When checking around my home for products, I chose to look
up two specific items mainly because I just purchased them. First, I checked the toilet cleaner I just
purchased, which is Clorox Bleach Fresh Scent.
It’s an antibacterial toilet bowl cleaner. According to the Household Products Database,
it is considered to be hazardous. The
website says it can cause severe skin burns and eye damage. Further, it can exacerbate existing asthma or
other lung issues and can react with other chemicals. Sodium hypochlorite is noted to be a group
three carcinogen. HMIS health rating is
a three which is considered serious.
This is a bit troubling since I’ve
used this product for years and have never personally had a (known) issue. Also, it has proven to be an effective
cleaner. The second product I looked up
was my everyday cleaner which I use for countertops, furniture and so on. That is the Method All Purpose Cleaner. In sharp contrast to the first item, this
seems relatively harmless. The website
states, “The product contains no substances which at their given
concentration, are considered to be hazardous to health.” The HMIS health rating is zero which is
minimal. Like our personal care products, these products should also make known the potential risks. Not knowing the risks not only puts consumers at a disadvantage, it can be the difference between life and death.
Hey Doug,
ReplyDeleteI think its quite interesting to learn that everyday products we use are hazardous. Although the name itself Clorox Bleach Fresh Scent to use as a toilet cleaner I think we be obvious to contain harsh chemicals as we know human waste is disposed in the toilet which contains bacteria that needs elimination. By looking into these products we are educating ourselves to become better consumers to look into other products that use less chemicals and are considered safe.
Hi Doug,
ReplyDeleteHow frustrating that a product you just bought turned out to be hazardous! Sometimes I make cleaners from baking soda and white vinegar. Mrs. Meyer's and Seventh Generation are also good cleaning brands. That's good to hear that your normal cleaner is harmless! I've been looking up lots of products and it's always relieving when one has a low rating or is harmless.
Malena