green All-Purpose Cleaner
CloroxPro EcoClean All-Purpose Cleaner
Brand loyalty is one of the main reasons you buy the products you do. Clorox has the name recognition to take environmentally-friendly cleaning to the masses. EcoClean All Purpose Cleaner doesn’t have the “green” street cred like the others on our list. They only use 99 percent bio-based ingredients.
Regardless, this cleaner doesn’t have any of the regular culprits. In fact, it’s safe around food contact surfaces without rinsing.
Price Check: Clorox CloroxPro EcoClean All-Purpose Cleaner
Choose the Safer Alternatives
Traditional household cleaners contain several compounds known to raise the risk of cancer. Add in fragrances, and it just gets worse. While studies show these products’ negative impact on your health, there’s hope.
Several companies use safer, natural ingredients with no added scents. And if you don’t get a choice over which you use, open a window or turn on a fan.
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