household chemicals. How household chemicals affect health, how to choose safe products or do it yourself. We can use

After cleaning, we often notice a pungent smell of chemicals. It would seem that we use the usual means to restore cleanliness and order, time-tested. Unfortunately, many of the selected detergents contain harmful substances. Naturally, manufacturers claim that the percentage of hazardous components is minimized, while the impact on the body of such ingredients can cost us our health.

So, the five most dangerous substances in household chemicals:

Firstly, these are surfactants or surfactants, which are contained in many cleaning products (washing powders, dishwashing liquids, soap, etc.). In addition to being toxic, surfactants lead to skin dehydration, allergic reactions and premature aging.

Secondly, phosphates and phosphonates contained in powders and capsules for washing clothes. They are the cause of multiple allergic reactions, atypical dermatitis and eczema as a result of a violation of the acid-base balance of the skin. Phosphates lead to damage to the respiratory tract, deterioration of metabolism, and also adversely affect the functions of skeletal muscles, kidneys and liver.

Thirdly, petroleum distillates are common ingredients in polishes for metal surfaces. They cause temporary visual impairment with short-term use. With a longer one, they lead to skin diseases, malfunctioning of the nervous system, kidneys, organs of vision and lungs, causing pneumonia.

Fourth, nitrobenzene contained in furniture polish. Is one of the reasons oncological diseases, as well as the occurrence of shortness of breath and vomiting. Especially dangerous in severe poisoning; death is possible.

And finally, formaldehyde. It is found in stain-control products and surface cleaners. Lungs, eyes, respiratory tract, skin and nervous system suffer from contact with formaldehyde.

So how do you protect yourself from negative consequences chemicals?

We can use:

• Laundry soap, vinegar, citric acid, soda, glycerin. They are affordable and environmentally friendly, but less efficient and labor-intensive.
• Household gloves that protect the skin from the penetration of chemicals. The disadvantage of using them is possible allergic reactions and irritation due to the material of the gloves - latex and artificial rubber - especially when in contact with sensitive skin.
• Professional protective dermatological creams

The main benefit of using barrier creams is protection against bacteria and micro-organisms that cause irritation and inflammation. Using such products, you will protect the skin from overdrying, calluses, injury from chemicals.

A huge amount of detergents, stain removers, powders, turned our house into a miniature chemical plant.

What cleaning products do you use in your home? How safe are they for you? environment? What happens if a child accidentally drinks this remedy?

The answers to these and many questions related to the constant use of household chemicals may surprise you.

Most of us use toxic chemicals in Everyday life. Some people realize this, some don't. Many household cleaners, fertilizers, paints, and even pet medicines such as flea control products can be hazardous to our health and the environment.

The constant use of chemicals threatens the environment by polluting groundwater, lakes, and oceans. At the same time, these substances penetrate our body and cause diseases, the symptoms of which appear years later.

One of the most dangerous elements contained in household chemicals are phosphates.

Phosphates are added to washing powders and detergents, and a family of four uses an average of 30 kg of washing powder per year.

Due to the high level of phosphates in household chemicals, a huge amount of these substances enters nature, killing life in streams, rivers, oceans. Ecologists call this environmental pollution an epidemic, and predict that if this trend continues, then soon only algae and bacteria that have adapted to such conditions of existence will represent life in the world's oceans.

To solve this problem, congresses of environmentalists are organized around the world, laws are passed to ban the use of phosphates. Despite this, many household chemical manufacturers add such harsh chemicals to detergents that the wastewater treatment process is changed, the bacteria used in the septic system are killed, and they enter the environment unchanged.
Many of us think that what is sold in stores for home use is absolutely safe, but this is a delusion, many manufacturers do not write complete and reliable information on the labels.

Many household detergents are classified as hazardous waste!

The other side of this problem, in addition to environmental pollution, is the health and safety of our children.

Chemicals present in our homes cause allergic reactions, birth defects, cancer, psycho-emotional disorders, headaches, depression, chronic fatigue, dizziness, sleep disturbances.

This list goes on and on. It has been scientifically proven that housewives have a 55% higher risk of developing cancer than women who work outside the home, as they are constantly exposed to household chemicals. Many disorders of the nervous and respiratory systems are also associated with hazardous substances contained in household chemicals.

Thousands of household chemical poisonings are reported every year. About 20% of these poisonings end in death. About 70% of all accidents happen to children between the ages of one and five.

Almost all childhood poisonings are associated with improper storage of household chemicals and medicines.

According to toxicological studies, the most common cause of poisoning is dishwashing detergent. Anti-dandruff shampoo, if swallowed, causes damage to vital organs. Household ammonia when mixed with chlorine is deadly.

The elderly are also at risk. As people age, they become more vulnerable to the effects external factors due to the deterioration of physical and biochemical processes in the body, which include certain age-related biochemical, morphological and functional changes associated with the nervous system. So old man in most cases will suffer much more from the harmful effects of chemicals than the young.

Apart from phosphates, the most common household chemicals are alkalis, acids, and a host of other toxic chemicals. Alkalis, soluble salts, effectively remove dirt without effort, but if they accidentally get on the skin, they cause severe burns, and if they get inside, damage to organs and even death.
Acids perfectly remove hard lime deposits, rust, various stains, but they irritate and injure the skin and eyes. Oxalic acid, used in most toilet bowl cleaners, is a powerful poison. The level of domestic medicine determines the use of effective and informative diagnostic methods, as well as latest methods treatment https://www.medicinaclinic.org/cancer-treatment.
Household detergents can cause severe burns if accidentally swallowed or in contact with the skin.

Symptoms of chemical poisoning include redness around the mouth, drooling, and difficulty swallowing.

Never try to induce vomiting or drink a neutralizer in case of accidental ingestion of toxic substances. Instead, drink as much water as possible and call an ambulance immediately.

Many of the substances we use to clean our home, wash clothes, wash our body and head are designed to make our lives easier.

However, we do not fully understand the consequences of using all these chemicals. Think twice before throwing leftover detergent down the sink again. Be careful and read labels very carefully.

Whenever possible, try to use alternative non-toxic substances to clean your home, this will not only reduce environmental damage, but also protect your health and the health of your family.

Household chemicals:

Washables, cleaners, disinfectants, pest control and plant protection products, adhesives, paints and varnishes.

According to the degree of danger, household chemicals:

· Safe - there are no warning labels on the packaging.

Relatively safe - there are warning labels on the packaging, for example, "Keep out of contact with eyes."

· Poisonous - on the package there are inscriptions "Poison" or "Poisonous".

· Flammable - on the packaging there are warning labels "Flammable", "Do not spray near open flames."

How to avoid poisoning with household chemicals:

Never use unfamiliar household chemicals

Do not drink liquids from unfamiliar bottles and cans, especially if they are dirty, standing on the floor or in a “secluded place”.

Do not use matches or open flames near jars or bottles with a strong odor

Store chemicals in lockable cabinets

When you see that paint or varnish has been poured into another bottle, make a warning label on it

Store aerosol cans upright in a cool place, do not spray near open flames

To exclude direct contact of the skin of the hands with aggressive substances, it is necessary to use protective creams and household gloves. After cleaning, the room should be well ventilated. You can also install an air purifier at home. In any case, use detergents and cleaners when it is really necessary, in any case, do not abuse them.

We remind you! If you have been poisoned by any household chemicals, call an ambulance doctor immediately! This is especially true of poisoning with alkalis and acids.

It is forbidden to independently wash the stomach of the victim. This will only increase vomiting and cause swelling of the larynx. To avoid the re-cauterizing effect of alkalis and acids, let the person drink 3 glasses of water. But no more!

It is impossible to "neutralize" these poisons (in the sense, give the victim a weak alkali to drink in case of poisoning with any acids and vice versa). During the interaction, these substances create very a large number of CO2 (carbon dioxide). He, in turn, provokes an even greater stretching of the stomach, as a result - increased bleeding and hellish pain.

If alkali or acid gets on the mucous membrane of the eyes, lips or skin in general, you need to wash it off with plenty of water (about 2 liters). A jet from a kettle or a faucet is suitable.

If poisoning occurs cosmetics, stain removers, insecticides, aniline dyes, before the ambulance arrives, it is necessary to induce vomiting in a person. Of course, if he is conscious. It is necessary to give the victim to drink 3 glasses of salt water, then with two fingers, which are previously wrapped in a clean cloth, you need to press on the root of the tongue. But if a person is unconscious, he must be laid so that his head is turned to one side.

Question 3. Practical task (situation). The warning system RSChS received a signal about the approach of a hurricane. Your actions under threat and during a hurricane.

Rules of conduct in case of a hurricane threat:

Close windows, doors, attic hatches and vents on the windward side of the house and open - on the leeward

Prepare food, drinking water, lanterns (candles), medicines and other necessary things

Take shelter in a house or shelter (in buildings, take safe places in niches. Against walls, in built-in wardrobes, in corners formed by main walls

· When you are on the street, you need to take cover in a pit, ditch, ravine, ditch, located far from buildings and structures

When you are in transport, you must leave it and take cover in a safe place (ditch, basement, shelter)

Modern chemistry has stepped far forward - now we are surrounded everywhere mainly not by natural materials, but by materials synthesized by man. The euphoria of humanity on this occasion has passed quite recently. A sharp increase in the number of allergy sufferers, the emergence of various new diseases such as the syndrome chronic fatigue they began to associate it with the fact that a person in the house is surrounded by things that emit harmful substances. Where is the enemy based and what materials should be feared?

The most dangerous poisons

Organic chemistry experienced a real take-off in the twentieth century - a huge amount of a wide variety of new substances were synthesized, which immediately found application for the manufacture various materials. And the era of wood for furniture and cotton with flax for fabrics has irretrievably sunk into oblivion. However, artificial substances were not all harmless. Let's try to figure it out on our website.

The most toxic substances are now recognized as benzene, ethylbenzene, formaldehyde, phenol, xylene, toluene. And all of them in one concentration or another are in almost every home, as they are part of a number of finishing materials and wood substitutes. But we all remember that much depends on the concentration of the substance. And therefore, the use of finishing materials containing the same formaldehyde is far from always causing health problems. In order to cause damage to the skin, lungs, large concentrations of substances are needed.

Where to look for phenol and formaldehyde

Phenol is used to make synthetic resins. Accordingly, in any materials where resin is used, there is also phenol. Such finishing materials include linoleum, varnishes, paints, roofing material, bitumen. Similarly, it is used to make fiberboard and chipboard, which are used to make inexpensive furniture.

Phenol is able to accumulate in the liver and kidneys and disrupt their work.

Formaldehyde can be found in large quantities in chipboard, fiberboard, foam, plastics. Unfortunately, formaldehyde is found in most of the materials that have become common in our homes.

It is considered carcinogenic: its chronic exposure for a long time can provoke the growth of cancer cells. In addition, it causes disruption of the upper respiratory tract, headaches, allergies, and nausea. Symptoms of permanent poisoning with small doses of formaldehyde are pallor, not associated with anemia and skin type features; loss of strength and weakness, decreased mood to persistent depression, difficulty breathing, sore throat, nighttime muscle cramps. It is believed that long-term exposure to formaldehyde disrupts the reproductive system and even leads to gene breakdown. And if formaldehyde is inhaled in large doses, then you can die from Quincke's edema and spasm of the glottis.

Formaldehyde has a characteristic smell that many today associate with new things. It's simple - new things made of chipboard and fiberboard, linoleum, cheap Chinese shoes from an unknown material - they actively emit formaldehyde into the atmosphere and smell strongly.

Many people air out things so that the smell disappears, and then consider them completely harmless. In fact, they simply become less harmful, but with any increase in ambient temperature, the amount of formaldehyde emitted by them increases. And therefore, even a few months after their production, things remain hazardous to health. Toys and children's things made of low-quality materials are especially harmful, since children are especially sensitive to harmful substances. And it can be long and unsuccessful, and the things from his room will be to blame.

How to reduce risks

Linoleum is appropriate in the hallway, hall, balcony, kitchen. But in the nursery and bedroom it is best not to put it. And ideally, it is better to abandon the use of linoleum altogether in favor of laminate, parquet or wood. Harmless materials are welcome in nurseries and bedrooms - cork and parquet.

You should carefully approach the choice of paintwork products. Water-based, alkyd, polyester and latex paints are considered the safest for health.

Do not buy too cheap things made in China. This means that they are made from the cheapest non-certified hazardous materials. Things made in large Chinese factories are of better quality and more expensive.

Danger from wallpaper

Another harmful substance for humans is styrene and polystyrene. Styrene vapors can cause chronic intoxication, which is expressed in headaches, nausea, dizziness, and a tendency to spasms.

Styrene is contained in plastic, moisture-resistant wallpaper, heat-insulating materials based on polystyrene.

Unfortunately, polystyrene panels emit styrene fractions all the time.

In the same way, chlorylvinyl vapors are not useful, which adversely affect nervous system. Irritability, depression, nervousness can be caused by it. Releases vinyl chloride polyvinyl chloride when heated.

How to reduce risks

Loved by all persistent and beautiful vinyl wallpapers can emit hazardous substances, and primarily vinyl chloride. Therefore, it is better to use them in those rooms where a person does not spend much time. But in the bedroom and in the nursery they should not be used. It is better to limit yourself to paper wallpapers, which are considered the most environmentally friendly and harmless. Except paper wallpaper, glass wall coverings, wall coverings from plants such as jute, reed, bamboo are considered safe for health. And the safest wallpaper glue is starch or casein.

Expanded polystyrene insulation materials the best way for good health. To reduce the number harmful substances in the house, you can refuse to use them and replace them with mineral wool. It contains much less harmful substances.

It is also worth bearing in mind that polystyrene manufacturers have reduced the styrene content in the material to a low figure of 0.01-0.5%, which is no longer so dangerous to health. And if polystyrene is used for external insulation, then there will be no harm to health from it at all. At least the harm from it correct application even less than plastic windows, whose frames are made of polyvinyl chloride.

Diseases from a cup

Bright and beautiful plates and cups can also become a source of health problems if they contain melamine. Melamine is a high-impact plastic in bright, cheerful colors.

In 2007, the then state sanitary doctor of Russia, Gennady Onishchenko, declared melamine tableware harmful and hazardous to health. And the blame for everything is the same formaldehyde, which is contained in melamine. Moreover, if it is used for cold foods, then it is almost harmless. But as soon as hot food gets into it, formaldehyde is released from it in huge quantities. Examinations show that its concentration at the same time exceeds the permissible norm by 65 times.

Crystal contains lead oxide. Lead is considered a harmful substance. Scientists have even found out that diseases and deaths among the soldiers in the army of Alexander the Great arose precisely because they ate from lead utensils.

To prevent harm from crystal dishes, drinks and food should not be in it for long.

Today, more and more often they say that the most common aluminum pan was unhealthy. And there is a very understandable explanation for this. Aluminum is a fairly active metal. Its activity is reduced by a thin film of aluminum oxide, which forms on the surface when it comes into contact with air. But cutlery easily removes the layer of this inert oxide and aluminum gets into food from scratches. Today it has been proven that aluminum is deposited in the body, especially in the nervous tissue, and can be the cause of the development of Alzheimer's disease - dementia in old age. In patients with Alzheimer's disease, an increased content of aluminum in the medulla was found. Aluminum is also harmful to the kidneys.

So our favorite Teflon coating also turned out to be unsafe. The substances they release can cause oncological diseases, as well. Any scratch on the coating means that the cookware is no longer safe.

How to reduce risks

Instead of plastic dishes, it is better to use good old porcelain. Let it beat and have to be replaced more often, but it is absolutely safe for health.

Teflon pans can be replaced with ceramic coated pans. They are more expensive, but harmless. From inexpensive pans fit cast iron. By the way, the dishes cooked in them have the best taste.

Harmful chemistry

We have a lot of household chemicals in our homes. We wash with washing powder, wash dishes with dishwashing detergents, and clean surfaces with various means. The only harm we think they bring is dry skin. But you can protect yourself from this with rubber gloves.

It turns out that everything is not so simple. Modern household chemicals turned out to be the strongest allergen. It causes completely different allergic reactions - from skin dermatitis to coughing fits and even asthmatic attacks. All this is due to the content of aggressive substances in it.

Chlorine in household chemicals can provoke the development of atherosclerosis, allergies, and cancer. Phosphates are banned in a number of countries, as they are carcinogens and reduce life expectancy if ingested regularly. Phenols are harmful to the kidneys and liver. Surfactants - surfactants - can accumulate in the body and adversely affect immune system, kidneys, liver, brain. They are not completely removed from things when rinsing. Lauryl sulfate, which is part of all detergents, is also considered hazardous to health.

Some adherents of a healthy lifestyle believe that dishwashing detergents and various gels and shampoos containing lauryl sulfate bring the greatest harm.

How to reduce risks

Instead of chemicals for washing dishes, you can successfully use products that are absolutely harmless to humans - mustard powder and baking soda.

Of course, one cannot abandon the achievements of modern chemistry and return to prehistoric times. However, it is quite possible to choose from the achievements of civilization everything that is safest for health and surround yourself with means in which the content of harmful substances is extremely small in order to somehow affect health. It is worth remembering that in large quantities they are added to reduce the cost of products. Therefore, one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself is not to use too cheap goods.

The composition of household chemicals is often replete with chemical elements. Many people know that concentrated chemicals can be extremely hazardous to health, and often do not even read the instructions for using such drugs in everyday life and do not follow safety precautions when working with them. And this can lead to disastrous health consequences. So, for example, chlorine vapor poisoning is not a joke at all, and skin irritations due to an excess of washing powder also occur regularly. What you need to know about household chemicals, how to work with it and how to protect your body from a potential threat - in the material AiF.ru.

We read the instructions

Experts say that half of the people do not think about how to choose the right household chemicals so as not to make a mistake and not buy the most dangerous product. Those who monitor their health carefully study the instructions and composition.

Today, household chemicals, which are actively used in the homes of Russians, contain components such as:

• Phosphates and phosphonates
• Formaldehyde
• Hydrochloric acid

You can find them in various surface cleaners, powders, dishwashing liquids, carpet cleaners, disinfectants, etc. Moreover, in many they can be in the form of a concentrate, which becomes a real test, for example, for the respiratory system. Not in the best way, such combinations also affect the skin in contact with them (and often cleaning with the use of such preparations is carried out without gloves).

Dangerous chlorine

Various home remedies with chlorine are highly valued due to the fact that they quickly give a tangible effect, allow you to achieve cleanliness and whiteness of things, and get rid of mold. But it is worthwhile to understand that chlorine, as a volatile chemical element, is quite dangerous - it also affects the mucous membranes (for example, it burns the nasopharynx when breathing, the cornea of ​​​​the eyes suffers), as well as the skin. Of course, this does not mean that you have to abandon such chemistry. Chlorinated home cleaners, such as antifungals, bleach, etc., must be used very carefully. Due to their poisoning, a person may develop:

• Hypertension
• Anemia
• Problems with the heart and blood vessels
• Allergies that can easily develop into bronchial asthma

Often, scientists blame chlorine for affecting the human immune system, when it reduces its protective functions, making a person vulnerable to various infections. With a low concentration of chlorine (which is supposed to be used in everyday life), poisoning will not occur and no negative effect will accumulate in the body. Therefore, you should read the instructions carefully. As a rule, most chlorine-containing preparations can be used in an amount not exceeding a teaspoon for a large amount. pure water. So, for example, solutions are prepared for bleaching linen, washing surfaces, etc.

If the concentration of chlorine is exceeded, for example, a couple of tablespoons were used per glass of water, or even a liquid or gel was poured directly onto a sponge, this can be understood by characteristic symptoms that will develop in humans. In this case, from chlorine vapor, he will develop:

• Chest tightness and pain when trying to breathe
• Dry cough
• Tearing and pain in the eyes
• Spasms in the bronchi

So it is worth remembering that health is exclusively in the hands of a person. So, when cleaning the house, you must use protective gloves on your hands, work in a ventilated area and in no case exceed the permissible concentrations of the product.

surface active

Surfactants (surfactants) are found in soap and various powders. They are in demand because they clean surfaces well from various contaminants without much effort.

An excess of surfactants and their improper use can cause:

• Liver dysfunction and high cholesterol
• Lung problems
• Skin redness

In order not to be exposed to the harmful effects of such components, it is worth initially choosing products where their content is not particularly high. As for safety measures, linen washed with a powder containing surfactant should be thoroughly rinsed - at least, use an additional cycle of the machine, the dishes should be washed with running water properly. To prevent inhalation, the powder should be poured carefully, with a measuring cup and again in the amount indicated on the package. If it is spilled, it may not wash out of the fabric and will irritate the skin.

Focus on Phosphates

Phosphorus compounds have an extremely negative effect on the condition of human skin - this theory has already been proven by various scientists and researchers. Such substances, used in excess, can destroy the natural protection of the skin. As a result of the negative impact of such drugs in the human body, the following can develop:

• Pathologies of a dermatological profile, for example, diathesis, dermatitis, etc.
• Allergy
• Problems with metabolism
• Respiratory tract lesions

It should be understood that phosphorus compounds can easily penetrate the skin into the bloodstream and be carried throughout the body. Such components are often found in dishwashing liquids. Their concentration here is low to lead to burns of the mucous membranes, but the hands should be protected additionally. Always wear gloves when washing dishes. And after washing it should be thoroughly rinsed.

To eliminate the negative impact of various chemicals that make up household chemicals, experts recommend ventilating the room during and after cleaning, and washing the floor after washing clothes. It is necessary to choose certified products that do not have a pungent odor (this item does not apply to chlorine-containing drugs), packed in sealed packaging. Means cannot be mixed with each other, because. it is not known what kind of reaction they can give. To protect yourself, in addition to gloves, use a face mask.