Category Archives: Toxins in the home

A – Z of Toxicity in our home – Ethanolamine – MEA/DEA/TEA

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  • These are pH-stabilizers and are used as emulsifiers and preservatives, in a host of personal care and household cleaning products.
  • They have the ability to interact with nitrates in some products or the raw materials in products to form easily carcinogenic nitrosomes which are easily absorbed
  • Found in:
    • All-purpose household cleaning products, spot removes and metal polishes, make-up and personal care products
  • Read the label for:
    • Mono-, di-, and tri-ethanolamine, DEA, TEA, cocamide DEA, cocamide MEA, DEA-cetyl phosphate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate, lauramide DEA, linoleamide MEA, myristamide DEA, oleamide DEA, stearamide MEA, TEA-lauryl sulfate
  • Problems associated with it:
    • Carcinogenic, neurotoxicity, organ system toxicity, eye and skin irritation.

A – Z of Toxicity in our home – Ammonia, Ammonium compounds

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Ammonia & Ammonium compounds

  • Used in a wide range of household cleaning products like window cleaners, drain cleaners, toilet cleaners, bathroom cleaners, multi-surface cleaners, glass cleaners, and stainless-steel cleaners, it is an inexpensive and effective cleaning chemical.
  • It gives a sparkling, streak-free finish, removes soap scum and fungus and can disinfect household appliances while removing dirt and stains.
  • However, mild exposure to ammonia and its compounds may irritate and corrode the lungs, nose, mouth and eyes.
  • Repeated or prolonged exposure to vapours may cause bronchitis and pneumonia.

A – Z of Toxicity in our home – Coal Tar Dyes

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  • These are complex chemicals created during the incomplete combustion of coal.
  • They contain known carcinogens, such as toluene, benzene, naphthalene, anthracna and xylene that affect everybody from the elderly to babies.
  • It is also a known skin irritant. Coal tar dyes are used in products to make darker shades.
  • Found in: Dark hair dyes, shampoos and scalp treatments, soaps, lotions, eyeliner, mascara.
  • Read the label for: “Coal tar solution, tar, coal, carbo-cort, coal tar solution, coal tar solution USP, crude coal tar, estar, impervotar, KC 261, lavatar, picis carbonis, naphtha, high solvent naphtha, naphtha distillate, benzin B70, petroleum benzin [3,4]”