The Hidden Dangers of Cleaning
Keeping our homes clean and free of germs is a top priority for many people. However, the majority of common household cleaning products used to achieve this goal may be doing more harm than good, especially for women. Household cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can have a negative impact on women's health. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to issues such as infertility, menstrual problems, and even breast cancer.
Over the past several years, the paraben free and phthalate free movements have been strong. But if you’re like me, you likely didn’t grow up learning about these chemicals and how they impact our health. Below, I’ll break down some of the most common chemicals found in mainstream household cleaning products and detail why North 24th Home’s products are great alternatives for you and your health.
Parabens are preservatives that are used in many cleaning products to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. Parabens can be harmful to a person's health because they can mimic the hormone estrogen, which can disrupt the endocrine system and potentially lead to reproductive issues, breast cancer, and other health problems. Additionally, parabens can be absorbed through the skin and accumulate in the body over time. North 24th Home uses Dehydroacetic Acid, a safe, nontoxic synthetic preservative that extends the shelf life of the product while being paraben-free. It helps prevent the growth of mold and other potentially harmful microorganisms so you can trust that your product is clean 'til the last drop.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are added to products to increase their flexibility, durability, and transparency. They are also used in many household cleaning products to add fragrance. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors which means they can interfere with our hormone system and potentially lead to reproductive issues, developmental problems, and other health issues. North 24th Home uses essential oils and natural oils to scent all of our cleaning products and our candles are made from phthalate-free fragrance oils that are IFRA compliant and meet Canadian and European safety standards.
Triclosan is an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent that is found in many cleaning products. However, studies have shown that triclosan can disrupt hormone function and may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. North 24th Home uses Benzyl alcohol, a natural preservative derived from fruits like apricots and cherries. It has anti-fungal properties that fight mold and mildew, making it a very common ingredient in consumer packaged goods like skin care and household essentials.
It is important for women to be aware of the potential risks associated with household cleaning products and to take steps to protect themselves.
Educate Yourself: Our health is one of the most important aspects of our lives. Without good health, we cannot fully enjoy all that life has to offer. In many ways, our health is like a currency in life. Just as we need money to buy the things we want and need, we need good health to enjoy the experiences that make life worth living. By taking care of our health, we can ensure that we have the energy and vitality to live our best lives. Commit to being curious and mindful about what you’re putting in, on, and around your body.
Read Labels Carefully: When shopping for cleaning products, it is important to read the labels carefully. Look for products that list all of their ingredients on the label. Look for products that have committed to being paraben, sulfate, and phthalate free. And don’t fall for green-washing (a marketing tactic used by companies to make their products appear more environmentally and health friendly than they actually are).
Shop North 24th Home: Check out our site, read our labels, take a look at our customer reviews and make the switch. We use safe and nontoxic ingredients like African black soap and essential oils to safely and effectively clean your home. Notice an unfamiliar ingredient listed on our products? No worries, it’s just the scientific name for simple ingredients like dehydrated orange peel and baking soda.
Remember that cleaning should not cause harm — It’s never too late to make the switch and North 24th Home has made it easy to “go clean”. Shop our safe, nontoxic cleaning products now.
