Chemicals are dangerous, especially when used often and irresponsibly. The chemicals industry is worth over a trillion dollars, and the United States has a 12% share. Chemicals have been destroying the world for years. It’s been traced to all sorts of aquatic life die-offs, as well as to cancer and other human health problems. It’s a huge problem and the world is doing its best to combat it.
Chemicals have also been known to damage people’s homes and hurt family members. Here’s how chemicals are affecting your household.
Respiratory Problems
Chemicals have various ingredients such as solvents, VOCs, and other hazardous air pollutants. When these chemicals are used in the household, they can cause severe respiratory problems.
VOCs, volatile organic compounds, are gases from certain solids or liquids. They are a variety of chemicals that have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Short-term effects can include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, and nausea. Long-term effects may include liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage.
Ammonia is also a common household chemical that can cause respiratory problems. When inhaled, ammonia can irritate the lungs and cause bronchiolitis. It’s a serious lung condition that can lead to difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing. It can also lead to far more serious conditions in the future because of its high comorbidity.
Skin Irritation
Chemicals can also cause skin irritation. Chemicals such as bleach, chlorine, and detergents can strip the natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and irritated.
Detergents can also contain chemicals that can cause allergic reactions. These reactions can range from mild to severe, including rashes, hives, and difficulty breathing.
Chlorine is a common household chemical used in swimming pools and hot tubs. Unfortunately, when chlorine comes into contact with your skin, it can strip away the natural oils, leaving your skin dry and irritated.
You might argue that chemicals like chlorine are essential to keep the balance of your pool. However, they’re unnecessary because you can lower your pool’s pH level without chemicals. Organic options utilize carbon dioxide, ozone, and minerals to do the job. They work much better than chemical options and have sustainable effects on your water supply, making them the prime option for maintaining your pool’s pH level.
Cancer
Several studies have shown that chemicals can cause cancer. For example, a study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer found that chloroform, commonly used in swimming pools, increased the risk of bladder cancer. The study also found that trichloroethylene, used in dry cleaning and degreasing, increased the risk of kidney cancer.
Another study found that people exposed to high levels of benzene, which is found in gasoline, had an increased risk of leukemia.
These are just a few examples of how chemicals can increase your cancer risk. Many other chemicals have been linked to cancer, so it’s essential to be aware of the dangers they pose.
Damaging furniture and floors
Chemicals can also physically damage your home. For example, bleach and ammonia can discolor and damage your floors and furniture.
Bleach is a strong chemical that can damage any flooring, including tile, vinyl, laminate, and hardwood. Ammonia is also a strong chemical that can damage your floors and furniture. In addition, it can cause discoloration and deterioration of the finish on your floors and furniture.
Chemicals can also cause your furniture to fade and become discolored. Chemicals like chlorine and ammonia can cause the color of your furniture to become faded and washed out. They can also erode your furniture, leaving it with a pitted and unsightly finish.
These chemicals can also seep through the floor and damage your pipes. This can eventually lead to internal leakages and water pollution, which can be problematic for your home in the long run.
Damage Your Walls
Wallpapers can also be susceptible to damage from chemicals. Chemicals can cause the colors in your wallpaper to fade and bleed. They can also cause the paper to peel, curl, and blister.
Chemicals can also cause your wallpaper to yellow and become brittle. Chemicals like chlorine and ammonia can cause your wallpaper to be yellow and become brittle. When your wallpapers become damaged, the wall can also become stained and unsightly.
Moreover, it can also cause your walls to become unstable over time. In some cases, the chemicals can even eat through the wallpaper and cause holes.
Maintaining a clean household doesn’t have to involve using harsh chemicals. Plenty of natural and eco-friendly alternatives will do the job just as well, without damaging your home or your family.
