One of the major sources of water pollution are the organic (carbon-containing) solvents found in household cleaning
products. While the standard use in our society of over 75,000 different chemical compounds has offered added convenience
and productivity in our lives, it has come at a tremendous price. Industry has certainly played its part in our
water contamination problems, but our tendency to blame all water pollution on the big factory upstream is a self
serving one. The majority of contaminants found in our drinking water can be traced to improper or excessive
use of ordinary compounds like cleaning products.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) has recorded many exposures to household cleaning
substances that were serious enough to require treatment in a health care facility. Incredibly, according to the
AAPCC, the largest number of occurrences of poisoning in 1993 and one of the top 5 every year since were due to cleaning products
- drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, soaps and detergents.
Every chemical you have under your sink will end up on your skin, in your lungs and getting washed down the
drain to eventually end up in our drinking water. A Touch of Green only
uses non-toxic, all natural cleaners that are 100% safe for you and the environment. Hiring
our service is a great first step to make your home and our planet a safer place for you and your family.
Some of the Worst Household Contaminants |
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A very volatile chemical that is very dangerous and damaging to your eyes, respiratory tract and
skin.
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A strong corrosive. It will irritate or burn the skin, eyes and respiratory
tract. It may cause pulmonary edema or vomiting and coma if ingested. Mixing with acid-based toilet bowl cleaners
or ammonia may produce fumes which are DEADLY. The first agent of chemical warfare
was chlorine. WWII ended with an abundance of this cheap chemical. In the name of huge profits, it was added to
our water supply and many other products. Chlorine has been linked to different forms of cancer and can
be lethal. Scientists won't handle chlorine without protective gloves, facemasks and ventilation yet it is in most
store brand cleaners, including dishwasher detergents. The harmful effects are intensified when the fumes are heated,
as in the shower.
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One of the most toxic products people use. They contain lye and ammonia, which eat the skin, and
the fumes linger and affect the respiratory system. Then there is the residue that is intensified the next time you
turn your oven on.
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Usually contain hydrochloric acid, a highly corrosive irritant to both skin and eyes that damages the
kidneys and liver. Also contains hypochlorite bleach, a corrosive irritant that can burn eyes, skin and the respiratory
tract. Toilet bowl cleaners also may cause pulmonary edema, vomiting or coma if ingested. Contact with other chemicals
may cause chlorine fumes which may be FATAL.
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Other common household items that are harmful to you and your environment include: Antibacterial cleaners containing
triclosan, carpet and upholstery shampoo, dishwasher detergents, furniture polish and laundry room products.
