Cleaning is an essential part of our daily routine, but have you ever stopped to think about the chemicals in your cleaning products? In recent years, there has been growing concern over the harmful effects of these chemicals on our health and rightly so - after all, they contain some pretty harsh ingredients!
For those who are most compromised like cancer patients undergoing treatment, they are particularly vulnerable to the effects of chemicals found in household cleaners. Many conventional cleaning products contain a cocktail of harsh chemicals and irritants, which can exacerbate the already compromised health of cancer patients.
Some studies have suggested potential links between certain chemicals in cleaning products and an increased risk of cancer.
Which chemicals are lurking in our homes?
Many items throughout the home including common household cleaning products contain chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, and phthalates. These chemicals have the potential to contribute to a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even cancer. These are dangerous as they contain chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs can irritate the lungs especially for children and those undergoing cancer treatments, even pets.
It's safe to say that buying cleaning products seems so second nature that we often don't question what is actually in them or read the labels because they are well known or they have been used for years.
Yet, many products have warning symbols against breathing in fumes, suggestions of using masks or recommendations to use with gloves to protect skin. When you stop and think, it makes you question why you would even bring something like this from the supermarket into the home.
How is our health affected?
Concerns over the chemicals and toxins found within our homes have increased over recent years, and the evidence that these can harm your health is now significant. According to Peter Howarth, Professor of Allergy and Respiratory medicine at Southampton University “Toxic Home Syndrome occurs when individuals and families are exposed to a potent mix of airborne pollutants within the home arising from poor ventilation, causing respiratory and skin diseases to occur more frequently.” A study from the University of Bergen found that regular use of cleaning sprays can be as bad for your lungs as smoking 20 cigarettes a day.
We spend a great deal of time trying to keep our homes clean; on average an Australian will spend 1 hr and 20 mins daily on household cleaning.This means that the average person is exposed to a significant amount of potentially harmful chemicals coming from their cleaning products.
Read more about how the air inside your home can be compromised by a range of contaminants including chemical pollutants, mould, dust, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pet dander and odours.
How can we reduce the risk?
The best way to avoid coming into contact with chemicals found in cleaning products is not to use them! There are many ‘homemade’ cleaning recipes out there that appear to be less toxic, but be aware that these can present other contraindicators with health conditions such as high blood pressure, epilepsy, skin irritations and with some needing to be avoided altogether during pregnancy.
Professor Svanes from the University of Bergen states that a fibre and water are more than enough for most cleaning purposes. This statement is supported by a study undertaken in June 2017 by Siegfried Lerchbaumer, an expert in ambient air hygiene, to measure the impact of different cleaning methods on dust dispersion. The test results showed that levels of dust pollution varied highly depending on the cleaning method used and were highest using a broom or mop.
By contrast, using ENJOtex Fibre technology, dispersed 13 times less dust when compared to conventional cleaning, especially when used regularly.
A cleaning regime that includes a fibre cloth and water to remove dirt and bacteria, followed by a drying stage to remove moisture (and therefore prevent mould and bacteria), will provide the most hygienic solution for your health and your home.
Chemical based cleaning and ENJOtex Fibre technology
When considering a cleaning routine, it is important to understand the risks of chemical based cleaning and the impact on health. 53% of cleaning products contain ingredients known to harm the lungs. “In the long run, cleaning chemicals are very likely to cause rather substantial damage to your lungs.” Oistein Svanes, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen. Chemical Sprays disperse tiny particles into the air, which can be harmful when inhaled and can leave a sticky residue behind, giving dirt and grime a chance to stick around. Antibacterial Wipes are convenient but may not effectively clean surfaces, as they focus on killing bacteria rather than removing dirt and grime.Some Eco-Friendly products may contain ingredients, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can irritate the skin and reduce its effectiveness.
It's safe to say that the safest way to clean your home, with minimal risk to health and the environment, is by using Fibre and water. This is where we come in!
So, why ENJO? Each ENJO product has a unique, tailor-made makeup of five raw materials, specially designed to suit the purpose and the surface that requires cleaning.
Keeping our health in mind, the ultra-fine ENJOtex Fibres physically lift and remove dirt and bacteria from surfaces with just water. Dirt and bacteria stay trapped within the weave of the fibre and are not released until the fibre is washed. Drying the surface clean with the super-absorbent ENJO Miracle helps prevent/slow bacteria growing. When tested against conventional chemical cleaners, a 6x cleaner clean was the result! Not to mention it is quick and easy to use and reusable for up to 3 years.
Where to from here?
It may seem small, but every little bit counts to safeguard the well-being of cancer patients. Minimising exposure to harmful substances in conventional cleaning systems can contribute to a healthier and more supportive environment for those navigating the challenges of cancer treatment.
Another factor of consideration is that those undergoing cancer treatments can be more sensitive to strong odours and irritants from chemical cleaning supplies that can make them feel more unwell on top of everything else they are facing.
Our Fibres require only water. No chemical odours or residue. By lifting and removing dirt and grime from surfaces and trapping them into the Fibre, gives peace of mind that these germs are actually being removed and not spread around the home. With a simple wash in the washing machine to remove trapped dirt, products are ready to be reused.
Your clean, your choice
Cleaning is an essential part of our daily routine and it's important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with chemical-based household cleaning products in order to make the right decision for your individual health needs. By reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, we can help protect our health and the health of our loved ones, especially those who are immunocompromised and undergoing cancer treatments.
