Household Products

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
Lavender scent

A few years back, I read about the potential toxic effects of cleaning products in our environment inside and outside our homes. It was during this time that I switched our household cleaning products to vinegar and baking soda because they are safe and highly effective. Recently, however, the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes lured me by its convenience. They also appealed to my constant desire to keep my car clean, a dream that is regularly challenged by my three kids. The wipes are kept in the back of my car and used for easy clean up messes on the go.

When I looked up Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, I was surprised and pleased that it received a slight health rating score of 1, and OSHA stated that they do not consider this product to be hazardous. However, after reading their report in more detail, I discovered that 21.5% of the chemicals found in this product are of unknown toxicity. The Clorox company advices if skin comes in contact with the product, then rinse with plenty of water.  Additionally, the chemicals this product are eye irritants, and if ingested then call poison control. If I am using this product on the go, I would not wear gloves to protect my skin against its chemicals nor would I have plenty of water to rinse my hands.

As nurses, we are taught to evaluate health decisions as a risk benefit balance. If the risk outweighs the benefit, then the treatment is not advised. The same can be argued with the use of household cleaners. There is too much uncertainty in this product for me to say that the risk of the potentially toxic chemicals outweighs the convenience of the pre-moistened wipes. Instead, I can easily place a spray bottle of vinegar and paper towels in the back of my car for my quick on the go cleaning needs.  

Read more at https://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=3027362&query=clorox+disinfecting+wipes&searchas=TblBrands


Benjamin Moore Finishes Chalkboard Paint


When we repainted my son’s room last year, I thought that it would be fun to add chalkboard paint to one wall. My son could draw on the wall and be creative in his own space. At the time, little did I know that chalkboard paint is quite toxic. It appears that most of the health risks occur during the painting process and adequate protective wear should be worn to keep the toxics from irritating the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Chalkboard paint contains carbon black, a substance that has reported by NTP to be a possible carcinogen. What I am currently trying to understand is that if a product contains a possible carcinogen, then how does it receive a 1 or slight health risk rating?

If I had researched the risk of chalkboard paint earlier, I would have not put it on my son’s wall. I think that there should be a warning label on this paint especially since many homes will purchase this paint for children’s use. Will I repaint the wall? Does this paint just like lead based paint cause a risk if the paint dust is inhaled? I have to assume, yes.

Read more at https://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=2023065
Comments on other blogs:

 Monica: Pinesol also reminds me clean. Too bad that it is not as clean for our bodies as we would like. 

 Franny: Resolve is super toxic. Yikes. I use baking soda and warm water on the carpet. It works way better and gets rid of the odor. 


Comments

  1. Trin G.September 11, 2017 at 5:14 PM

    I agree with you when you mention the idea of the risk outweighing the benefit. I am reflecting on my choices concerning my own personal care products and the risks definitely outweigh the benefits. I also use clorox wipes, but I use them at home so I am able to wash my hands. I understand your concern with this product and I agree your vinegar cleanser may be a better option for you or you can carry baby wipes to clean your hands with.

    ReplyDelete

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