Cleanliness of the floor is one of the first things that gets noticed and maintains the hygiene of your home. But prolonged use of toxic floor cleaners is harmful to you, your pets and environment too. Many brands promise 100% hygiene with spotless cleanliness with their products but it is hard to find cleaners without any toxic ingredients or harmful chemicals. Let’s understand the widely used toxins present in some of the best floor cleaners too.
Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC)
It is recognised as an organic salt that can be used as cleaning agents/detergent. It is a widely used disinfectant/preservative. Prolonged respiratory exposure to BAC is reported to be highly toxic. As per one of the leading publications in the field of toxicology, Particle and Fiber Toxicology that anything more than 0.05% of BAC is harmful and frequent use of BAC-containing products has been classified as dangerous by the Korea Institute of Disease Control. There is also the fear of bacteria developing resistance to Benzalkonium Chloride and thus developing tolerance and being able to survive in increasing dosage levels.This would make them resistant to antibiotics.
Phthalates
Phthalates are a type of industrial chemical which is largely used in household cleaners, cosmetics, fragrances etc. as a binding agent and found in almost every product like lotions, soaps, makeup, nail polish, hair sprays, perfumes, after-shave lotions, scented cleaning products, laundry detergents, and synthetic cleaning products. Phthalates affect marine life by seeping into water bodies. It interferes with normal endocrine system function, reproduction, and development. As per this published research, our everyday exposure to Phthalates is high.
Triclosan
Triclosan is widely used in many personal care products such as soaps, body washes, toothpastes, and cosmetics to regulate/prevent bacterial contamination. Also found in clothing, kitchenware, furniture, and toys. The federal US agency, Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has recognised Triclosan as not safe and effective. It can alter hormone regulation in animals, and affect the immune system and develop antibiotic-resistant germs.
Phosphates
Phosphates is a natural form of Phosphorus. It is used in a variety of products such as food, cosmetics, animal feed, and electronics. Many countries banned phosphate in home care use. Phosphate based products we use at home end up in the water system through our city wastewater systems and affect marine life.
Artificial Fragrances
Many synthetic scent ingredients are generated from petrochemicals and can be detrimental to human health. Almost every product comes with added fragrance such as body wash, soap, and cleaning products. It is important to choose fragrances which are hypoallergenic and natural essential oils based. Some of the toxic artificial fragrance has side effects such as increased hormonal activity, reduced fertility in both men & women, and nervous inflammation in animals.
There are more list of ingredients used in floor cleaners; It's important for us to understand what all chemicals and other constituents go into it. Whether it's listed among India’s best floor cleaners or new brands claiming to have non toxic ingredients, it's pertinent for us to understand whether they contain harmful chemicals and how it affects our health.
Harmful effects of Floor Cleaners
Household cleansers are prepared with very powerful and chemical substances, ensuring that your home is spotless. A prolonged exposure to any toxic floor cleaners can cause various health issues. Some of them are listed below:
Skin Conditions
Human skin is sensitive and is the first part of our body that comes in touch with all kinds of surfaces. Eczema is the most common type of skin issue that gets developed with long exposure to such cleaners.
Breathing Problems
Even some of the best floor cleaners release toxins in the air to kill off the bacteria and germs but in the process we inhale them. It is especially dangerous for babies and pets. Allergies, asthma, wheezing, and coughing are just a few of the respiratory problems that can get triggered.
Irritation in Eyes
Eyes are most sensitive when it comes to any harmful chemicals. You might waive it off as a slight irritation, redness or watery eyes but if ignored for long, it can cause serious damage to your vision.
Allergy in Kids
According to some studies, such toxic ingredients can cause allergies in youngsters over time. When children are exposed to pathogens, they acquire an inability to tolerate or deal. With time kids' immune system becomes more and more sensitive, thus over-reactive to minor/common allergies too.
Other Health Effects
The fragrance in most household cleansers is made up of phthalates and other chemicals. Phthalates are linked to hormone imbalances, according to various studies. Some toxic vapor immediately affects eyes, lungs and skin immediately.
How to choose the best floor cleaners?
Now that you are aware about the harmful effects of chemical based floor cleaners, you should keep track of the following points before buying your next floor cleaners:
- Read the label and the ingredients used.
- Explore all natural/organic floor cleaners range.
- Alternate your cleaning schedule with natural homemade DIY cleaners.
- Look out for any kind of allergy after first use of floor cleaners.
We at Purecult take pride in our clean alternative products. As much as cleaning matters, how you clean matters! Our Floor cleaners are made without any harmful effects on the environment, humans and animals alike. No sulfates, no phosphates, no artificial fragrance, only pure natural goodness for your home.
1 comment
I did my research and this article helped me to make my decision. I have a kids at home which is crawling around and in this covid time it is really important to keep floor clean and purecult is the solution.