A wide range of cleaning chemicals is available in the market to help you clean different types of materials and surfaces. A reliable industrial cleaning chemicals provider will help you choose the perfect cleaning product to fulfill your requirements safely.
However, the presence of toxic and harmful chemicals in cleaning products should not be ignored. It is important for you to be familiar with some of the most common toxic cleaning chemicals so that you can avoid buying products that have such chemicals.
Let’s discuss 5 of the most popular toxic chemicals in cleaning products.
1. 2-Butoxyethanol (2-BE)
2-BE is commonly present in laundry stain cleaners, carpet cleaners, oven cleaners, degreasers, rust removers, and automobile cleaning products. According to Health Canada, 2-BE is a toxic cleaning substance as it has the potential to harm your health to a great extent.
Companies manufacturing cleaning products can add 2-BE in a limited concentration of 5 to 6 percent in household cleaners, while a higher concentration is allowed for laundry stain cleaners.
2-BE tends to break down very quickly in air and soil, but it takes longer for it to break down in water. Once 2-BE breaks down in the soil, it can cause the groundwater to become polluted.
2. Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)
Nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPEs) are typically found in industrial and commercial cleaning products. The purpose of adding NPEs to cleaning products is to improve their effectiveness.
According to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, these are toxic chemical substances, and companies need to minimize their usage. Generally, you are likely to find NPEs in stain removers, car wash products, and detergents.
Few studies have found a link between NPEs and breast cancer. Moreover, they also affect the reproductive system of fish and aquatic life. As a result, you should avoid using cleaning chemicals that include NPEs.
Also Read: Top 3 Commercial Cleaning Products You Should Have In Your Facility
3. Phosphates
Phosphates are present in many different types of cleaning products. The purpose of adding phosphates is to prevent minerals from interfering with the cleaning chemicals. These are useful in ‘softening’ the water by preventing bonding between magnesium and calcium ions.
You are likely to find phosphates in bathroom cleaners, laundry, and dishwasher detergents. Phosphates in higher concentrations are dangerous because when they enter the waterways, they can result in the rapid growth of algae blooms and weeds. This causes oxygen levels to drop and kill or damage aquatic life.
4. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is a surfactant used to remove oil from surfaces. Cleaning products like dish soap, liquid laundry detergents, and toilet cleaners may contain SLS. SLS is a toxic chemical as studies have found it to be harmful to aquatic life. However, no data has yet been released on SLS’s impact on human health.
Generally, if SLS is present in a cleaning product, it should be present in less than 1% concentration. This is why you should always buy cleaning chemicals from a reliable company to ensure maximum safety.
Otherwise, you can experience eye and skin irritation. Therefore, you should avoid cleaning chemicals that have SLS in a very high amount.
5. Triclosan (TSC)
Triclosan is a very common ingredient found in skin care products as well as cleaning products. It was first used by doctors due to its antibacterial properties. You will likely find TSC on the label of products such as disinfectants, dish soaps, hand sanitizers, facial tissues, and detergents.
There is a danger of TSC affecting your health in many different ways. For instance, some studies suggest that TSC can be an endocrine disruptor and impact your hormones’ functions.
Moreover, extensive use of TSC contributes to building antibiotic resistance. As a result, you will have limited options to treat bacterial infections.
Some experts have also classified TSC as an eye and skin irritant. It can also react in the environment to form dioxins and cause significant harm to aquatic life. Therefore, you should avoid products that contain TSC.
About Sunrise Industrial Cleaners
Sunrise Industrial Cleaners is a professional company that provides a wide range of industry-grade cleaning products. We take great pride in the fact that our products have optimum quality, along with safe cleaning ingredients. Soaps, degreasers, and industrial cleaning products are some of the many products you can get from us.
Contact us today if you are looking to purchase high-quality and safe cleaning chemicals.
