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Thought these two post would be very interesting to read and remember what products we have in our homes and use every day.
Each year, Canadians spend millions of dollars on household cleaning products. Even though they are a common sight in homes and properties, most household cleaners and chemicals are dangerously toxic. To avoid serious accidents, any chemical product should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and stored safely, especially if there are children or pets living in the home. Here are a number of common household chemicals that can cause severe health problems:
1. Antifreeze
Swallowing antifreeze (ethylene glycol) may cause damage to the heart, brain, kidney, and other internal organs. Inhaling antifreeze is not as dangerous, but may cause dizziness.
2. Bleach
Being a strong corrosive substance, bleach can affect the respiratory system if inhaled. Bleach can also irritate or burn the skin and eyes. Ingesting bleach can cause pulmonary edema or vomiting and coma. Wearing rubber gloves and a dust mask when using bleach is strongly recommended.
3. Drain Cleaners
These dangerous substances contain lye and other chemicals known to cause burns to the
skin and eyes, and even blindness in severe cases. Swallowing a small amount of drain cleaner can severely affect the throat, stomach and may even cause death.
4. Carpet or Upholstery Cleaners
Carpet cleaners contain naphthalene, which is known to cause cataract formation and liver damage over a long exposure.
The perchloroethylene in carpet cleaners is carcinogenic, and it may cause dizziness, headaches, kidney dysfunction, neurological damage and other problems from short term exposure.
5. Ammonia
Ammonia produces fumes that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. People suffering from asthma or heart or lung problems should avoid using ammonia. Mixing ammonia with chlorine products (such as bleach) produces an even more dangerous gas which is potentially fatal.
6. Air fresheners
Air fresheners are known to contain formaldehyde, a strong (possibly carcinogenic) substance that irritates the skin, eyes or throat. They contain other dangerous chemicals which may cause nervous system damage or pulmonary edema in sensitive individuals. Tips to safely keep indoor air fresh are available here.
These are just some of the more damaging household chemicals commonly found in homes. There are many other cleaners which contain potentially dangerous chemicals. To be on the safe side, homeowners should avoid purchasing products marked Danger or Poison on the label. More hidden household dangers can be accessed in this article. The
PuroClean team stands ready to provide professional restoration services to any property affected by fire, water or mould damage.
The PuroClean
Household chemicals can absolutely make our lives easier, but it’s important to remember that many of them are dangerous when used improperly. And when disasters strike, household chemical spills can be a major source of injury and property damage. Make sure these five chemicals are always stored safely in your home or business to maintain safety.
AMMONIA
Ammonia fumes are a powerful irritant, potentially harming your skin, eyes, nose, lungs and throat. When working with ammonia, wearing heavy-duty gloves, goggles and a face mask are smart precautions to protect your health.
BLEACH
Another useful but dangerous cleaner, bleach also has strong corrosive properties that can do serious damage to the human body. Ammonia and bleach are a particularly dangerous combination, creating potentially deadly gases when mixed. Never store these two chemicals in the same place.
ANTIFREEZE
Swallowing antifreeze can cause serious damage to your internal organs. Its inoffensive, sweet taste makes antifreeze especially dangerous for children and pets, who may readily ingest the substance when spilled or improperly stored.
DRAIN CLEANERS
The purpose of drain cleaners is to break down organic material that builds up and obstructs pipes. As such, most chemical drain cleaners contain powerful alkaline compounds, including lye, that can cause serious damage when it comes into contact with your skin or eyes.
AIR FRESHENERS
This one probably comes as a surprise, but the truth is many commercial air fresheners contain formaldehyde and other potentially dangerous chemicals. Even “all natural” options aren’t totally safe: Essential oils are powerful solvents that can strip paint.
Unfortunately, even the most carefully stored household chemicals can be spilled when disaster strikes, causing major damage to your home or business. If you’re dealing with such a situation and looking for disaster repair services in Macon, be sure to call our offices at Parker Young today.
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