What household chemicals are dangerous to your health

Here are 5 ingredients to watch out for and avoid in your laundry and household products.

surfactants

Molecules of surfactants are able to combine with water and fat molecules, capturing and effectively removing the latter. It is not surprising that they can be found in the composition of washing powder detergents. Surfactants are able to change the efficiency of redox reactions in the body, affect the activity of a number of important enzymes, disrupt protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. They can cause disturbances in the immune system, liver and kidneys, and also cause acute allergic reactions. In some European countries, the use of surfactants in the production of detergents is even prohibited at the legislative level.

Parabens

Parabens are esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid that are widely used as preservatives. They prevent the development of bacteria in products, thereby extending their shelf life. The problem is that parabens can affect the hormonal background and provoke diseases of the endocrine system. Less serious side effects — irritation, allergies and acceleration of the aging process.

Chlorine

Yes, chlorine quickly and well copes with pollution of varying degrees, disinfects. But experts recommend giving it up. Chlorine can cause allergic reactions and provoke inflammation. Even if you use gloves, vapors can enter the respiratory tract and mucous membranes and cause burns and irritation. Also, chlorine can accumulate in the body and can cause serious diseases.

Phosphates

They are added to household chemicals because of their ability to enhance the effectiveness of surfactants. Together with this, they enhance their ability to penetrate the body. However, even in the absence of surfactants in the composition, phosphates can harm you: they dehydrate and degrease the skin, destroy cell walls and the natural protective barrier of the epidermis. Phosphates are also detrimental to the environment: getting into water bodies through sewer drains, they cause the growth of blue-green algae, whose vital activity is harmful both for aquatic inhabitants and for the quality of drinking water in general.

Limonene

This ether with a pronounced citrus smell is often included in fragrances and fragrances for detergents and air fresheners. Research conducted by the University of York revealed the ability of limonene to mutate to formaldehyde when exposed to air. Formaldehyde is classified as a potentially carcinogenic substance that can cause serious harm to all body systems. The most harmless consequences of contact with formaldehyde are irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes and sore throat.

Choose soft, safe products for washing home textiles, and your every night will be gentle!