We take the trouble to look at the ingredients of the foods we eat every day. Glucose-fructose syrup and monosodium glutamate have less and less place in our kitchen cabinets, in order to prioritize more natural ingredients.
But what about our household products? Do we really take the time to check out their equally wacky-named ingredients? Do we know their effects on our health? The biggest retailers will sell us the effectiveness of their products through artificial fragrances that mask the toxic components that are hidden there. And some product lines claiming to be environmentally friendly actually contain substances that are harmful to our environment.
Harmful ingredients
Indeed, the bottles of the most famous brands are full of harmful ingredients. In 2014, a survey by David Suzuki showed that out of 15,000 products, 25% identified themselves as "eco-friendly" without any scientific evidence and analysis. This is why as consumers it is important to be interested in those ingredients that could cause us harm. Here are a few:
- Phthalates: Exposure to this chemical would be harmful to fertility and the development of newborns. It is frequently found in laundry detergents, solvents or cosmetics.
- Bleach : This mixture of water and sodium hypochlorite, well known as a disinfectant, is irritating to the skin and can be harmful to the lungs. To disinfect your home naturally. it is suggested to make use of Soda Percabonate which is a solid and practical hydrogen peroxide to disinfect and descale.
- Permethrin : Usually found in insecticides, permethrin soaks into our clothes, floors or household fabrics and can cause skin irritation. It is a chemical agent that persists in homes and its quantity decreases slightly over time. 12% vinegar is a natural alternative to the toxic insecticide we know.
By providing clarity on the harmful effects of some of these ingredients on our health and on the environment, the consumer will be more likely to make more informed choices about the selection of their purchase.
Another simple and fun alternative to this challenge would be to make your own household products as a family. This would considerably eliminate the toxins released during the use of these chemical substances, by favoring natural raw materials for the maintenance of one's home, such as black soap, bicarbonate of solder or organic citric acid.