Household chemicals arenon-foodchemicals that are commonly found and used in and around the averagehousehold. They are a type ofconsumer goods, designed particularly to assistcleaning, house and yard maintenance, cooking,pest control and generalhygiene purposes, often stored in the kitchen or garage.
Food additives generally do not fall under this category, unless they have a use other than for humanconsumption. Additives in general (e.g.stabilizers andcoloring found inwashing powder anddishwasherdetergents) make the classification of household chemicals more complex, especially in terms of health - some of these chemicals areirritants or potentallergens - and ecological effects.
Together with non-compostablehousehold waste, the chemicals found in private household commodities pose a serious ecological problem. In addition to having slightly adverse up to seriously toxic effects when swallowed, chemical agents around may containflammable orcorrosive substances.[1]
Various household cleaning products have been developed to help remove dust and dirt, for surface maintenance, and for disinfection.[2] Products are available in powder, liquid or spray form. The basic ingredients determine the type of cleaning tasks for which they are suitable. Some are marketed as general-purpose cleaning materials, while others are targeted at specific cleaning tasks such as drain clearing, oven cleaning, lime scale removal and polishing furniture. Household cleaning products provide aesthetic and hygiene benefits, but may cause health risks.[3] The USDepartment of Health and Human Services offers the public access to the Household Products Database, with consumer information on over 4,000 products based on information provided by the manufacturer through thematerial safety data sheet.[4]
Surfactants lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to flow into smaller tiny cracks and crevices in soils, making removal easier.Alkaline chemicals break down known soils such as grease and mud.Acids break down soils such as lime scale,soap scum, and stains of mustard, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages. Somesolvent-based products are flammable and some can dissolve paint and varnish.Disinfectants stop smell and stains caused by bacteria.
When multiple chemicals are applied to the same surface without full removal of the earlier substance, the chemicals may interact. This interaction may reduce the efficiency of the chemicals applied (such as a change inpH value caused by mixing alkalis and acids) and in some cases may even emit toxic fumes. An example of this is the mixing of ammonia-based cleaners (or acid-based cleaners) and bleach.[5] This causes the production ofchloramines that volatilize (become gaseous), causing acuteinflammation of the lungs (toxic pneumonia), long-term respiratory damage, and potential death.[6]
Residue from cleaning products and cleaning activity (dusting, vacuuming, sweeping) has been shown to worsenindoor air quality (IAQ) by redistributingparticulate matter (dust, dirt, human skin cells, organic matter, animaldander, particles fromcombustion, fibers from insulation,pollen, andpolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) to which gaseous or liquid particles can be adsorbed. The concentration of such particulate matter and chemicalresidual will highest immediately after cleaning, and will decrease over time depending upon levels of contaminants, air exchange rate, and other sources of chemical residual.[5] Of most concern are the family of chemicals called VOCs such asformaldehyde,toluene, andlimonene.[7]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released from many household cleaning products such as disinfectants, polishes, floor waxes, air-freshening sprays, all-purpose cleaning sprays, and glass cleaner. These products have been shown to emit irritating vapors.[2][8][9] VOCs tend to evaporate and then to be inhaled into the lungs oradsorbed by dust, which can also be inhaled.[2] Aerosolized (spray) cleaning products are important risk factors and may aggravate symptoms of adultasthma,[9] respiratory irritation,[2] childhood asthma, wheeze, bronchitis, and allergy.[8]
Other modes of exposure to potentially harmful household cleaning chemicals include absorption through the skin (dermis), accidental ingestion, and accidental splashing into the eyes. Products for the application and safe use of the chemicals are also available, such as nylon scrub sponges andrubber gloves.[10] It is up to consumers to keep themselves safe while using these chemicals. Reading and understanding the labels is important.
Chemicals used for cleaning toilets, sinks, and bathtubs can find their way into sewage water and can often not be effectively removed or filtered.
There is a growing consumer and governmental interest innatural cleaning products andgreen cleaning methods. The use of nontoxic household chemicals is growing as consumers become more informed about the health effects of many household chemicals, and municipalities are having to deal with the expensive disposal ofhousehold hazardous waste (HHW).[11][12]