Self-Sufficiency: Natural Household Cleaning. Rachelle Strauss

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       Can formaldehyde harm me?

      Formaldehyde resin is used in many construction materials which makes it one of the more common indoor air pollutants. It has been shown to irritate the eyes, throat, skin and lungs, cause nausea, nosebleeds, insomnia, headaches, coughing, wheezing, and can trigger asthma attacks, lower immunity, and cause fatigue and skin rashes. Formaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that there is ‘sufficient evidence’ that occupational exposure to formaldehyde causes nasopharyngeal cancer in humans (the upper part of the throat, behind the nose). This type of cancer spreads widely and produces few symptoms early, which means that most cases are quite advanced when detected.

       Does formaldehyde harm the environment?

      Formaldehyde is one of the large family of chemical compounds called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which you’ll learn more about in the following chapters. Levels of formaldehyde emitted from products increase with temperature and humidity, so bear this in mind if you use a disinfectant or floor cleaner containing formaldehyde that you add to a bucket of hot water.

      Fragrance

       Which products contain fragrance?

      Nearly every cleaning product is scented. Most fragrances or ‘parfums’ are made from a cocktail of petrochemicals. Several thousand different chemicals can make up one fragrance and manufacturers do not have to disclose what ingredients they use.

       Can fragrances harm me?

      If you react badly to the smell of a product, then listen to the warning your body is giving you! If you find yourself with itchy eyes or a tickly throat as you walk down the cleaning aisle of your supermarket, then maybe you’ll begin to understand how some of these products are affecting your health. Inhalation of fragranced products can cause immediate symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, headaches, nausea and wheezing. More chronic symptoms from exposure to artificial fragrances include asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity, lethargy and short-term memory loss.

       How else can I be affected by fragrances?

      Fragrances don’t just enter your body through the nose.

      They are also absorbed through the skin. Two products that are notorious for causing skin irritation are laundry detergents and fabric conditioners (softeners). Both are highly scented and residues of the chemicals used to make the fragrance are against your skin all day in the clothes you wear.

      Fragrances serve no useful purpose in a product in that they do not make them more effective. They are there to ‘brand’ a product and cover up some of the terrible smells of the raw ingredients. Fragrances are designed to linger – on your clothes, bedding and in the air of your home – so you are constantly in contact with them.