What we should know about detergents and their effect on family health;
For the disinfectant to be fully effective against microbes, the instructions on the label must be followed carefully.
We all consider it a privilege to have a label for any product, but most of the time we don’t realize the benefits of the information contained in it. Especially in the case of detergents, it is necessary to read the information on the label more carefully so that we can get all the useful information necessary for its use and learn how to use it.
In addition to the product name, which refers to the brand name of each product, and the type of product, which indicates how to use, other information must be written on the label of the detergent. The most important of them is the “method of consumption” which describes the details of using the product in order to achieve the desired result. For example, how much this product should be used, for which surface or containers it should be used and for which surfaces or containers it should not be used. Constituent materials or “combined formula” is another thing that is mentioned. For disinfectants, active ingredients must be listed. Another important item is the safety information: these materials are usually included after the words attention, danger, or caution and have recommendations about the necessary actions in emergency situations, which you must read. There is information on the label about how to store or dispose of the material, which is necessary. For example, the phrase: to be kept in a dry and cool place. or “Wash the empty container before throwing it away”. A set of information is also mentioned in the environmental information section on the product container, which refers to the recyclability of the material and its container, and whether the compounds are unstable in the environment or not. The net weight or volume of the product must be written on it according to the regulations. In addition, by reading the name, address and phone number of the manufacturer, you will be able to contact the manufacturer and raise your problems.
attention attention!
In the product label, warning phrases are very important. These expressions are divided into several categories according to the level of risk: the most used expression is attention or warning, and from their meaning it follows that the product used does not lead to permanent damage, but first aid measures should always be used. In some cases, following contact with the cleaning agent, the eyes and skin may be irritated or it may cause side effects such as dizziness and nausea caused by swallowing. Most washing machine and dishwasher detergents, some disinfectants from multi-purpose detergents leave such effects. The term “danger” indicates that accidental contact with the thick product will cause permanent tissue damage. For example, eating some of these substances causes serious damage to the environment of the mouth, throat, and stomach, or some of these substances ignite in case of contact, radiation, heat, or sparks. This warning is sometimes used for more powerful products such as gas stove cleaners or blocked pipe ducts. Most of the products in this group have doors that cannot be opened by children. The term “toxic” is the most severe way of announcing the danger about the negative effects of a product and it is rarely seen on household detergents. Some alkaline chemicals used in cars, such as antifreezes, belong to this group.
Hazardous uses
Sometimes the listed phrases indicate specific risks and possible consequences that occur as a result of normal use or unwanted contact (including contact with the eyes or swallowing it), for example, the phrase burning the skin and eyes or flammable indicates that this product should not be applied to the skin and The eyes should be sprinkled. It should also be placed in hot places or near fire. Some expressions indicate the correct way to use the product, for example, “to be used in places with ventilation or an open window” warns us, inhaling the gas or vapor emitted from this product can reach our lungs and other mucous membranes (mouth and nose). hurt, and this phrase is often mentioned in the case of bleaches: Do not mix with other cleaning materials due to the release of toxic gas. Sometimes, some women are so obsessed with cleanliness that they think that if they mix bleach, scale remover, and washing powder, no pollution will remain on the desired surface, unaware that the combination of these substances can be dangerous for human health. and cause damage to the desired surface.
Of course, the phrase “keep out of the reach of children” is seen on most products, but sometimes it happens that a child goes to one of these substances away from the eyes of the parents and eats it or rubs it on his skin and eyes. Therefore, first aid instructions are also included in necessary cases. For example: “If swallowed, drink water and call a doctor” or “If splashed in eyes, rinse immediately with large amounts of water.” When using the product is associated with risks, you usually see the words “use gloves” on the label. Sometimes, due to its flammability, you will see the words “keep away from direct sunlight” on the product. If the sentence “Do not reuse the empty container” is written on the product, be sure to follow it. All these sentences are only for your safety and health.
Cleaning the surfaces, with which substance and for what purpose
The most key thing to fight against microbes is to continuously clean the surfaces of the living environment. When we have active and curious children around us, the position of daily surface cleaning becomes particularly important. In this regard, it is necessary to choose suitable cleaning materials to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Various materials are available in the market to keep the house or workplace clean, each of them designed and produced for a specific type of cleaning process. Sometimes it seems a bit difficult to choose a suitable material for a specific purpose. So let’s take a look at the categories and what these materials can do.
Bathroom and bathtub cleaners: they are usually used in the bathroom sink, bathtub and bathroom tiles, and many of them can also be disinfectants.
Abrasives: Abrasive cleaning materials that are sometimes also disinfectants.
Disinfectants: The only cleaning agents that actually kill germs. The term “disinfectant” on the label of these products means that regional specifications and regulations have been observed in their production. For the disinfectant to be fully effective against microbes, the instructions on the label must be followed carefully. The method of use may be different in different products.
Chlorine bleaches: bleaching materials show their real effect when they are used correctly. These materials should not be used simultaneously with other cleaners.
Furniture cleaners: These materials are designed for wooden surfaces.
Glass cleaners: designed to wash and remove small particles of dust and dirt on the glass.
Toilet cleaners: used to clean the inner surface of the toilet. In this category, many cleaners can also be disinfectants.
Dos and don’ts to prevent poisoning
Here are some guidelines that can be used to ensure that unwanted (accidental) contact with dangerous cleaning materials will not occur:
Keep cleaning materials out of the reach of children, away from food and in places such as cupboards or cabinets with locks.
Store cleaning materials in their own containers without removing their labels.
Different cleaning materials may have different methods of consumption and different first aid, therefore, the same treatment in each of the stages of poisoning with all types of cleaning products can be very dangerous.
When there is an accidental contact with these substances, accurate chemical information should be provided to the emergency personnel or the relevant doctor so that the necessary measures can be taken on the same basis.
Usually, postpone the cleaning of different surfaces to a time when you do not have much work to do, such as when the children are not present and the house is not busy!
After using the necessary amount of cleaning agent, put the rest of it immediately in its place.
Wash and dry the measuring cup used in one cleaning agent immediately and in order to reduce the risk, before using another cleaning agent.
Often, the lids of the containers of cleaning materials are designed in such a way that they cannot be opened by children. However, the assurance of these designs is only when the desired door is closed properly.
Dispose of empty containers of cleaning materials immediately and in accordance with sanitary standards along with other waste.
The things that are emphasized not to do are as follows:
Do not mix cleaning materials together. Sometimes mixing several non-hazardous substances can lead to the production of a third hazardous substance.
Never use and mix chlorine-containing bleaching materials with ammonia and other acidic cleaners, because there is a possibility of creating dangerous gases. (Substances containing ammonia such as some glass cleaners and substances used in automatic dishwashers, and substances containing acid such as toilet cleaners and scale removers)
Don’t confuse the person who is busy cleaning different surfaces with cleaners.
– Never leave the trash can containing materials stained with various cleaners and immediately transfer them to another container. The presence of children less than one year old can increase the possibility of future problems and risks
What should be done in case of accidental (unwanted) contact with cleaning materials?
Keep your cool
Quickly find out what the child has swallowed or splashed in his eyes or skin. Subsequently, find the container of the cleaning agent and read the basic information on the label. Otherwise, call the emergency room without delay.
Provide the following information regarding cleaning materials to the responsible persons as soon as emergency calls are made:
Brand name and manufacturer company name
Type of Material
Ingredients of compounds
Probable amount swallowed by the child if swallowed
How to contact through oral ingestion, skin contact, entering the eyes, nasal mucosa, etc.
Elapsed time since the call
Age and weight and other information about the poisoned person or child
Health conditions and medical records of the poisoned person or child
Carefully and seriously watch all the movements and behaviors of the poisoned person or child and notify the emergency authorities of any significant changes.
In any case, if you decide to take the injured person to the hospital, take a container of cleaning agent and a part of the cloth or equipment contaminated with vomited material with you.
