Technology has given rise to products loaded with chemicals that alter, define, or enhance the function of said product. They are neither seen by the naked eye nor felt immediately by the body. Unbeknownst to most people, products that we are exposed to everyday are abounding with harmful chemicals that can cause long term health effects.
Chemicals in Home Products
It has been a long-standing belief that if you stay at home, you will be safe from contaminants. However, this may not be so since there are still dangerous chemicals in products that you use on a daily basis in the home. For instance, some cosmetic foundations, shampoos and antiperspirants contain bentonite. This chemical clogs the pores and prevents oxygen from being transported normally. It can also cause asthma as well as lung damage.
Ethylene glycol is another chemical that can cause health problems. This may be found in floor polish, acrylic paints, firming moisturizers and smoothing lotions. It can cause headaches, kidney problems, cell death or necrosis, as well as backaches and throat irritation.
Chemicals in Indoor Air Pollution
At home, there is a pervading presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds create a polluted environment at home without your even realizing it. VOCs are chemicals that can be found in the air that you breathe at home. Sources of VOCs include paints, wax, cleaning products, and varnishes. You might be surprised that even the adhesives and glues you use are sources of VOCs.
EPA’s Office of Research and Development has done extensive research on VOCs to discover how to lessen the indoor air pollution that greatly affects people’s health. It was found that the level of harmful chemicals indoors is 2-5 times higher compared to the level outdoors, making the home a haven for environmental pollutants.
Ugly Toxins
In everyday living, it is highly probable that you will be subjected to some level of toxic exposure. Sources of pollution are not always found outside the home. They can be found in the things that are used inside your home. Toxic substances include lead, mercury and manganese. Lead may be found in the paint on your walls. Mercury is found in thermometers and thermostats. Manganese, along with iron, is commonly found in water.
The adverse effects of environmental pollution on the body usually take some time to manifest. Therefore, ensuring that the home products you are using are free from harmful chemicals would be an ideal way to prevent the onset of adverse health effects.
