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National Library ToxNet

Sodium Hydroxide (bleach) is a chemical found in multiple cleaning products. It is found in Clorox bleach (what we use to whiten our clothes), All-purpose cleaners, disinfecting sprays, Lysol, and many other products. Other names for this chemical are: hydroxyde de sodium, matrium causticum, hydrate, sodium hydroxide dimer etc.

The health effects that are associated with exposures to sodium hydroxide (bleach) at high concentrations of vapor or mist can lead to heat conditions or chronic respiratory problems like asthma, chronic bronchitis of obstructive lung disease.

Urea formaldehyde is found mostly in plastics and rubbers. A few other names for this chemical are: formaldehyde, urea polymer, uformite 700, piatherm etc. Back in 1982 the use of this chemical within home insulation was banned due to it being an indoor air hazard when released. This chemical is also found in make-up products made by Cover Girl and miracle indoor plant food.

The adverse health effects of being exposed to urea formaldehyde are skin sensitivity and asthma. It is interesting to me that the use of this chemical can cause skin irritation and yet it is found in woman's beauty products that we put on our face.

Comments

  1. kschererSeptember 18, 2019 at 5:46 PM

    Super appreciate some of your historical context in your response. I think this backwards system of consumers being the guinea pigs of products until grass roots initiatives lobby to remove these dangerous products is so silly. In the long run it is not economically sound from a governmental standpoint because there is be even more health cost coverage that will need to be supported potentially by federal funding.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aika KitilyaSeptember 20, 2019 at 12:19 PM

      I totally agree with you on this backwards system of consumers. How many times do we need to have something new and exciting only turn into another way to kill ourselves in the long run? Even after banning such use, the damage has already been done to those who have been exposed.

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