Chemical allergies are becoming more common these days, causing terrible discomfort to many. Every day we are exposed to more and more harmful chemicals, whether it's in our homes, workplaces, or even the air we breathe...
These chemicals can also attack not only the skin, but also the lungs. Regular inhalation of cleaning product fumes increases the risk of developing asthma by 70% , and the number of allergy sufferers is also increasing every year. As cosmetics and cleaning products that make our lives easier appeared and spread, the number of people suffering from chemical allergy symptoms also increased !
In this article, we will explore the topic of chemical allergies:
- What causes chemical allergies ?
- What are the common symptoms of chemical allergies?
- How can its development be effectively prevented?
Happy reading!
What is a chemical allergy?
A chemical allergy is an immune reaction that is an overreaction of the body to certain chemicals that we come into contact with or breathe in. These chemicals can come from household cleaners, beauty products, laundry detergents, pesticides, and other household products.
The immune system of people with chemical allergies reacts sensitively to these components and triggers allergic symptoms upon contact with them.
How can a chemical allergy develop?
Both genetic predisposition and environmental factors can play a role in the development of chemical allergies. If there has been an allergic reaction or other allergic disease in the family, chemical allergies can also develop more easily.
In addition Exposure to certain chemicals may contribute to its development g. For example, the use of strong cleaning agents greatly increases the risk of developing chemical allergies.
Click for cleaning products free of harmful chemicals!
How chemicals get into your body
Chemicals in products can enter your body in several ways:
Through the skin.
This is probably the most well-known, as we use creams or dishwashing detergent on a daily basis. Think about it, if these are all only in small concentrations but contain toxic chemicals, how many of these chemicals could enter your body in a few years?
With breathing.
Yes, you read that right. Most cleaning products and air fresheners contain chemicals that are harmful to your health. And the cleaning product evaporates, both during and after cleaning. In fact, some substances can eat into surfaces, causing the chemical to evaporate into the room even after ventilation.
Swallowed .
This is hopefully a very rare occurrence, but it's important to mention. Never, ever swallow anything that may contain a toxic chemical, as it can directly damage your internal organs.
Why is it important to know the symptoms?
Ignoring or misidentifying the symptoms of a chemical allergy can worsen the reaction and even lead to longer-term health problems.
Early recognition of symptoms and correct diagnosis will help you understand what chemicals are causing allergic reactions and how to avoid them. Moreover, our purchasing decisions will also be much more conscious, because it will be easier to find products that are free of toxic chemicals and that do not cause reactions.
Although it is possible to relieve the symptoms of chemical allergies with antihistamines and other medications, the most health-saving solution will always be prevention.
The most common causes of chemical allergies
You 'd be surprised how many things contain harsh chemicals that you wouldn't even think about. From cleaning products to beauty products to pesticides. (Although that last one may not be such a surprise, we often forget about it.) Considering that we use these on a daily and weekly basis, it's not that surprising that there are so many "new wave epidemics".
Let's see what home products you should pay attention to.
Household cleaning products
It may seem contradictory that the very product you use to clean your home is harmful to your health, but unfortunately, that's exactly the case.
The explanation for this is relatively simple:
Some cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds, which are often hazardous chemicals. These evaporate during and after cleaning, entering the air where we continuously breathe them in.
Several studies have been conducted where researchers have found a connection between chemicals found in cleaning products and the appearance of allergy and asthma symptoms .
Research from theCHILD Cohort Study in 2020 shows that frequent exposure to household cleaning products may increase the risk of developing asthma in children. Another study found that formaldehyde, for example, can cause a skin allergy called contact dermatitis.
These studies all highlight how important it is to pay attention to the ingredients in the cleaning products we use in our homes.
What cleaning products should you pay attention to?
The thing is, almost all common cleaning products contain harmful and irritating substances. Just think about what happens to your skin if you use a degreaser or window cleaner without gloves. Some of the most irritating include:
- oven cleaners
- cold degreasers
- air fresheners
- chlorine bleaches
- detergents and dishwashing detergents
- carpet and upholstery cleaners
- furniture and floor care products
What are the most common toxic compounds in cleaning products?
Toxic ingredients can be found in many household products, so it's good to know what to look for on labels. Let's get to know some of these substances:
- Phenoxyethanol : Phenoxyethanol is a preservative, stabilizer, and fragrance ingredient used in cosmetics, cleaning products, dishwashing detergents, laundry detergents, and personal care products. Exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to a range of reactions ranging from eczema to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions . Oral exposure to phenoxyethanol in infants can acutely affect nervous system function.
- Phthalates . These are typically found in scented household products, dish soap, air fresheners, and even scented toilet paper. They often aren't listed on the label, but if you see "scented," the product likely contains phthalates. The exception to this is, of course, natural fragrances, such as essential oils.
- Perchloroethylene : Most commonly found in dry cleaning solutions, upholstery and carpet cleaners, and stain removers. It should not be inhaled because it is highly toxic.
- Triclosan : If you come across a dishwashing detergent or soap labeled “antibacterial,” there is a good chance it contains the equally dangerous triclosan.
- Quaternary ammonium compounds : Found in fabric softeners or antibacterial household cleaners. Toxic if swallowed, may cause asthma if inhaled.
- 2-Butoxyethanol : A regular ingredient in kitchen cleaners, window and multi-purpose cleaners, can cause respiratory problems and asthma.
- Ammonia : A common surface cleaning additive in bathroom cleaners and window cleaners. It is also harmful to inhale in larger amounts.
- Chlorine : It is found in many products due to its strong disinfectant effect. Even tap water contains it in small amounts. In higher concentrations, it causes skin irritation, can aggravate asthma symptoms, and can even lead to lung disease in the long term.
Beauty products
Many beauty products, such as shampoos, creams, lotions, and perfumes, contain chemicals that can cause allergic reactions. Fragrances, preservatives, and dyes can all be potential triggers for unwanted skin reactions .
Fragrances are the most common allergens in beauty products . These substances give products their scent, but they also contain a host of harmful chemicals that can irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions.
The other main group is preservatives: these include parabens, formaldehyde and isothiazolinones, added chemicals. These help keep products fresh for longer, but they can also cause allergic reactions, especially on the skin or nail beds.
Dyes used in cosmetics and beauty products , such as hair dyes and mascaras, may contain chemicals that can also cause serious allergic reactions, especially around the eyes or on the skin of the face.
Insecticides and sprayers
This category may not come as a surprise. What is deadly to smaller creatures is probably also extremely dangerous to humans. That's why you need to be extra careful when using pesticides. Let's see what ingredients you should look out for.
- Permethrin is a commonly used insecticide chemical found in various insect repellents and mosquito repellents. Those who are sensitive to it may experience skin irritation and rashes when using such repellents.
- DEET ( N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is one of the most common insect repellent chemicals. It can cause skin irritation and itching, especially when applied in excessive amounts or on broken skin.
- Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are often found in insect sprays and repellents. They can cause skin irritation and itching, and in some cases, respiratory symptoms.
Some insecticides may contain benzalkonium chloride, which is also a skin irritant.
Chemical allergy symptoms
Allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on how sensitive we are to the particular ingredient. Let's now look at the most common symptoms.
Skin problems
Skin irritation is a common problem in cases of chemical allergies. Our skin is one of our largest and most important organs. It is our so-called protective layer, it is the first to come into contact with any substance, and it is here that the typical reactions first appear:
- Redness and itching : A common allergic reaction is red and burning skin, which can be the result of direct contact with allergens.
- Rashes and hives : Allergic reactions are often accompanied by rashes. These typically appear as raised bumps on the skin and cause a burning, itchy sensation. One common rash in such cases is hives.
- Eczema and dry skin : Chemical allergies can cause more serious problems in the long term. They can cause or worsen eczema.
Respiratory symptoms
Most chemicals, such as cleaning products, evaporate long after use and enter the air in our homes. We breathe them in constantly, especially in colder periods when we ventilate less. There are several telltale signs of irritation that occur during this time:
- Runny nose and sneezing : An allergic reaction can cause the lining of the nose to swell and become inflamed, causing a runny nose and sneezing.
- Asthma exacerbation : Chemicals can be particularly dangerous for people with asthma because they can significantly worsen symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Eye problems
It's probably happened to you too, that while cleaning the bathroom, you had to come out of the bathroom and suddenly something started stinging your eyes: of course, it was cleaning agent that got into the air ! These are common allergy symptoms:
- Red eyes and itching : During allergic reactions, the eyes may become red, itchy, and the eyelids may also swell.
- Eye swelling and tearing : Symptoms of a chemical allergy include eye swelling and excessive tear production.
Digestive symptoms
Chemicals can also attack our digestion, let's look at the common symptoms:
- Heartburn and bloating : In some cases, digestive symptoms such as heartburn or bloating may also occur .
- Nausea and vomiting : Nausea and vomiting may occur during more severe allergic reactions, especially when exposed to higher concentrations or sensitivities.
Long-term effects
Chemical allergies and sensitivities are also dangerous because they can cause more serious health problems in the long term . For example:
- They can disrupt our endocrine system : Phthalates can be absorbed through the skin and enter our bodies. Triclosan can also disrupt the endocrine system, and chlorine can have adverse effects on thyroid function, among other things.
- They may reduce fertility : Research shows that higher concentrations of phthalates in the blood result in reduced sperm count .
- They may be carcinogenic : Some of the chemicals listed, such as triclosan, may have carcinogenic properties . In fact , a study by a European research team found that using chemical cleaners can damage the lungs of female workers to the same extent as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for 10 to 20 years.
But still, what can you do?
Click for cleaning products free of harmful chemicals!
How to prevent chemical allergies
As with any disease, the best medicine is prevention.
1. Read the product label and ingredients
Always read the label and ingredients of household cleaners, beauty products, and other products containing chemicals before purchasing or using them.
Unfortunately, in reality this often does not help as much as we would hope.
You can find the ingredients on the label, but unfortunately their names can often vary. For example, you may find an anionic surfactant or a simple fragrance on the list, which does not help you find out exactly what this ingredient is. The manufacturer itself can provide an exact list of ingredients.
The safest solution is to immediately choose a product that you know for sure contains non-toxic ingredients .
2. Use natural, chemical-free products
Choose products that are natural and free of toxic chemicals whenever possible. There are now natural cleaning products, beauty products, and laundry detergents that are considered safer.
For example, CYCLE cleaning products contain only natural acids (such as acetic acid ) , which are also made from recycled materials. Acetic acid occurs in nature and is harmless to wildlife, unlike petrochemical derivatives.
3. Ventilate the apartment well
When using household cleaners or working with other chemicals, make sure you have adequate ventilation. Open windows or use a ventilation system to reduce the concentration of toxic chemicals in the air.
4. Use protective equipment
When doing yard work or household tasks that involve working with harsh chemicals, wear protective gear, such as gloves and a mask. This can reduce direct contact with your skin and respiratory system.
These steps can help minimize the risk of chemical allergies. Prevention and the use of safe materials are key to maintaining well-being and health.
Finally
Unfortunately, chemical allergy symptoms are now a regular occurrence and are a common problem for many people. In order to stay healthy, you should pay close attention to two things:
Use natural products : Since labels can often be unreliable, the best thing you can do is to use completely natural cleaning products, creams, and products in your household.
Shop consciously : The more you understand what you are consuming and what your skin comes into contact with, the better you can protect your health. That is why it is worth reading and learning about chemical-free products.
