In our quest for cleanliness and germ-free environments, many rely on products like sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizers, and disinfecting cleaners. Especially businesses, hospitals, airlines and schools.
Despite their perceived benefits, these products harbor potential dangers, including adverse effects on fertility and potential carcinogenic properties. It's critical to recognize these risks to make informed choices about personal and environmental well-being.
Adverse Effects on Fertility:
Quaternary ammonium compounds, including alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC) and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), are prevalent in disinfecting cleaners. Research suggests that prolonged exposure to these compounds may disrupt hormonal balance and compromise reproductive health in both men and women.
Studies, such as those documented in the *Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health*, underscore the potential hazards of quaternary ammonium compounds to reproductive health. They establish a connection between exposure to these chemicals and decreased fertility rates, underscoring the need for caution in their usage.
Unfortunately, many think nothing of it and strap hand sanitizer to everything they own. They spray and wipe everything down with Clorox. Our children alone are over-exposed daily in the public school system as their desks, rooms, lunch tables and bathrooms are bombarded with toxic cleaners. Don’t believe me? Ask your school to see what the custodians use to clean student desks and tables. Take a look at the ingredients used, it’s concerning to say the least.
In our quest to kill Covid and every other “germ” possible in the interest of “public health” we’ve actually been making ourselves sicker than ever and are potentially destroying the health of our children and generations to come.
Carcinogenic Concerns:
Moreover, certain sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizers, and disinfecting cleaners contain ingredients that raise concerns about their potential carcinogenicity. Triclosan, commonly found in these products, has come under scrutiny for its possible carcinogenic effects and disruption of hormonal balance.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has flagged triclosan as a potential carcinogen, citing evidence from animal studies and its potential to induce tumor growth. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has imposed restrictions on the use of triclosan in hand sanitizers and soaps due to safety apprehensions.
Safe Alternatives and Recommendations:
To mitigate these risks, consumers can explore safer alternatives for cleaning and disinfection:
Natural Cleaning Agents:
Opt for products made from natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, which effectively kill germs without posing health risks.
Even Bleach is extremely toxic and should be avoided. Click here for a Safe and Natural DIY Bleach Alternative.
Basic Hygiene Practices:
Emphasize regular handwashing with a safe soap and some water, which is just as effective as using hand sanitizer while avoiding all the toxic chemicals they are laiden with.
Limiting your exposure to toxic cleaning products is vital to the longevity of your health and that of your children. It starts at home and carries over to advocating for yourself and your children in public places. Refuse sanitizer, send in your own cleaning products, etc. the smallest steps can make a big difference in the end.
Ditch the Toxic Cleaners and Sanitizers:
While sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizers, and disinfecting cleaners offer convenience, their potential health hazards cannot be overlooked. By recognizing the risks associated with these products and adopting safer alternatives, individuals can safeguard their health and well-being effectively.
Sources:
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health*. (Publication date not provided). [Linking Phthalates and Human Health](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10937404.2016.1161477).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2016). [FDA Issues Final Rule on Safety and Effectiveness of Antibacterial Soaps](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-issues-final-rule-safety-and-effectiveness-antibacterial-soaps).
International Agency for Research on Cancer. (Publication date not provided). [Triclosan IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans](https://monographs.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/mono101-006.pdf).
https://wellnessmama.com/health/natural-bleach-alternatives/
Even bleach is dangerous.