Side effects of inhaling cleaning products

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: September 22, 2022

Mayo Clinic Q and A: Cleaning products and lung health

By
Liza Torborg

May 25, 2018

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Is it true that frequently working with cleaning products can hurt your lungs? Are there certain kinds of products that should be avoided?

ANSWER: A recent international study found that women who use cleaning products regularly, particularly those who work as professional cleaners, may have a more rapid decline in lung function over time than women who do not use those products regularly. Although the study did not examine specific products, it is a good idea to choose cleaners that have low levels of potentially toxic chemicals, or alternative products — such as white vinegar, baking soda or washing soda, whenever possible. You also should keep the area you’re cleaning well-ventilated and never mix cleaning products.

Lung function in everyone slowly declines after age 35. That’s because, with age, the tiny sacs in the lungs (called alveoli), where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged, don’t work as well as they did in youth. In addition, over time, it becomes harder for the spongy part of the lung — the parenchyma — to match areas of ventilation with areas of blood perfusion that carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. That means the amount of airflow through the lungs decreases. Also with age, the chest wall becomes less limber and the abdomen can get in the way of the ability to take deep breaths.

For most people, the gradual change in lung function doesn’t become noticeable until they are in their 50s or 60s. But other factors beyond age can affect lung function, too. For example, smoking long has been recognized as contributing to early decline in lung function. Exposure to respiratory irritants, such as dust and chemical fumes, has been suspected to play a role, as well. The study results examining use of cleaners are further evidence.

As part of the research, more than 6,000 participants were studied over two decades. The researchers found that women who used spray cleaning products at least once a week showed a decline in lung function that was faster than usual. Women who worked as professional cleaners, and who were exposed to the products every day, saw the most rapid rate of lung function decline over the course of the study. Exposure to cleaning products wasn’t linked to a decline in lung function for men, but that may be because there were so few male cleaners in the study.

Although this study provides important information, the results don’t mean that it’s unsafe to clean your home. Keep in mind that the study participants who saw the biggest effect on their lung health were those who were exposed to industrial-strength cleaning products daily.

For the average individual cleaning around the house, a good first step would be to decrease the amount of chemicals used while cleaning. For example, wiping off surfaces with warm water and a microfiber cloth often cleans just as well as spraying the surface with a cleaning product, but no chemicals are used.

As you clean, be careful to keep your cleaning products separate. When mixed, the contents of certain cleaners can trigger dangerous chemical reactions, such as the combination of ammonia and bleach. Mixing them produces toxic fumes that, when inhaled, cause coughing; difficulty breathing; and irritation of the throat, eyes and nose. Avoid product categories that have been reported to cause respiratory irritation, such as certain air fresheners, fabric softeners and caustic drain and oven cleaners.

You also can help ensure safety around household cleaners by storing them in their original containers, so the warning labels, safety instructions and ingredients are easy to find. Remember to always wash your hands after using cleaners, store them out of the reach of children and keep them far from food items.

If you or a member of your household accidently ingest a cleaner or has a reaction to one of these products, seek medical care immediately. Emergency help is available through the American Association of Poison Control Centers help line at 1-800-222-1222 (toll-free). — Dr. Clayton Cowl, Preventive and Occupational and Aerospace Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

A cheeseburger’s role in one man’s stroke recovery

LA CROSSE, Wis. — Taylor Suhr thought he was dying.

"I was terrified," Taylor says. "I woke up, and there were a bunch of tubes coming out [...]

By Rick Thiesse • November 11, 2022

Mayo Clinic Health System offering free men’s health webinar

MANKATO, Minn. — November is Men's Health Awareness Month, and Mayo Clinic Health System is offering a free men’s health webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 30, [...]

By Joel Streed • November 11, 2022

Harmful cleaning products for health and air in the house

It seems illogical to think that cleaning products can be harmful to your health. A clean home is a source of pride. Nobody wants bacteria, viruses or mold to run rampant in it. However, with some cleaning methods, you are adding harmful chemicals to the space. Of course, everyone loves clean, freshly cleaned rooms, but can that smell of cleanliness be dangerous?

Are cleaning products bad for your health?

For some people, the smell of antiseptic room cleaners is synonymous with a clean home. However, before you take a deep breath, enjoying the result of hard work, you should know that some of these products can actually be harmful to your health. A surprisingly wide range of common household cleaners can be a source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are toxic gases that are released into the air when certain products are used. They evaporate easily at room temperature, so they can quickly become part of the air you breathe while cleaning.

An increasing number of scientific studies point to health effects caused by the use of household chemicals and disinfectants. Individuals who regularly use cleaning products as part of their job, such as janitors and housekeepers, may have:

Increased risk of asthma attacks
Increased wheezing and wheezing when breathing and other symptoms of asthma
Increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

However, household use of common cleaning products is also associated with adverse health effects. People with existing respiratory conditions, young children, and the elderly may be more vulnerable to VOC exposure. The use of conventional cleaning products during pregnancy can result in the baby being born with respiratory health problems. Additional symptoms of VOC exposure include:

Eye and skin irritation
Allergic manifestations
Headache
Sore throat
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness
Fatigue

VOC exposure may also cause long-term health effects such as chronic respiratory problems, loss of coordination, damage to the kidneys, liver and central nervous system, and cancer.

What to Avoid in Popular Cleaners

If the ingredients in many common cleaning formulas can be harmful to your health, it makes sense to try and avoid most (if not all) of them. However, it is not always easy to determine which agents release VOCs into the air. It is recommended that you read the labels on household cleaners before purchasing them. Products that are labeled as low- or no-VOC, as well as those that are free of fragrances, irritants, and flammable ingredients, are generally the best options.

High VOC household cleaners to avoid:

Chlorine bleach is commonly used to disinfect household surfaces. Because it is not an all-purpose cleaner, it is often used in combination with other cleaners. Its components may be found in cleaning products sold as "combination" compounds, labeled "cleansing" or "disinfectant". Chlorine bleach contains VOCs chloroform and methyl chloroform, which can be produced during a chemical reaction when used. In addition, mixing bleach with other cleaners can produce hazardous by-products, including chloramines, ammonia gas, and chloric acid. Therefore, bleach should never be mixed with ammonia or acid-based cleaners.

Spray cleaners should also be used with caution. This is because some of the spray liquid may remain in the air instead of landing on the surface you are cleaning. Thus, in addition to inhaling exhaust gases and VOCs, it is also possible to receive a dose of the cleaning agent itself.
VOCs found in glass cleaners can include toluene, 2-butoxyethanol, ethylbenzene, tetrachlorethylene, camphene, and limonene. Furniture and floor cleaning sprays may contain formaldehyde, ethylbenzene, tetrachlorethylene and toluene.

Many cleaning products containing fragrances that are listed under vague terms on the label, such as “fragrance” or “perfume.” Avoiding these air fresheners altogether is recommended. unique VOCs, 24 of which were classified as toxic. Only one of 133 VOCs was listed on any of the product labels.In addition, the study showed that products labeled as “green”, “natural” or “organic” can contain as many same harmful VOCs as standard cleaning products.

Carpet Cleaning Powders, especially in aerosol form, pose an additional risk to respiratory health. They contain small particles that can remain in the air for a long time after cleaning is completed. Carpet cleaners may also contain sodium tripolyphosphate, glycol ethers, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, limonene, and a wide variety of other VOCs.

Other common cleaning products that may contain hazardous VOCs:

Toilet bowl cleaners
Oven cleaners
Dishwasher and washing powders
Furniture varnish and polish

Safer cleaner options

If products labeled "green" or "natural" can contain just as many harmful chemicals as traditional cleaning products. How can you tell which products are not harmful to health? A "safe selection standard" has already been developed. This standard defines Least Hazard Ingredients for Each Product Labels labeled "Safer Choice" and "Safeest Ingredients Possible" by the EPA are verified by the association, and a list of products can be found on their website.0003

Another standard for safe cleaning products is the green seal. To be Green Seal certified, a product must meet a number of criteria for various factors, including toxicity limits, indoor air quality effects, manufacturing processes, and waste management practices. A list of Green Seal certified cleaners can be found on the nonprofit's website.

In addition to switching to safer cleaners, it is recommended to use easier cleaning methods whenever possible. For example:

Soap and warm water can clean a wide range of dirt
Baking soda can be used in place of harsher cleaners where mechanical action is needed
A solution of vinegar and water can clean glass as effectively as chemical sprays.

Maintenance of indoor air quality during cleaning

You can't always avoid using VOC cleaners. To reduce pollutant emissions, it is better to follow some tips. To avoid inhaling harmful chemicals while cleaning:

Make sure the room is well ventilated. When you clean with evaporative compounds, open doors and windows to reduce the concentration of VOCs in your home. Turn on the fan to disperse the fumes of the cleaning agent.
Avoid using cleaners in small or enclosed spaces.
Store high VOC products outside the home or in a storage cabinet when not in use. Make sure that children and pets cannot access stored cleaning products.
Use an air purifier to help remove any VOCs from the air in your home. However, it should be noted that not all air purifiers are effective against gases. Appropriate filters are required.

It is worth noting that not all cleaning products are created equally. Reading product labels and learning about the ingredients in cleaning products will help you choose the safest options for your home. And by adhering to elementary rules, you can avoid health problems.

8 Things About Household Cleaning During Pregnancy.com

House Cleaning During Pregnancy: Pros and Cons

It is not possible to give up household chores completely for nine months. From the point of view of doctors, cleaning during pregnancy plays a positive role. Moderate physical activity benefits the mother and fetus: improves blood circulation, helps keep muscles in good shape, reduce swelling and not gain extra pounds.

Compliance with home hygiene is the prevention of bacterial and viral diseases. Carrying heavy buckets or climbing on window sills to clean windows is still not worth it. It is better to delegate these tasks to other family members or call a professional cleaner.

A woman's body goes through many changes during pregnancy. Each trimester has its own characteristics. They should be taken into account when distributing loads during the cleaning process.

There are also a number of activities that are strictly prohibited for pregnant women:

Climbing a ladder, stool, window sill and other “high-altitude” objects;
Lift weights over 5 kg, especially in the early stages;
Use prohibited household chemicals1;
Clean up the litter box and garden because of the risk of toxoplasmosis;
Make sudden movements: tilts, turns, squats;
Expose the body to physical stress for a long time, denying yourself rest.

Is it safe to use household chemicals

Cleaning products should be chosen carefully during pregnancy. It is better to give preference to natural cleaners: citric acid, soda, vinegar. However, household chemicals and pregnancy are also quite compatible things. The enhanced composition of store detergents allows you to get rid of germs, bacteria and mold. All household chemicals on the Russian market are subject to examination in terms of sanitary-chemical and toxicological indicators. If a drug has the potential to cause harm to a pregnant woman or unborn child, a warning label is displayed on the label.

In the first trimester, the baby's vital systems and organs are formed. To protect the fetus from the action of various toxins, the female body produces a special hormone - gonadotropin. Thanks to him, cleaning in early pregnancy can be accompanied by hypersensitivity to odors and toxicosis. To avoid "side" effects, gynecologists recommend using fragrance-free detergents.

To combat pathogenic biofilm in the bathroom and toilet, powerful antibacterial agents like Domestos are indispensable. Sodium hypochlorite in its composition effectively kills germs and mold, keeping plumbing clean. All work must be carried out with rubber gloves and a respirator, and the premises themselves must be well ventilated;
Even with the right organization of the entrance area, dirt and microbes brought on shoes from the street spread throughout the apartment. Glorix disinfectant will get rid of potentially dangerous microorganisms, dust and other contaminants. Washing floors should also be done with protective gloves;
The kitchen seems to be one of the cleanest places in the house. However, high temperature, humidity, microdrops of fat and bacteria brought on the products create all the conditions for the growth of harmful microorganisms. Work surfaces should be cleaned regularly with Cif cleaning gels or sprays, and sponges and kitchen towels should be changed every couple of weeks;
Lime scale, grease stains and other dirt can be removed with folk remedies. Apply a slurry of soda powder to the surface and after a while wash it off with a solution of vinegar;
Before applying the detergent, test it on an inconspicuous area;
Carefully read the instructions, precautions and contraindications on the cleaning agent bottle. Follow the indicated dosage;
Never mix household chemicals. This can cause a reaction with the release of volatile chlorine - the strongest of household poisons;
If during pregnancy, after cleaning, the general condition worsens, dizziness or nausea occurs, immediately inform your family and, if possible, consult a doctor.
- Replace your regular mop with a modern model with a longer handle and wringer;
- The water bucket on wheels will greatly simplify the cleaning process;
- Avoid bending over and putting pressure on your stomach. If you need to lean forward, bend your knees and gently stretch in the desired direction;
- Vacuuming should be done slowly, with the windows open for ventilation;
- Many pregnant women find it easier to wash the floor by hand, gently kneeling or squatting;
- If you have frequent low back pain, ask your doctor for a special abdominal support bandage.
- It is forbidden to climb ladders, chairs and other high objects to avoid the risk of falling;
- It is strictly forbidden to lean out of the windows - entrust the washing of external surfaces to household members;
- Do not raise your hands above your head - for cleaning remote areas, you can purchase a special scraper or mini window mop with a long handle;
- Instead of aerosol detergents, it is better to use a citric acid solution.
- It is better to replace ordinary washing powder with a sulfate-free detergent without fragrances - this will reduce the risk of allergic reactions;
- Wet laundry becomes heavier - it is better to entrust it to your spouse;
- Remove clothes from the washer by yourself in small batches and leave to dry at your own height.

Is it possible to wash floors during pregnancy

Washing floors and vacuuming during pregnancy is definitely possible. However, there is no universal instruction for this type of cleaning - doctors recommend proceeding from well-being and working in the most comfortable position for no more than half an hour, after which take a 15-minute break.

The successful course of pregnancy and childbirth is the merit of progesterone. The same hormone weakens the natural immune barrier, makes ligaments and joints more mobile. Along with the growth of the abdomen, the center of gravity shifts - this creates an additional load on the back.

Is it possible to wash windows during pregnancy

Clean windows not only please the eye, but also provide the necessary insolation. Windows should be washed as they get dirty. On the first floors, dust settles on the glass faster. The same applies to houses adjacent to highways and industrial zones.

How to wash and iron during pregnancy

Doctors advise against hand washing during pregnancy. It is detrimental to the back, besides it takes a lot of strength. If there is no choice, you should take the most comfortable position. Sit on a chair with a backrest, placing the basin with linen in front of you on a slight elevation.

Most modern materials do not need to be ironed. It is enough to dry things properly, and they can be worn. It is more convenient to align the folds and provide additional disinfection with a steam iron. For supporters of classic irons and ironing boards, doctors recommend doing all the work in a sitting position - this will help reduce the load on the legs and back, avoid swelling and varicose veins, and at the same time be less tired.