What We Know Could Save Us
I had skin and nail problems which happened over a year ago. My nail on my right little finger had lumps. It looked so weird, and seemed to be swelling. The nail seemed to be lifted, and really had me feeling so worried. I was afraid my nail would fall off! Even worse was that, something I could not explain developed on my skin. It was on some of my fingers. If I were to compare, it was similar to that of athlete’s foot - rounded and watery. It seemed to be spreading from one finger to another. In my theory, it could have been an allergy. I was so puzzled. I asked myself, “Why on earth I have gotten these?” How would I possibly have gotten those skin and nail problems. I checked on my diet, but I knew that I never had eaten anything extraordinary or bizarre kinds of food which I could have possibly gotten allergies. I did not have any history of allergies from my childhood. I was wondering, why was it only on my hands and nail? On the brighter side, it was not itchy at all, but it was so disturbing whenever I saw it. My hands did not look healthy.
I went to see a doctor to consult about the condition of my hands. She said it was mild contact dermatitis which she believed I got from using harsh cleansers! The doctor said that my hands are more prone to this type of skin problem. To other people, it could be their backs, legs or any other part. She advised me to use mild cleansers only, and totally stop using the kinds of cleanser I was using then. It dawned to me that the reason could be, because of the industrial soap we had at home which I used to clean some of our stuff which of course included my bare hands! The other people at our home had some spare industrial soap which they used for cleaning a storage area, and thought that it would be good not to throw it away. So, they left it in our comfort room as something we could use for cleaning. I did not think that it would have that kind of effect on my skin. That industrial soap had harmful chemicals. Lesson learned, be aware of whether or not the cleansers to be used are filled with harmful chemicals, and use gloves! In this way, problems would be prevented. It is always better safe, than sorry. What we know could save us.
We live in a world full of chemicals. It is everywhere. Chemicals are on our food, perfume, toys, make-up, detergents and many more. Not knowingly, we have gotten so used to being exposed to chemicals, because in all reality, how many times do people question what sort of chemicals are there say, in the wall paint? Most people only tend to judge a product according to its price, what it could do/what is it for, how beautifully packaged is it, which company manufactures it, and who is the celebrity endorsing it. It is only on rare occasions we would see someone really reading the marks on the labels and the list of ingredients. So much money is regularly spent by advertisers to convince buyers that their products are safe and the best. Since we are not all chemists, we just trust to the point that we could be in danger.
On the other hand, let it be clear that we would not have to become “chemical haters”. It is not the case though. Water is chemical, and it is important to our existence. It is only those harmful chemicals which we need to watch out. One harmful chemical is triclosan found in cleaning products which is antimicrobial. It is actually a pesticide. The hormone systems, specifically the thyroid hormones would be negatively affected by triclosan. Abnormal breast development might occur. Another chemical to avoid which is used for dry-cleaning is Tetrachloroethylene or perchloroethylene or PERC. It can cause skin irritation, headaches, dizziness and other symptoms. Butoxyethanol used in general cleaners which is sweet smelling can cause sore throat when inhaled. Exposure to high levels of it might contribute to severe liver and kidney damage, narcosis, and pulmonary edema.
To balance out our perspectives, manufacturers say that toxic ingredients would not cause problems if people are exposed to it in small amounts. However, if chronic exposure happens meaning when people get in contact with it on a daily or weekly basis for example, then the body would be at risk. The body has toxins in it already which is calculated and referred to as “toxic burden”. Constant exposure to harmful chemicals, contributes to the “toxic burden” which would trigger diseases. The body could only take so much. Might as well be informed first before using cleansers, and seek expert cleaning services. In Cleaning Support Services, we assure you that cleaning can be done safely, effectively and affordably.
References:
Chemicals in Household Products
8 Hidden Toxins: What’s Lurking in Your Cleaning Products?
