Each year, over 1 million children are accidentally poisoned in their homes. 250,000 of these victims are hospitalized. 3,000 children will end up in intensive care. Dozens more will die.
Each year, over 1 million children are accidentally poisoned in their homes. 250,000 of these victims are hospitalized. 3,000 children will end up in intensive care. Dozens more will die. Thousands of children and adults are permanently disfigured or injured through contact with chemicals in the home, each year. The amazing fact is, the most common substance to poison children is a household cleaner. Many of these products are considered safe! Think of your own home - you probably have dozens of bottles of cleaners, containing hundreds of chemicals. Could an accident happen in your home? And if the worst were to happen would you know what to do or how to handle the situation. Products on the market today simply aren’t all safe. Unfortunately the average family and general public doesn’t know that. We assume things are generally safe if they are being sold in grocery stores and dollars stores across America. And let’s not forget our extended family members our pets. They aren’t able to express signs of poisoning as well as humans and more likely to have serious injuries or even death!
Did you know that. Detergents are responsible for many household poisonings. Part of the problem is that detergent boxes are brightly colored and attractive and commonly stored in low, accessible places. There is a common misconception that low-phosphate detergents are "safe." While low phosphate detergents are safer to the environment, they are 100 to 1000 times more caustic than phosphate detergents. This means that low-phosphate detergents can cause serious burns if even a small amount is ingested. Since powdered granules are more difficult to accidentally swallow, powdered rather than liquid detergents may be a safer choice if you have small children in the home. All detergents should be carefully stored well away from the reach of children.
Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Most automatic dishwashing detergents are alkaline with pH values of 10.5 to 12.0. These products may be classified as irritants or corrosives depending upon their composition, concentration, and physical form. Skin irritation or burns may occur following exposure to dissolved detergents. Toxicity may range from mild tissue causes severe burns. The fact that automatic dishwashing detergents contain phosphate causes environmental concerns. You might consider buying a powdered automatic detergent over a liquid variety, because powdered detergents are more difficult to mistakenly swallow Automatic dishwashing detergents may also contain sodium carbonate. Hand Dishwashing Detergent These products are intended for the hand washing of dishes. Hand dishwashing detergents are much less toxic than automatic dishwashing detergents. Hand dishwashing detergents are combinations of anionic and non-ionic detergents, glycols, alcohols, and salts. Exposure to the membranes of the mouth, throat, and gastro - intestinal tract may be irritating but not caustic. Anionic and non-ionic detergents are not well absorbed, and no toxic dose has been established. Hand dishwashing detergents are generally considered low in toxicity. Enzyme Detergent( Laundry Soap) Enzymes are found in various laundry detergents and pre-soaks to loosen soil and remove stains. The enzymes are obtained from selected strains of bacteria. Products which contain enzymes have irritating and sensitizing properties. Asthma and dermatitis may occur from industrial exposure to these enzyme products but would be unlikely from routine household use. Granulated detergents, which encapsulate the enzyme, are less toxic than powdered formulations to people who have become sensitized to these enzyme detergents.
There are safer, cheaper and more effective products available right now in the United States. But due to the high cost of Marketing they just don’t get the same exposure that the other manufacturing companies can afford. Don’t wait until something happens to someone you love. Take the time to learn about Toxins in our everyday life and how you can help your family and help your planet buy buying better, safer and more economical products for your home.
Learn How to switch stores and make your family safer. See if your Home is safe! See a list if regular household products that you may use everyday you may be surprised to learn the facts. http://www.saferhomesolutions.com
This program "Hazardous Products in the Home" was created by EPA Region 5 and Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University. The majority of the information contained in the following sections of the program comes from: 1. Household Hazardous Waste Project. 1989. "Hazardous Products around the Home." University of Missouri Extension. 2. Vogel, Michael P. 1993. "Solid Waste Management". Montana State University.
About the Author
Christina has been a teacher/instructor in the Health Care Industry for 13 years. She moved in to corporate training and coaching for the last 3 years as well as internet and web business coaching and development most currently working with Americasmoms.com and InternetMoms.com
