Household use of hydrogen peroxide may pose health risks in disinfection, contradicting its popular reputation as a safe and effective bleach alternative.
Harmful Household Cleaner Ingredient Linked to Respiratory Problems
Cleaners in your home could be silently increasing your risk of breathing difficulties like asthma, and it all boils down to one common ingredient: hydrogen peroxide.
Irritation and Serious Health Risks
Hydrogen peroxide, a seemingly harmless compound, is a popular choice in disinfectants, especially in products that don't use bleach. Surprisingly, this ingredient has potential to pollute the air around you and pose threats to your health.
A group of researchers from the University of Saskatchewan expressed concerns about the possible air pollution and health risks associated with hydrogen peroxide [1]. As you clean surfaces, you're also affecting the quality of the air you breathe. Poor air quality is known to trigger respiratory issues such as asthma [1].
Apart from respiratory problems, hydrogen peroxide can also cause eye and skin irritation.
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Going Green for Safer Cleaning
Rather than relying solely on harsh disinfectants that pollute the air, here are a few recommendations from the scientists to help you maintain a cleaner, healthier home:
- Swap disinfectants for soap and water: Soap and water are known to kill viruses, and you won't have to worry about air pollution.
- Improve air circulation: Open windows, turn on the range hood, or use your central air system. Lowering the levels of pollutants can be as simple as circulating the air.
- Opt for less harmful options: Although this study emphasizes the dangers of hydrogen peroxide, it's still safer than bleach. For greener cleaning alternatives, refer to the recommendations from the Environmental Working Group. [2]
References:
- Bleach-alternative COVID-19 surface disinfectants may pollute indoor air: USask research
- Environmental Working Group's recommendations on greener cleaners
[1] University of Saskatchewan. (2022). Disinfecting with hydrogen peroxide could be harmful to your health. ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220729114232.htm
[2] Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-vocs
[3] Environmental Defense Fund. (2021). Cleaning products: Are they harming your health? https://www.edf.org/health/are-cleaning-products-harming-your-health
[4] Consumer Reports. (2020). What's the deal with volatile organic compounds?https://www.consumerreports.org/todays-home/vocs-in-cleaning-products-understanding-your-risk/
[5] American Lung Association. (n.d.). Cleaning Products and Your Health. https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/tips-for-indoor-air-quality/indoor-air-and-cleaning-products.html
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