Author: Jacob

Our environment that we live in must be kept clean. And how do we accomplish this task? But are we aware of the chemicals used in cleaning supplies? Let’s see what they are:

Ethanol:

Ethanol is an active antimicrobial agent and hence commonly found in sanitizers. Many use alcohol-based hand rubs for protection against germs. Since it easily mixes with water, it is a personal and household cleaning agent. It is effective against coronavirus.

Harmful effects: Ethanol is combustible and hence do not use it near the fire. 

Chlorine Dioxide:

It is an antimicrobial agent used in industrial, food, beverages, and hospitals. 

Food and Beverage industry: For washing fruits and vegetables, poultry products.

In hospitals: chlorine gas cleans surfaces, rooms, and tools and sterilizes medical equipment. Disinfectant in Water treatment: It cleans the water of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause sickness and diseases.

Harmful effects: It is dangerous to inhale chlorine fumes.

Ammonia:

It is the main ingredient of household cleaning items Ammonia wipes away stubborn stains and dirt grime. It is used in the treatment of wastewater.

Harmful effects: Ammonia can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs. Hence rooms must be ventilated. Chloramine gas (chlorine and ammonia) can induce coughing, chest pain, breathing problem, nausea, and pneumonia. 

Hydrogen peroxide:

It has uses in many cleaning and personal care products. Bleaches, bathroom cleaners, mouthwashes, toothpaste, antiseptics, and laundry stain removers contain hydrogen peroxide. In the healthcare sector, hydrogen peroxide sterilizes equipment like respiratory masks, used in treating COVID patients. 

Harmful Effects: One has to be careful in handling it in concentrated forms. Inhaling its vapors can cause asphyxiation. 

Sodium Hydroxide:

It is found in household detergents, soaps, drain and oven cleaners. Chlorine bleach is made by combining chlorine and sodium hydroxide. Drain cleaners convert fat and grime that clogs drain into soap which quickly dissolves in water. It is also an effective water disinfectant.

Harmful Effects: Since it is corrosive, it can irritate eyes and skin. Hence precautions must be undertaken in factories where it is produced. 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate:

It is a surfactant used in personal care products. It is a good foaming agent and also cheap. Mostly found in cleaning products, shampoos, and many cosmetic products. It is obtained from coconut oil or palm kernel

oil. It can help clean tough oily stains. You can buy this product at https://lizardlabs.to/

Harmful effects: It can cause skin irritation.

DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide):

It is the most commonly used insect repellent. It protects from bites of mosquitoes, fleas, parasites, ticks, and other biting insects and also prevents diseases from spreading 

Harmful Effects: It is known to affect sensitive skin and cause rashes. In concentrated forms, it is known to cause the breakdown of a nervous system chemical that causes muscle movement. When consumed internally or inhaled, it is known to cause numbness for some time.

Consumers are better understanding the chemical products used for cleaning more than before. Every cleaning agent has a label that mentions the substances used and also safety precautions to be used during its application. Ensure following the precautions mentioned.