. 1 Household cleaning products could release hazardous chemicals into the air, researchers warn Credit: Getty Breathing in these gases can cause eye, nose and throat irritation. It can also result in respiratory problems, nausea, damage to the nervous system and other organs, and even cancer, according to the American Lung Association (ALA). Researchers tested 30 different cleaning products, including some marketed as eco-friendly and without fragrance. They were categorised as all-purpose, carpet, floor, glass, and wood cleaners, as well as laundry stain removers and air fresheners. Some were sprays and wipes, while others were foams and powders. Most were available from national retailers in the US, such as Walmart, Home Depot and Amazon. But many of the ingredients lists are comparable to products sold in the UK and other countries. Scientists at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) discovered more than 530 VOCs were present across the range. Of these, 193 are considered potentially dangerous to human health, according to California's Department of Toxic Substances Control or the European Chemical Agency. They could cause health problems such as respiratory damage, increased cancer risk, developmental disruption and fertility issues, experts say. The cleaning products with the most VOCs, which were emitted frequently and at the highest concentrations, were conventional ones. The five with the highest hazard indices contained 2-butoxyethanol, isopropanol, toluene and chloroform. These ingredients are most commonly found in multi-purpose surface cleaners, glass cleaners, floor strippers and degreasers, and have been linked to allergic skin reactions, drowsiness, suspected genetic defects, organ damage and cancer. Others){kind=link}
YOUR favourite household cleaning products could release hundreds of hazardous chemicals when used, a new study warns.
Disinfectants, stain removers and air fresheners were all found to produce harmful fumes called volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Breathing in these gases can cause eye, nose and throat irritation.
It can also result in respiratory problems, nausea, damage to the nervous system and other organs, and even cancer, according to the American Lung Association (ALA).
Researchers tested 30 different cleaning products, including some marketed as eco-friendly and without fragrance.