TOXIC CHEMICALS IN YOUR HOME

Are you prepared to wear all this protective equipment when using your household cleaners?

Probably not… but you actually need to wear this equipment if you want to protect your health… and for hours after you would need to wear a mask to counter the effects of ‘vapours’!

Dramatic? No!!

In fact, many household cleaner labels actually advise you to … “To prevent the health effects of disinfectants, it is recommended to wear protective equipment such as masks, gloves, waterproof aprons, and goggles”

Through extensive research I discovered that every day cleaning and home care products have ingredients that are detrimental to your health and through using them can result in a multitude of health problems… e.g. skin issues, breathing issues, weight issues, allergies etc.

The first thing I found astonishing is that cleaning product companies do NOT have to list their ALL the ingredients on the label, just the ‘active’ ingredients. In some cases, they don’t even have to do this and just provide a website for you to do the investigating. However visiting their website often proved to be vague and unclear and having to Google ‘Safety data sheets’ for the product.

Anyway, I have done some of the leg work here. Providing information on what ingredients are detrimental to your health, and what aren’t.

You may want to grab a cuppa…. as this may take you 20-mins, or so, to read. But I am going so far as to say it is ESSENTIAL reading and your health depends on it. And I’m not being dramatic just for effect! Which I’ve been known to do!

You see, over time, the chemicals in your daily household products can build up in the body, in your tissues, organs and even whole-body systems e.g. Nervous system. These products (chemicals) have a profound effect on the Skin and Gut Microbiome, which can result in health issues.

Just spraying, or applying, these products ‘sometimes’ can trigger an immunological reaction resulting in headaches, skin rashes, sneezing, red watery itchy eyes, sore itchy throat, congestion, sinus problems, tightness in the chest and even difficulty breathing, and that’s just to name a few.

Here is what I uncovered: the DANGEROUS COMMON INGREDIENTS found in everyday cleaning products…

BLEACH is generally a mix of SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE and SODIUM HYDROXIDE. Have you ever read the health warnings on the side of your bleach bottle? Let me share a few… “May produce severe burns”… “Attacks skin and eyes”… “Vapour may be harmful” … “Avoid contact with skin and eyes.” Why so many warnings? Because … “Inhalation of hypochlorite causes irritation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, breathing distress, headache, and cough. At high concentrations, hypochlorite may cause upper respiratory tract edema and pulmonary edema. Long-term use of hypochlorite increases neutrophil levels and causes lower airway symptoms.” [32] While bottles of ‘bleach’ advise users to wear masks, eye protection and gloves when using, it is estimated that very few people do.

SODIUM DODECYLBENZENE SULPHONATE can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, irritating the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Long term exposure may result in dermatitis.  Found in kitchen and bathroom cleaning sprays and liquid cleaning agents.

SODIUM TETRABORATE DECAHYDRATE is basically borax. Commonly used in air-fresheners and cleaners. The jury is still out on borax. Good or bad? There is conflicting information out there. But inhalation may result in shortness of breath, sore throat, coughs and nose bleeds. In America, the FDA banned borax as an additive in foods. The European Chemicals Agency has named it as being ‘of very high concern’. I’ll leave it to you to decide.

FRAGRANCE is added to nearly all cleaners and air-fresheners so things can smell ‘clean’. What does ‘clean’ really smell like, I wonder…?? Anyway, companies do NOT have to list the source. Mind-boggling, hey? Something we use in our homes, day in and day out and there is no mention of what’s in it! Let’s look at what the research says. A 2007 study in the ‘American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care’ revealed that frequent use of household cleaning sprays is a risk factor for asthma as fragrances were found to linger in the air1. Another 2009 study conducted at the ‘University of Cincinnati College of Medicine’ showed long-term use of cleaning products is “recognized as a common cause of new-onset and aggravated occupational asthma” [2].

DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL BUTYL ETHER also found in Mace spray and brake fluid; and your household cleaning products – eek! The compounds can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and can result in irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and symptoms such as dizziness and headaches. Long term use targets the respiratory and central nervous system.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL has been shown to affect the… “Integumentary system (Skin), Urinary system (Kidneys) and Respiratory system (From Nose to the Lungs)”. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry3. And knowing all of that, it is still approved for sale. Crazy?? YES!! According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry… “Propylene glycol breaks down in the body in about 48 hours. However, studies of people and animals show that if you have repeated eye, skin, nasal, or oral exposures to propylene glycol for a short time, you may develop some irritation”. I wonder what their definition of ‘Short-time’ is?  Day in and day out??

SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES) a detergent and surfactant “causes eye or skin irritation in experiments conducted on animals and humans” [4]. This is a common ingredient in home spray cleaners, toilet cleaners, shower cleaners etc.

AMMONIUM CHLORIDE used in glass cleaning and bench cleaning sprays produces strong fumes that are potentially damaging to mucous membranes such as eyes, nose and airways.

HYDROCHLORIC ACID is found in toilet and shower screen/tile cleaners. It’s corrosive and its fumes can result in asthma like symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness [5]. Skin contact can blister and burn skin.

TRICLOSAN is a common ingredient in antibacterial cleaners and hand sanitisers. Apparently, an individual can only absorb a small amount of triclosan through the skin or the mouth. However, in a 2004 study of participants aged 6yrs and older, Triclosan was detected in the urine of nearly 75% of the people tested 6. So, on one hand they say it is only absorbed in small amounts, but it is found in urine of nearly 75% of people. Wtf? Other research indicates that, “There is some concern that widespread use of triclosan and other biocides can alter antibiotic resistance in bacteria” [7]. Amazing hey, the very thing meant to keep pathogenic bacteria at bay may makes it stronger!

BENZISOTHIAZOLINONE is used as a preservative and antimicrobial in room air-fresheners. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates it as a HIGH concern due to its irritation to the skin, eyes and lungs. A 2013 study 8 showed that when combined with Citral and Triclosan (also used in cleaning products) had a negative effect on lung epithelial cells, inhibiting cell growth. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU) says due to a lack of data it should not be used in personal care items. But apparently it is ok to spray around the home and inhale it?? Seriously??

BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDES (BACs) also known as alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides, alkyl dimethyl (phenylmethyl) quaternary ammonium chlorides, ammonium alkyl dimethyl (phenylmethyl) chlorides, or ammonium alkyl dimethyl benzyl chlorides, are a class of quaternary ammonium compounds, which are a common ingredient in disinfectants and cleaning supplies, added due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. “BACs are known skin irritants, with occasional, rarer reports as allergens (skin sensitizers). Regarding acute toxicology data, BACs are classified by the EPA as toxicity category II by the oral and inhalation routes and toxicity category III via the dermal route. They are also considered to be highly irritating to the eyes and skin (toxicity category I). Considerable cell toxicity was observed in vitro for human ocular cells exposed to BAC concentrations as low as 0.0001%.” [30,31]

FORMALDEHYDE can be used in small concentrations as a preservative in cleaning products and air fresheners. It can interfere with the ability to smell by coating nasal passages with an oily film.

I really could go on and on. There are a huge list of ingredients, but you get the picture, right?

And the effects of these chemicals on the Gut Microbiome have not even been researched yet but knowing its detrimental effects on the body it’s hard to imagine it doesn’t affect the microbiome, considering we are more bacteria than cells.

So, what to do?

BIN all your cleaning products – you and your family’s health is paramount here.

What to use instead?

The the cheapest and simplest cleaner is plain white vinegar. It’s simple, cheap and effective. And if trying to remove stains sprinkle some bicarb on the area, apply the vinegar solution and scrub. However, the bicarb/vinegar method isn’t suitable for many surfaces such as wood, leather, certain surfaces etc. and it can be messy and leave a residue!

So, what’s the SOLUTION?

Well with HEALTH and SAFETY being a priority for me and my family… I set off to work in my VOI studio to develop an alternative… my aim was to create ONE CLEANER to replace ALL the cleaning products used in most homes.

A product that is SAFE, NON-TOXIC, HIGHLY EFFECTIVE and EVIDENCE-BASED that could be used on a multitude of surfaces, smells amazing and has anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and antiseptic properties.

After a one-year trial and research the result was the creation of… THE ONE CLEANER … that can be used on a multitude of surfaces from counters, to floors, to pillows and WILL clean, disinfect, sanitize, naturally deters pests and is SAFE.

I also wanted to provide a CONCENTRATE to reduce waste, and allow the end user, to create varying strengths depending on what needed to be cleaned. And of course, for it to be affordable.

Here is the information, and research, about the ingredients used in The One Cleaner…

CLOVE an antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antibacterial and insecticidal properties. It kills mould rather than just bleaching it.  The antiviral activity of clove oil is from a compound ‘eugeniin’. Its effectiveness is by the inhibition of the viral DNA while having relatively little effect on normal, uninfected cells. Clove oil has an anti-inflammatory effect on the respiratory system and can help clear the nasal passages. It is used as an expectorant (promotes the secretion phlegm) and has been used for centuries to treat various respiratory disorders. As a bonus, it’s an excellent natural Insect Repellent as its vapour is too potent for the olfactory senses of many insects. [16, 17, 18]

EUCALYPTUS is another oil excellent for relieving respiratory problem symptoms such as cough, sore throat, running nose, nasal congestion, bronchitis, and sinusitis. This wonderful oil – sourced right here in Australia – has antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial and antiviral properties. It has been shown to kill bacterial germs in the air keeping rooms clean and sterilized naturally. A 2013 study showed that in just 4-days patients treated with Cineole (Eucalyptus oil contains 60% cineole) “showed significantly more improvements of the bronchitis-sum-score than those of the placebo group” 9. Eucalyptus oil has been shown to be effective against Gram-negative bacteria including some antibiotic-resistant strains and has been reported to have antiviral activity [20, 21, 22]

LEMON has natural anti-infection, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antifungal and disinfectant properties. Lemon essential oil can be used on any surface as an all-purpose disinfectant and has proven antimicrobial properties on food-borne pathogens so it is excellent for spray cutting boards, counter tops etc after cooking as it is effective in preventing contamination from, and growth of, pathogenic bacteria. [25]

TEA TREE OIL (TTO) is sourced here in Australia (Melaleuca). It has antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, and insecticide properties. And if you’ve ever had a whiff of it you’d know why! Potent little bugger! Pathogenic bacteria and microbes lurking in your home don’t stand a chance against this oil. Evidence of Tea Tree’s anti-fungal and antibacterial activity is overwhelming. Tea tree oil is effective in disrupting the permeability barrier of cell membrane structures of microorganisms, with its activity being similar to disinfectants such as quaternary ammonium compounds. As a bonus Tea tree oil is a great insect deterrent. A 2011 study concluded that TTO was effective as a deterrent to the different stages of the Australian sheep blowfly larvae. Not that you have larvae hanging around the home but you do have flies that lay larvae! The study showed that TTO aroma stimulated larvae to leave the wound, and its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties aided in wound healing. Virus titers (laboratory test that measures the presence and amount of antibodies in blood) were reduced significantly with Tea Tree Essential oil and results indicate that Tea Tree essential oil (and Eucalyptus oil) can affect the virus before or during adsorption, but not after penetration into the host cell. [10, 26]

ROSEMARY is touted as one of the most popular essential oils. Apart from its ability to boost mental activity, I am in love with its ability to help relieve stress. A Japanese 2005 study showed that it can decrease cortisol levels in saliva. Cortisol, our ‘flight or fight’ response to stress wreaks havoc on the body over time. So, by using the OCD Spray in your home you will probably feel a lot calmer  But Rosemary’s wonderful effects don’t stop there. It works extremely well to remove bad odours (keep an OCD Spray in the toilet!!). Its inhalation has shown to improve the body’s immune response can increase the strength of the immune system and help and can help to ease symptoms of chest and nasal congestion, allergies, colds and flu. Another study showed that when mixed with other essential oils e.g. clove and eucalyptus, rosemary oil can be effective against particular viruses and bacteria. In one study it was shown to be effective against S. aureus and S. pneumoniae, two bacteria responsible for post influenza pneumonia. This dual activity could be of particular interest to treat influenza and also post influenza bacterial pneumonia infections, a leading cause of influenza-associated death.  The monoterpenes and phenols present in thyme, sage and rosemary essential oils possess noticeable antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral activity. [11, 14, 19, 23]

LAVENDER oil has superior antibacterial and antiviral properties but I think the stand out for this oil is its ability to calm the nervous system. Excellent for those of you that are frazzled from working or day, or from the kids. And for all you women who find it hard to sleep… the good news is… that by using ‘The One Cleaner’ in the bedroom with its lavender oil, can significantly decrease the mean heart rate (HR) which means the nervous system is significantly calmed by the inhalation of lavender which equals better sleep. Further studies show that many essential oils, such as lavender, can bypass the blood-brain barrier and deliver therapeutic agents to the brain13 exerting positive benefits on the nervous system. As an added bonus mosquitoes don’t like the smell so no more ‘mozzies’ flying around your ears at night keeping you up!! [11,12,13]

SAGE is one of my favourite oils for cleaning. I love the aroma, maybe because it reminds me of Italian food. It has amazing properties… antiseptic, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal. A 2007 Study 14 tested the antimicrobial activity against 13 bacterial strains and 6 fungi. It revealed that both Sage, and Rosemary, had important antibacterial activity against bacteria’s such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, S. enteritidis, and Shigella sonei. Making it an excellent addition to ‘The One Cleaner’. Also, its inhalation can help relieve congestion caused from colds and flu. The monoterpenes and phenols present in thyme, sage and rosemary essential oils possess noticeable antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral activity. [14, 19]

THYME another oil I am obsessed with. Maybe food related too?? It has superior antiviral antiseptic, antibacterial and insecticide properties. But probably why I love this oil is because of its ability to inhibit bacterial growth. Thyme essential oil is a wonderful expectorant helping to ease congestion. Much like lavender it is also used in aromatherapy due to its stress-relieving abilities. As an insecticide, it targets moths that tend to overtake your pantry. Use ‘The One Cleaner’   to wipe down pantry shelves and keep the moths away. The monoterpenes and phenols present in thyme, sage and rosemary essential oils possess noticeable antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral activity. [19]

CINNAMON BARK has potent antibacterial, anti-fungal and antimicrobial capability that destroys and suppresses the growth of microorganisms mainly due to a compound, Cinnamaldehyde. Research shows that cinnamon oil has antibacterial action against S. epidermidis biofilm cells and compared to other essential oils shows a particularly potent bactericidal and significant inhibitory effect against P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, P. vulgaris, K. pneumoniae and S. aureus. Cinnamon oil has also been shown to inhibit the growth of molds, yeast and bacteria. [16, 27, 28, 29]

Finally, there is a Solubiliser in the mix. Solubiliser is necessary as it combines the essential oils and the water you add, without it would separate and you’d get oil globs on surfaces. I use a Solubiliser that uses a coconut oil derived Polysorbate and 35% Alcohol.

The ONE CLEANER has been laboratory tested and verified to kill 99.9% of E.Coli

So there you have it, information to make an informed decision about what to use in your home (and car) to clean.

If you think this information would be useful for family and friends please forward them the link. Thanks Nat xx

EDIT 2020… Lots of people have asked me… “Is OCD effective against COVID-19?”. I make no claim to treat any condition, specific bacteria or virus, but rather, present the facts from research. Recent new concerns are emerging about alcohol-tolerant bacteria and viruses. Over recent years, researchers have noted a steady rise in the number of serious infections caused by one particular drug-resistant bacterium — Enterococcus faecium — despite the wide use of alcohol-based disinfectants. [23]

If you want to know more about my programs that are designed to IMPROVE your Gut Health then head HERE or if you want to eat your way back to health — one meal at a time — check out my Gut Health Recipe Compendium. Nat xx

REFERENCES

1. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2007). http://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1164/rccm.200612-1793OC

2. (2009). Evaluation of cleaning activities on respiratory symptoms in asthmatic female homemakers. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19205284

3. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov

4. Final report on the safety assessment of sodium laureth sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate. Journal of the American College of Toxicology. 2(5): 1–34. doi:10.3109/10915818309140713.

5. Medical Management Guidelines for Hydrogen Chloride. Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR). Atlanta, GA. (2014) Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014: chap 153.

6. Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals (Fourth Report. (2003–2004). 2009 Report https://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/pdf/fourthreport.pdf

7. Aiello A.E, Larson E.L, Levy S.B. (2007). Consumer antibacterial soaps: effective or just risky? Clin Infect Dis 2007;45 Suppl 2:S137-S147.

8. Kwon, et al. (2013) Cytotoxic effects of air freshener biocides in lung epithelial cells. Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Korea.

9. Efficacy of cineole in patients suffering from acute bronchitis: a placebo-controlled double-blind trial. (2013). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3842692/

10. J.T, James. P.J. (2011). Insecticidal and repellent effects of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil against Lucilia cuprina. Veterinary Parasitology. Volume 184, Issues 2–4, 23 March 2012, Pages 271-278.

11. T. (2005). Smelling lavender and rosemary increases free radical scavenging activity and decreases cortisol level in saliva. Department of Oral Physiology, Meikai University, School of Dentistry, Japan. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2005.12.012

12. L.W., Cheng.S.L., Liu. C.F. (2012). The Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on Autonomic Nervous System in Midlife Women with Insomnia. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Article ID 740813 http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/740813

13. E. Perry. N. (2003). Aromatherapy in the Management of Psychiatric Disorders. Clinical and Neuropharmacological Perspectives. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00023210-200620040-00001

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15. Other sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty-four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People. https://www.cdc.gov/

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17. Kurokawa, M. (1998). Purification and characterization of eugeniin as an antiherpesvirus compound from Geum japonicum and Syzygium aromaticum. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1998; 284(2): 728-735

18. Pérez-Conesa, D. McLandsborough L., Weiss J. (2006) Inhibition and inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli. O157:H7 colony biofilms by micellar-encapsulated eugenol and carvacrol. J Food Prot.

19. Nazzaro, F., Fratianni, F., De Martino, L., Coppola, R., & De Feo, V. (2013). Effect of essential oils on pathogenic bacteria. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 6(12), 1451–1474. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph6121451

20. Astani, A., Reichling, J., & Schnitzler, P. (2010). Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils.

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22. Vimalanathan, S., & Hudson, J. (2014). Anti-influenza virus activity of essential oils and vapors. American Journal of Essential Oil and Natural Products.

23. Pidot, S.J. et al. (2018). Increasing tolerance of hospital Enterococcus faecium to handwash alcohols. Sci Transl Med.

24. Chung, D. R., & Huh, K. (2015). Novel pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia. Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy.

25. Yazgan H, Ozogul Y, Kuley E. (2019) Antimicrobial influence of nanoemulsified lemon essential oil and pure lemon essential oil on food-borne pathogens and fish spoilage bacteria. Int J Food Microbiol.

26. Schnitzler P, Schön K, Reichling J. (2001) Antiviral activity of Australian tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil against herpes simplex virus in cell culture. Pharmazie.

27. Prabuseenivasan S, Jayakumar M, Ignacimuthu S. (2006) In vitro antibacterial activity of some plant essential oils. BMC Complement Altern Med.

28. Nuryastuti T, van der Mei HC, Busscher HJ et al. (2009) Effect of cinnamon oil on icaA expression and biofilm formation by Staphylococcus epidermidis. Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

29. Matan N, Rimkeeree H, Mawson AJ, Chompreeda P, Haruthaithanasan V, Parker M. (2006) Antimicrobial activity of cinnamon and clove oils under modified atmosphere conditions. Int J Food Microbiol.

30. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2006). Reregistration eligibility decision for alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC). EPA739-R-06-009 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.

31. Ferk F, Misik M, Hoelzl C, Uhl M, Fuerhacker M, Grillitsch B, Parzefall W, Nersesyan A, Micieta K, Grummt T, Ehrlich V, Knasmuller S. (2007). Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and dimethyldioctadecyl-ammonium bromide (DDAB), two common quaternary ammonium compounds, cause genotoxic effects in mammalian and plant cells at environmentally relevant concentrations. Mutagenesis 22:363–370. doi: 10.1093/mutage/gem027

32. Chung, I., Ryu, H., Yoon, S. Y., & Ha, J. C. (2022). Health effects of sodium hypochlorite: review of published case reports. Environmental analysis, health and toxicology, 37(1), e2022006. https://doi.org/10.5620/eaht.2022006