In everyday life, we are faced with many factors that negatively affect our health - car exhaust, carcinogenic combustion products, food products grown using chemical fertilizers... The list of potentially dangerous substances does not end there: no less dangerous household chemicals await us at home, which we use for cleaning and washing.

Many of us never wonder why one laundry detergent costs five times more than another, or what environmentally friendly household chemicals are. We are accustomed to using the same products for years, without realizing how many harmful substances accumulate in our body during this time. Alas, this is no longer a horror story for housewives, but a completely scientifically based fact.

Household chemicals are extremely dangerous for the human body, as they can affect all organs and systems, right down to the DNA structure. If you value your health and the health of your loved ones, pay attention to the products you use every day to wash dishes, clean plumbing, or wash baby clothes.

The most dangerous substances in household chemicals

Of course, not all laundry and cleaning products are hazardous to health. In order to minimize the harm from using household chemicals, before purchasing, it is recommended to carefully read the ingredients of the products and avoid the following ingredients:

• Anionic surfactants (AS). The most aggressive of all surface substances. Surfactants are added to almost all cleaning products. Cationic and non-ionic surfactants do not pose a danger to the human body, but the permissible content of anionic surfactants in products should not exceed 5%. If this number is higher, it means that the product is extremely concentrated and will negatively affect your health. With regular contact with anionic surfactants, the skin most often suffers - it dries out and ages prematurely, and its lipid layer is also damaged. Systematically entering the body, toxic surfactants accumulate in the liver and brain, which entails an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, disorders of the central nervous system and a general decrease in immunity.
• Phosphates. In recent years, the anti-phosphate campaign has reached its peak, and manufacturers of household chemicals gradually began to abandon the addition of effective against dirt, but very toxic phosphates. Phosphorus compounds, which make up phosphates, bind dirt and pull it out of fabrics, which is why they can often be found in washing powders. Phosphates have a negative effect on the skin, causing severe dermatitis, and also enter the bloodstream through the pores, changing the biochemical composition of the blood. In addition, phosphates can cause a sharp exacerbation of chronic diseases and disruption of the liver and kidneys.
• Chlorine. We have all heard about the dangers of chlorine since childhood. Chlorine is extremely dangerous for the body, because it has a negative effect not only through direct contact, but also through the respiratory route - when inhaling fumes. A chlorine-containing product that is not screwed in completely will gradually evaporate and poison nearby people. First of all, chlorine disrupts the functioning of the cardiovascular system, causing hypertension and atherosclerosis. Chlorine also negatively affects skin, hair and nails. But the main danger of chlorine is its high carcinogenicity: it destroys protein bonds in the body and reduces the number of red blood cells.
• Nitrobenzine, nitrobenzene. This is an extremely dangerous volatile substance that is used in parquet polishing and furniture polishing products. Just a couple of sprays - and nitrobenzene easily enters the body, causing irreparable harm. In case of nitrobenzene poisoning, shortness of breath, diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions and discoloration of the skin are observed. The accumulation of high doses of nitrobenzine in the human body can be fatal. Frequent contact of a pregnant woman with this dangerous substance can cause severe birth defects in the child.

Products potentially hazardous to health

Dishwashing liquid

Perhaps the most dangerous product in the house. Firstly, the vast majority of dishwashing liquids contain aggressive anionic surfactants, which effectively remove grease and dirt from dishes, but have pronounced toxic properties. Secondly, the above-mentioned surfactants stick to the dishes so strongly that they can only be washed off if you rinse each piece of dishes for at least twenty seconds. But almost no one fulfills this condition.

Bottom line: we absorb a huge amount of harmful compounds every day through food. That is why it is better to use a dishwasher, which quickly and effectively rinses dishes, washing away all chemicals from their surface. But it’s even better to switch to completely organic products that do not harm the body, even if ingested. Of course, organics are much more expensive than conventional products, but dishes can be rinsed less thoroughly, saving water.

Liquid laundry detergents are less dangerous than any powders

Laundry powders

To remove serious stains, the powder must have strong cleaning properties. Therefore, laundry detergents pose a health hazard. As a rule, powders contain anionic surfactants and phosphates, the combination of which contributes to excellent washing results, but is extremely dangerous for humans. Even advertised children's powders, which are supposed to be hypoallergenic, often contain the same substances as powders for adults.

If you wash by hand, it is recommended to do so with gloves so that toxic substances do not penetrate the skin into the body. It is advisable to wear a mask on your face, since the dry powder is extremely volatile and quickly enters the lungs. Less dangerous are liquid laundry concentrates - but, again, they also remain in the fibers of clothing. To completely remove chemicals from your fabric, you need to rinse your laundry in hot water at least eight times.

At the same time, a standard washing machine cycle includes no more than four rinses. This means that we constantly wear clothes soaked in phosphates and surfactants. But there is a way out: choose powders with a natural detergent base. Such products contain non-ionic and cationic surfactants and do not contain phosphates. The washing quality may be slightly lower, but you will not have to rinse your clothes several times.

Bathroom cleaning products

This is a particularly dangerous category of products, since they almost always contain a toxic oxidizing agent - sodium hypochloride, which consists of 93% chlorine and ammonia. These caustic substances irritate the mucous membranes and respiratory system. The packaging of such products always contains a warning that the product is extremely toxic and can cause burns. In addition, toilet cleaners often contain cresols and phenols.

It is better to use gloves and a mask when using any household chemicals.

These are caustic bactericidal substances that cause short-term loss of consciousness, diarrhea and impaired visual acuity. If you regularly use bathroom cleaning products, it is recommended to wear protective gloves and a face mask, and thoroughly ventilate the room after cleaning. As an alternative, you can use baking soda and vinegar, or organic detergents that are not harmful to humans.

Window cleaning spray

It would seem like a completely harmless product that just cleans glass surfaces until they shine. But window cleaning aerosols contain three dangerous chemicals - ammonia hydrate, propanol and ammonia. Inhalation of these substances threatens loss of consciousness, disruption of the vestibular apparatus, eye irritation and the development of migraines. To protect yourself from the harmful effects of window cleaning spray, try using regular table vinegar to clean your glass.

Air fresheners

Sprinkling a pleasant-smelling spray around the apartment every day, we don’t even think about the harm it can cause to the body. Air fresheners contain phthalic acid salts (phthalates), which disrupt the functioning of the hormonal system. But it’s even worse if the spray contains formaldehyde, because it is carcinogenic and has an extremely negative effect on cell function, causing mutations. Aroma lamps based on essential oils can be used as a safe air freshener.

Conclusions

In order to minimize the harmful effects of household chemicals on the body, you need to remember the most dangerous substances and carefully read the composition when choosing products. Also, do not neglect replacing most aggressive chemicals with natural analogues - citric acid, soda ash or regular soda, vinegar and laundry soap, which will preserve not only your health, but also the environment.

Air pollution has already reached a critical level, so it is very important to reduce the impact of toxic substances on the body. This is especially true for indoor air. Household chemicals, although they are an indispensable assistant in household chores, are also strong air pollutants. Cleaning, washing, and washing products make life easier, but at the same time they negatively affect human health and cause diseases such as cancer, hypertension, allergies, nervous disorders, etc.

Cheap detergents are especially harmful; they contain phosphorus additives that cause dermatitis and harmful surfactants that disrupt metabolism.

Lovers of cleanliness risk developing chronic diseases and a general decrease in immunity if they wash the house several times a day.

The following detergents cause the greatest harm:

- Washing powders

It doesn't make much difference whether you put the powder in the washing machine or wash it by hand. One way or another, we inhale microparticles of the powder, they penetrate the respiratory system, and upon contact with the skin of the hands, through the pores directly into the blood. Laundry will also not save you from the harm of household chemicals, because it is impossible to completely wash fabrics of powder, its particles are firmly held in the fibers.

We do not encourage using ash for washing, like our ancestors; we recommend trying, as much as possible, to reduce the negative impact of household chemicals on human health. It is worth paying special attention to the content of surfactants and phosphates in the washing powder - the maximum “dose” is 5%. You can determine the quality of washing powder at home: fill a glass with ordinary water and add three drops of brilliant green. After this, put some powder in a glass and stir. After a good powder, the water will turn white.

-Dishwashing detergents.

Detergents are good because they do not have as many volatile substances as washing powders, which means there is no danger of inhaling harmful components. Here lies another problem. A detergent oversaturated with surfactants easily penetrates through the pores on the skin of the hands into the bloodstream and can cause allergies and a general decrease in immunity. Detergent is very difficult to remove from dishes - you need to rinse the dishes for at least 15 seconds or use the dishwasher. When washing by hand, use baking soda or detergents with natural fat-dissolving oils.

-Cleaning products with aggressive chemical additives

Usually these are cleaning products for plumbing fixtures, stoves, and various surfaces. Since they contain acids, phenols and many other toxic substances, using such products is simply unacceptable for health. They depress the liver, kidneys, digestive tract, and nervous system. After using a cleaning product, the air in a residential area becomes several times dirtier and more harmful than outside air. Breathing it is extremely dangerous!

What can replace toxic detergents? An excellent alternative is clay, sand, vinegar, borax, citric acid, citrus acid, and aloe juice. Of course, cleaning with these products will take longer than with newfangled cleaning substances, but it will be absolutely safe for health.

-Aerosols for glass

At first glance, cleaning aerosols are harmless, but when they are sprayed, poisonous isopropanol enters the respiratory system. If you absolutely cannot do without chemicals when cleaning glass, then you should at least use liquid substances that do not evaporate so intensely. There is a safer remedy - a vinegar solution or a soda solution. For greasy stains, regular soap is suitable, for rust - citric acid, for plumbing fixtures - vinegar and soda.

How to reduce harm from household chemicals?

After cleaning, ventilate the room well, since the surface being cleaned, no matter how much you wipe it, always remains a layer of chemicals that continue to evaporate and enter the body. Chemicals (chlorine, ammonia, formaldehyde, phenol, etc.) accumulate in joints, muscles and destroy human health. Low immunity, respiratory diseases, allergies, dermatitis - this is the “gentleman's kit” of every cleanliness lover. In addition, sterility is not a guarantee of health; on the contrary, the microflora and immunity we need is destroyed, and a person becomes a victim of many diseases.

Household chemicals occupy an important place in our lives - washing dishes and floors, washing and cleaning the apartment, air fresheners, etc. From the TV screen, in stores and when communicating with friends, we often hear which product works best when cleaning an apartment, and which one is worth buying. But few places do we hear about the composition of household chemicals, the quality of these products, and what impact household chemicals will have on us and our loved ones.

Often people do not even suspect what a huge amount of dangerous toxins that have ever been created are located directly in our homes: in the kitchen, in the bathroom, in our rooms. The purpose of this article is not to scare you, but to enable you to understand the harmful effects of household chemicals and create a clean and healthy home for you, your family and your pets.

Safety and quality of household chemicals

When purchasing household chemicals, first of all, you should pay attention to the manufacturer itself. It is better to buy products from companies whose products have been certified and approved by organizations responsible for health and the environment. Also, the company must be on the market for more than a year to attest to the quality of its products. It's good if cleaning products have natural ingredients. Try to buy products not second-hand, which will significantly protect yourself from counterfeits.

As for the safety of household chemicals, this is largely answered by companies that call their products environmentally friendly, non-toxic, safe and harmless. This is mostly true, since companies that produce such products are legally liable if any of their customers are harmed by their use.

It is advisable to read the composition of the household chemicals you buy. The composition may contain chemical elements that can cause great harm to the body. Most of these substances have long been banned in European countries, but on our shelves these substances are still found in products.

Avoid products that contain:

Chlorine

It has long been known that chlorine is dangerous. It leads to diseases of the cardiovascular system, contributes to the occurrence of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and various allergic reactions. Chlorine destroys proteins in the human body, negatively affects human hair and skin, and increases the risk of cancer. Although chlorine is contained in household chemicals in small quantities, it still causes harm every time products containing it are used, and even when these products are not used - the chlorine disappears, and everyone who is nearby constantly inhales it.

Phosphates

Phosphates also cause great harm to the human body; over time, this can lead to various diseases and the development of cancer cells. They have been banned in many countries around the world for more than 10 years. Currently in Germany, Italy, Austria, Norway, Switzerland and the Netherlands they only wash with phosphate-free powders. In Belgium, more than 80% of powders are phosphate-free, in Denmark - 54%, Finland and Sweden - 40%, France - 30%, Great Britain and Spain - 25%, Greece and Portugal - 15%. In Japan, by 1986 there were no phosphates in washing powders at all. Laws banning phosphates in laundry detergents are in effect in the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand and South Africa. In the US, such bans cover more than a third of all states.

Anionic surfactants

They are also designated A-surfactant. These are the most aggressive of surfactants. They cause immunity disorders, allergies, damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, and lungs. The worst thing is that surfactants can accumulate in organs and phosphates contribute to this, because they enhance the penetration of surfactants through the skin and contribute to the accumulation of these substances on tissue fibers. Even rinsing 10 times in hot water does not completely remove chemicals. Woolen, half-woolen and cotton fabrics (for children!) retain substances most strongly. Unsafe surfactant concentrations persist for up to four days. This creates a source of constant intoxication within the body itself.

Dishwashing detergents

One of the most dangerous types of household chemicals is dishwashing detergent. They are not particularly toxic, but they constantly end up in food from “clean” plates. It has long been proven that they are difficult to clean when washing dishes, even if we wash the dishes with running water several times. The next time we eat from this dish, the food, along with the chemicals on the dish, goes directly into our body.

Try to use less chemicals and more natural products - soda, mustard and other products that do not harm the body. And if you really have to, then dilute the detergent with water in a ratio of one to two. Pour half of the detergent into another container, and feel free to dilute the remaining half with water. This means savings (consumption is half as much) and less harm, and the dishes are washed just as well. In addition, wash, rather than rinse, dishes more thoroughly under the tap. This will help you and your family eat less chemicals.

Air fresheners

This type of household chemicals is ineffective, since it does not remove the cause of the bad odor, but only temporarily hides it, replacing the unpleasant odor with harmful air. It is often worth removing the cause of the smell - keeping the apartment clean or ventilating the room, and then there is no need to use air fresheners. You can also use more natural products to create a pleasant smell in your apartment - flowers, incense sticks, essential oils, orange peels, pine branches, etc.

Air freshener manufacturers strive to ensure that the scent of the air freshener stays in the air for as long as possible. This causes great harm to the body, since all this time we breathe this freshener and poison our body through the lungs.

The harmful effects of aerosols are well known to people with allergic diseases, as well as to children. But even if your body doesn't give any signals that you're breathing contaminated air, that doesn't mean it isn't harming you. You just won’t know about the result right away, but over time, through headaches, dry throat, dry cough, redness and various allergic reactions of the body are also possible.

In order to get rid of the cause of unpleasant odors, first of all, you need to regularly clean the apartment, regularly ventilate it, close the door to the toilet tightly and establish ventilation there. Usually this is enough to ensure that the apartment always has clean and fresh air.

Washing powders

All washing powders are very active detergents. Even children's and hypoallergenic powders are dangerous to health. Any washing powder must be handled with extreme caution.

No matter how thoroughly you rinse your clothes, some of the powder still remains in the fabric and, when you put on fresh clothes, your body comes into contact with the powder, which enters your body through the pores of the skin. Sensitive people, and especially children, immediately feel itching or redness on the skin. Therefore, each time you wash, you should set your washing machine to an extra rinse mode.

Washing powder should be stored away from food, dishes, and children's toys. You should pour the powder very carefully, otherwise the powder dust may get into your lungs.

When machine washing, it is advisable to open the door to the bathroom and go into another room, so that as little as possible of the harmful substances contained in the powder get into the lungs. It is advisable to ventilate the apartment after washing.

To reduce contact with washing powders, you should avoid hand washing. If you still have to wash by hand, you should do it with special gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after washing.

Insect control products

People use pesticides because they are effective in killing unwanted insects in the home. But the problem is that after using them, harmful substances remain in the apartment, from which children and pets especially suffer.

As with other chemicals, there are many non-toxic solutions for virtually every pesticide application. Keep food in sealable containers. Mouse traps, fly traps (sticky paper) and cockroach traps are effective for pests inside the home. Boric acid and pepper sprinkled in strategic places (against the wall behind kitchen furniture, along the walls) are also effective. Pieces of cedar and bags of herbs (such as wormwood) repel moths in cabinets.

Lastly, about the impact of household chemicals on the environment

Almost all household chemicals used today do not break down in nature. This means that washing powder or dishwashing detergent washed down the drain today will likely be present in our rivers, seas and oceans for many years. For this reason, the quality of drinking water is deteriorating, the aquatic inhabitants of our planet are suffering, the number of safe beaches for swimming is decreasing, and seafood becomes more dangerous when consumed.

For the sake of your health, your loved ones and our entire planet, it is better, whenever possible, to replace household chemicals with less dangerous analogues - laundry soap, soda, vinegar, water, in the end. There are plenty of alternatives to household chemicals for all occasions, and if you have a desire, you can find out about them through other articles on this and other sites on the Internet. If you cannot switch to alternatives to household chemicals, then at least be aware that you are not using harmless powders or liquids, but potentially dangerous chemicals. Therefore, be careful with them and try to use them in smaller quantities.

The development of the chemical industry takes human life to a completely new qualitative level. However, most people consider chemistry to be very complex and impractical science doing abstract things that are completely unnecessary in life. Let's try to dispel this myth.

Why does humanity need chemistry?

The role of chemistry in the modern world is very great. In fact, chemical processes surround us constantly, this applies not only to industrial production or everyday matters.

Chemical reactions in our own body occur every second, decomposing organic substances into simple compounds like carbon dioxide and, as a result of which we receive energy to perform basic actions.

At the same time, we create new substances necessary for the life and functioning of all organs. Processes only stop after a person's death and its complete decomposition.

The source of nutrition for many organisms, including humans, are plants that have the ability to produce organic substances from water and carbon dioxide.

This process includes chain of complex chemical transformations, the result of which is the formation of biopolymers: fiber, starch, cellulose.

Attention! As a fundamental science, chemistry deals with the formation of ideas about the world, the relationships in it, the unity of the discrete and the continuous.

Chemistry in everyday life

Chemistry is present in human life every day; we are faced with a whole chain of chemical transformations during:

• using soap;
• making tea with lemon;
• extinguishing soda;
• lighting a match or gas burner;
• preparing sauerkraut;
• using powders and other detergents.

All these are chemical reactions, during which others are formed from one substance, and a person receives some benefit from this process. Modern powders contain enzymes that decompose at high temperatures, so washing in hot water is impractical. The effect of eating away stains will be minimal.

The effect of soap in hard water is also significantly reduced, but flakes appear on the surface. You can soften water by boiling, but sometimes this is only possible with the help of chemicals, which are added to washing machine products that reduce the process of scale formation.

Chemistry and the human body

The role of chemistry in human life begins with breathing and digestion of food.

All processes occurring in our body are carried out in dissolved form, and water is the universal solvent. Its magical properties once allowed the emergence of life on Earth, and are very important now.

The basis of a person’s chemical structure is the food he consumes. The better and more complete it is, the better the well-coordinated mechanism of life functions.

If there is a deficiency of any substance in the diet, ongoing processes are inhibited, and the body’s functioning is disrupted. Most often, we consider vitamins to be such important substances. But these are the most noticeable substances, the deficiency of which manifests itself quickly. The lack of other components may not be as visible.

For example, vegetarianism has negative aspects associated with the lack of supply of some complete proteins and amino acids contained in them with food. In such a situation, the body cannot synthesize some of its own proteins, which leads to various violations.

Even table salt must be included in the diet, since its ions help to carry out osmotic pressure, are part of the gastric juice, help work.

In case of various deviations in the activity of organs and systems, a person first of all turns to a pharmacy, which acts as the main promoter of human achievements in the field of chemistry.

More than 90 percent of the medications displayed on pharmacy shelves are artificially synthesized, even if they are present in nature, today it is easier to create them in a factory from individual components than to grow them in natural conditions. And although many of them have side effects, the positive value of eliminating the disease is much greater.

Attention! Cosmetology is almost entirely built on the achievements of chemists. It allows you to prolong a person’s youth and beauty, while at the same time bringing substantial income to cosmetic companies.

Chemistry at the service of industry

Initially, the science of chemistry was driven by curious and also greedy people.

The first were interested in learning what everything consists of and how it turns into something new, the second wanted to learn how to create something valuable that would allow them to acquire material wealth.

One of the most valuable substances is gold, followed by others.

Exactly ore mining and processing for the production of metals - the first directions in the development of chemistry, they are still very important today. Because they allow get new alloys, use more effective methods of cleaning metals, and so on.

The production of ceramics and porcelain is also very ancient, it is gradually being improved, although it is difficult to surpass some of the ancient masters.

Oil refining today shows huge h the meaning of chemistry, because in addition to gasoline and other types of fuel, several hundred different substances are created from these natural raw materials:

• rubbers and rubbers;
• synthetic fabrics such as nylon, lycra, polyester;
• car parts;
• plastics;
• detergents and household chemicals;
• plumbing;
• stationery;
• furniture;
• toys;
• and even food.

The paint and varnish industry is completely based on the achievements of chemistry, all its diversity is created by scientists, synthesizing new substances. Even construction today makes full use of new materials that have properties uncharacteristic of natural substances. Their quality is gradually improving, proving that chemistry is necessary in human life.

Two sides of the coin

The role of chemistry in the modern world is enormous, we can no longer live without it, it gives us a lot of useful substances and phenomena, but at the same time it also causes certain harm.

Harmful effects of chemicals

As a negative factor, chemistry constantly appears in a person’s life. Most often we celebrate environmental consequences and public health.

The abundance of materials alien to our planet leads to the fact that they pollute soil and water, without being subject to natural decay processes.

Moreover, during decomposition or combustion they release large amounts of toxic substances, further poisoning the environment.

And yet, this question can be completely resolved with the help of the same chemistry.

A significant portion of substances can be recycle, again turning into the necessary goods. The problem, rather, is connected not with the shortcomings of chemistry as a science, but with the laziness of man, and his unwillingness to spend extra effort for processing waste products.

The same problem is associated with industrial waste, which today is rarely processed efficiently, poisoning the environment and human health.

The second point that says that chemistry and the human body are incompatible is artificial food, which many manufacturers are trying to stuff us with. But here the question is not so much the achievements of chemistry as the greed of people.

Chemical advances make human life easier, and perhaps the role of chemistry in solving the food problem will be invaluable, especially in combination with advances in genetics. The inability to use these achievements and the desire to earn money - that’s the main enemies of human health, and not the chemical industry at all.

Use of a large number of preservatives in food has become a problem in some countries where the inhabitants are so saturated with these substances that after death the processes of decomposition in them are greatly inhibited, as a result the dead just don't rot, and lie in the ground for many years.

Household chemicals often become a source allergic reactions and poisoning body. Mineral fertilizers and means for treating plants against pests are also dangerous for humans, and they also affect nature have a negative impact, gradually destroying it.

The benefits of chemistry

In psychology there is such a concept - which consists in removing internal tension through redistribution, to achieve a result in some accessible area.

In chemistry, this term is used to designate the process of obtaining a gaseous substance from a solid without a liquid stage. However, the psychology approach can also be applied in this industry.

Redirecting energy to advances in various chemical-related industries brings a lot benefits to society.

Speaking about why chemistry is needed in human life or industrial production, we recall many of its achievements that have made our lives comfortable and longer:

• medicines;
• modern materials with unique properties;
• fertilizers;
• energy sources;
• food sources and more.

Chemistry in human life

If chemistry didn't exist. Why study chemistry

Conclusion

The role of chemistry in the modern world is undeniable, it took an important place in the system of human knowledge accumulated over thousands of years. Its active development in the 20th century is somewhat frightening and makes people think about the ultimate goal of using their knowledge. But without knowledge, humanity is only a separate group of individuals with not the best characteristics.

In everyday life, we use many chemical compounds to maintain cleanliness and disinfection. However, all these household chemicals can cause great harm to our health.

Various cleaning products and detergents contain surfactants, acids, alkalis, enzymes, bleaches, abrasives, fragrances, and volatile organic compounds. The presence of these drugs in the house does not contribute to a healthier atmosphere.

The thing is that, although household chemicals are synthetic, their main components are biologically aggressive, since they are used for cleaning and disinfection.

Substances that have the property of destroying other substances (even if it is dirt) can also harm humans.

Household chemicals very often cause skin irritation, inflammation and eczema. Volatile organic compounds irritate the mucous membrane of the eyes, causing inflammatory reactions.

The odors of household chemicals can also irritate the nasal mucosa and cause a runny nose, difficulty breathing and coughing, up to inflammation of the bronchi and even asthma attacks.

Some chemicals found in household chemicals cause dilation of the blood vessels in the brain, which causes migraine attacks (migraine sufferers are usually very sensitive to odors). Household chemicals even negatively affect digestion, causing nausea and heartburn, as well as increasing salivation. Damage to the stomach and intestines can also affect the functioning of the nervous system, which is expressed in a feeling of fatigue or increased irritability.

The human body's reaction to household chemicals mainly depends on the state of the human immune system and its ability to resist harmful external influences. The most sensitive to household chemicals are children, allergy sufferers, people with very delicate skin, and pregnant women.

Household chemicals weaken or destroy beneficial microflora. Long-term use of harmful substances can cause allergies and loosening of adipose tissue cells.

Even household chemicals diluted in water can cause harm to people with sensitive skin.

When household chemicals are used for cleaning and disinfection, harmful substances from them enter the air, which is then inhaled by people living in the apartment. Every day, in one apartment, several liters of water poisoned by chemicals are poured into the sewer, which then ends up in rivers and lakes, from which water flows back into the apartments. It turns out to be a vicious circle - the environment is polluted by cleaning products designed to clean it.

Household chemicals harm our health every day. People use it to wash dishes, bathtubs and sinks and often don't rinse them thoroughly enough. Because of this, some household cleaning products remain on the dishes, the surface of the bathtub and subsequently end up in the stomach or on the skin.

According to research results, the degree of air pollution from chemicals in the kitchen and bathroom of any housewife is much higher than outside the home.

The constant impact of these drugs on the body undermines the immune system and becomes an indirect cause of the development of chronic diseases.

According to dermatologists, many sources of allergens can be found in an apartment: they are present in washing powder, clothes cleaning products, for polishing and waxing surfaces, textile treatments, in insecticides and poisons for rodent control, in air fresheners, scented candles, etc. d.

Harmful substances contained in household chemicals

Household chemicals (washing powders, cleaning products for clothes, home textiles, various surfaces, dishes, bathrooms, etc.) contain binding active substances: chlorine, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, phenol, formaldehyde, acetone, ammonia, enzymes, bleaches, abrasives, fragrances, etc.

All of them have a negative effect on the human body.

All harmful substances can be divided into the following groups:

– disrupting the functioning of the endocrine glands (they negatively affect the course of biological processes and cause neurological, behavioral and reproductive disorders);

– persist in the environment and do not decay over a long period of time;

– bioaccumulative (accumulate in our body and can be transmitted from generation to generation).

Among all harmful substances, the following pose the greatest danger:

– parabens(easily penetrate the skin and cause harm from the inside);

– phthalates(can cause premature birth, adversely affect sperm);

– fragrances(general name for more than 100 substances that are potentially resistant to allergic components);

– titanium dioxide(easily penetrates through the skin into the lymphatic system, causing a toxic effect on the body);

– triclosan(an antibacterial agent added to some toothpastes and cleaning products. Very polluting to the environment);

– alkylphenol ethoxylate(may disrupt endocrine glands. Contained in some laundry detergents, stain removers, hair dyes, detergents, hair care products, spermicides);

– rapidly evaporating organic compounds. These include tuolene (risks babies being born with neurological disorders and developmental delays) and xylene (can cause birth defects and is found in most aerosols and air fresheners). These substances are harmful not only when used, but also when stored.

According to research published in the journal Washington Toxics Coalition, if a pregnant woman is frequently exposed to volatile organic compounds, she has a 25% increased incidence of headaches and a 19% increased risk of postpartum depression.

Washing powders

Every day new washing powders appear, promising to get rid of laundry and long soaking, whiten, remove all existing stains, etc. All this is presented as an effective means that saves our energy.

However, few people think that everything promised is achieved by increasing the level of highly active substances in the composition of washing powders. These reagents, in turn, are highly allergenic.

For an allergic reaction to occur, contact with a very small amount of a harmful substance is sufficient. Therefore, to maintain health, you should very carefully (for hand washing - at least 3 times) rinse your laundry with powder after washing.

However, rinsing alone cannot completely get rid of allergens. When pouring washing powder, some of the substances included in its composition enter the air from the box and then into the lungs.

Most of the washing powders on Russian shelves contain polyphosphates, which are dangerous not only to health, but also to the environment.

The basis of soap is lye. In advertising of any soap, the emphasis is placed on this, or more precisely, on one of the properties of alkali - neutral reaction (pH 5.5). Soap actually has a neutral reaction in itself. However, when mixed with water, this alkaline balance shifts significantly towards the properties of water rather than soap. After all, for every gram of soap there is at least 100 ml of water. As a result, when soap is mixed with water, its valuable pH 5.5 quality simply dissolves.

But in fact, when using antiseptic soap, the opposite effect occurs, since the antibacterial substances contained in it also destroy beneficial microorganisms on the skin, which prevent pathogenic bacteria from multiplying. The skin is virtually left without protection against infections and bacteria.

Meanwhile, human skin is an organ whose main function is to protect the body from harmful external influences.

To do this, the skin also uses a protection method such as attracting beneficial microorganisms. For this purpose, the skin glands secrete special substances; in addition, the surface of the epidermal cells contains special antigenic determinants that fix exclusively beneficial microorganisms.

However, this entire complex defense mechanism breaks down after using soap with antiseptics for washing. A person becomes more susceptible to contracting various diseases, including life-threatening ones.

Dish detergents

Recently, many types of dishwashing detergents have appeared on store shelves. Manufacturers, trying to make their products more attractive to the buyer, add aromatic additives, special additives to maintain or strengthen skin health, etc. It seems that these products are not only absolutely safe, but also beneficial for health.

However, not everything is as rosy as the advertisement says. Most detergents contain antiseptics from the detergent group. The main property of detergents is to increase the surface tension of liquids (the result of this effect is rainbow soap bubbles).

If such a substance enters the intestines, it will lead to indigestion, flatulence and dysbacteriosis.

Bleach and chlorine detergents

In 1822, the Parisian pharmacist A. Labarraque produced a bleaching solution identical to the modern “Ace”, slightly improving the method for producing “javel water”. Thus, the new generation of bleach has actually been used in France since the 19th century.

Thus, “Ac” bleach is a solution of sodium hypochlorite, as stated on the label.

Insect repellents

To protect against insects, the modern market offers a variety of insecticides. Of these, even the most harmless in appearance are very poisonous and harmful to the body not only of insects, but also of humans.

Thus, the American Environmental Protection Agency has banned the use of chlorpyrifos, a substance that is a component of such products as Globol, Raptor, etc. Chlorpyrifos belongs to the group of organophosphates - substances that were developed back in Nazi Germany for use as nerve agents. gases Currently, these substances have been adapted for “peaceful” purposes. However, like all nerve gases, chlorpyrifos has the ability to affect the nervous system, including insects.

A person, even with short-term contact with this substance in high concentrations, experiences headache, nausea, sensory disturbance and paralysis, and in severe cases, coma can develop, and death is not excluded.

In this regard, the safest way to protect against mosquitoes in the house is to install a special mesh on the windows.

Products used in repairs and gardening

Paints, solvents, preservatives, pesticides, oils, varnishes, sealing materials contain toxic components, which are quickly evaporating organic compounds.

Paints also contain alkylphenols, which have the property of causing hormonal imbalance in the body.

Creosote was banned for home use in 2004.

Nowadays, when repairing, it is difficult to completely abandon chemicals. However, home renovation using the most modern building materials involves the use of many products that doctors list as hazardous to health and capable of causing serious illnesses.

Household products containing formaldehyde

Scientific research conducted in the 90s. XX century, showed that asthma is becoming more common every year. The reason for this is considered to be changes occurring in the environment. The greatest harm to health, according to scientists, is caused by formaldehyde, which is found in floor coverings, paints, wallpaper, home textiles, cleaning products, clothing and furniture. It is the most active contributor to environmental change.

Studies of the environment in classrooms with young children have shown that where levels of formaldehyde in the air are higher, children are more likely to suffer from asthma and allergies. Research results have also shown that, among various groups of the population, people who are involved in cleaning premises and work related to any cleaning are more likely to suffer from asthma than others.

7019 children under the age of 3.5 years were also examined for susceptibility to allergies and asthma. The work was aimed at identifying the relationship between the frequent use of household chemicals by women during pregnancy and cases of allergies in subsequently born children.

Research results have shown that in 10% of women who frequently used household products containing formaldehyde during pregnancy, children at an early age are 2 times more likely to suffer from asthma.

Among the remedies used by women were:

– disinfectants (87.4% of cases);

– bleaches (84.8%);

– air fresheners (68%);

– glass cleaning products (60.5%);

– carpet cleaning products (35.8%);

– paints, varnishes (32.2%);

– pesticides, insecticides (21.2%).

Household products containing dioxins

This is a group of chemicals that have very high toxicity. Dioxins are not produced by synthesis - they are formed as additional substances as a result of many chemical processes, so they can be present in many foods and water.

Dioxins are chemically stable - they are not destroyed by microorganisms. In addition, these substances can accumulate in the human body, adding up to toxic effects.

The dangers of dioxins began to be discussed seriously when these dangerous compounds were discovered in the milk of lactating European women.

The main route of their entry into the body is chlorinated water. The dangers of disinfecting tap water by treating it with molecular chlorine have been discussed since 1980, but this purification method is still in use.

Dioxins can also be formed during the paper production process. They dissolve well in fats, so they easily pass into products that are wrapped in this paper. Dioxins enter the human body with food. The use of such paper for packaging baby diapers, sanitary tampons, handkerchiefs, etc. is especially dangerous, since dioxins easily penetrate from the paper onto these items, and then into the body through the skin and mucous tissues.

In 1976, an explosion occurred at a trichlorophenol production plant in the Italian city of Seveso. A toxic cloud with a high concentration of dioxins formed. It covered the territory where 17 thousand people lived. As a result, among these people, mortality from cardiovascular diseases and cancer (mainly from cancer of the lymphatic system, hematopoietic organs and gastrointestinal tract) has increased.

The main symptoms of intoxication are drowsiness and depression. Even in minute concentrations, dioxins can suppress the immune system and disrupt the body’s ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. As a result, mental and physical performance drops sharply.

In high concentrations, dioxins can cause carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic and embryotoxic effects, and can also lead to disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system.

To protect your body from dioxins, you should follow the following recommendations:

– use filters to purify tap water or buy specially purified water;

– use special cling film rather than paper for packaging products;

– try to purchase food products grown far from industrial areas;

– do not use herbicides that also contain dioxins in high concentrations.

Methods of protection against harmful substances

Currently, many companies are turning to the production of health-friendly household chemicals. But truly gentle chemistry is not as effective as conventional chemistry. Therefore, no matter how convincing advertising is of the usefulness of the proposed chemicals, manufacturers will never agree to reduce the effectiveness of their products for the sake of caring for the health of their consumers.

What can be done to maintain health, especially if the skin is already sensitive or doctors have discovered that the child has allergies or asthma? In this case, doctors often advise using alternative remedies prepared according to ancient recipes.

In addition, when choosing cleaning products, it is advisable to give preference to products with a simpler composition, without dyes and fragrances. From time to time it is useful to change your preferences in household chemicals.

You should also try to use cleaning products only when it is really necessary, without overusing them. So, you should not often use air fresheners or products that are diluted with water. When using household products, you should always pay attention to the instructions that come with them.

It is recommended not to use household chemicals containing chlorine, ammonia, phenol, formaldehyde and acetone too often. It is advisable to purchase more gentle products labeled “for sensitive skin.” In addition, you should pay attention to what is written on the label and in the instructions included with the cleaning products.

Household chemicals should be stored in tightly closed containers and in a room where the inhabitants of the house are least likely to visit. It is best to use gels, liquid or granular products rather than powders.

There is a hypothesis that one of the reasons for the rapid spread of allergies among the world's population is the excessive sterility of our current environment, which disrupts the normal formation of the human immune system.

In order to prevent direct contact with aggressive substances, you need to use household gloves and protective creams. It is advisable to limit yourself and your household in the use of household chemicals and cosmetics in aerosol cans. In addition, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse off household chemicals so as not to come into further contact with active substances remaining on objects.

The room in which household chemicals were used should be ventilated more often. You can also install an air purifier at home.

The most important thing is not to purchase a lot of cleansers. It is enough to have only dishwashing and laundry detergents.