ALLERGY TO CLEANING PRODUCTS: WHAT CAUSES PROBLEMS?
Certain chemicals in cleaning products often cause sensitivity and allergy. Chlorine, ammonia and phenol are released from common bleaches, disinfectants and cleaners and can cause reactions if inhaled or touched. Fragrances and perfumes are added to virtually all cleaning products, either to add a pleasant fragrance, or as a masking chemical to block strong odours. Many products contain organic solvents, either used directly as cleaning agents, as in stain removers or dry cleaning fluid, or as solvents to carry other chemicals, as in polishes. Natural chemicals are not automatically safer. Some people are sensitive to chemicals, such as pine oil, coconut lemon oil, acetic acid (vinegar) and lavender oil, which are used in some cleaners. Nor are ‘green’ or environmentally safer products necessarily less likely to cause reactions. Most contain perfumes and some contain troublesome natural chemicals.
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