Household Products

  In addition to our personal care products, I think it’s also important to know the ingredients and the health effects of our household products. By using the National Library of Medicine's Household Products Database, I learned about the possible health effects of the two household products that I use at home.

       The first product that I looked up is the Comet Multi Room Disinfectant Cleanser with Bleach, Lemon Fresh. With high exposure to the product, I learned that people will have coughing or irritation of nose and throat. The other acute health effects are temporarily eye and skin irritation, and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested orally. I was surprised to know that the disinfectant cleanser has a chronic health effect. According to the Household Products Database, the calcium carbonate ingredient of the product contains small amounts of crystalline silica (quartz) which can reduced lung function if the person was exposed excessively. After finding out about the possible chronic health effect, I decided to stop using it. I’m using the product at least once a week which means I’m exposed to the toxic chemical frequently so there’s a chance that my lung function can get affected. I think other people should be aware about this product and they should also stop using it.

       The second product that I looked up is the Lysol Brand II All Purpose Cleaner Complete Clean, Pump Spray, Lemon. The product’s acute health effects are eye irritation, skin reaction, and stomach irritation if ingested. The product can also cause a severe allergic reaction. I’m glad the product doesn’t have a carcinogen ingredient. I think it’s safe to continue using this product. People who use this product should read the warning label which stated the product’s hazard, eye irritation and allergic skin reaction.