Unknown Hazards of Household Cleaners

hazards
Household cleaners are valuable for your home as they help complete cleaning tasks quickly and efficiently.

However, many cleaners contain chemicals that pose critical health risks, especially when incorrectly used. They may cause debilitating complications like skin damage, lung inflammation, and even death.

You want to keep your family safe while using cleaners. So, know some common hazardous chemicals and what to do if they harm you or your family.

Common Hazardous Chemicals in Household Cleaners

cleaning tools

Be careful about these substances in cleaning agents as they may cause various health problems. Use them according to the manufacturer’s directions on the label and keep them away from children.

1. Chlorine Bleach

Chlorine is one of the most popular household cleaners you probably use.

However, it could irritate your respiratory tract and cause complications to preexisting lung diseases like asthma. It may also release lethal fumes when mixed with other household chemicals.

2. Acetone

You usually use acetone to remove nail polish, but inhaling this chemical may cause eyes, nose, and throat irritation and lightheadedness. Acetone exposure over a long period may also cause severe liver, lung, and neurological problems.

3. Formaldehyde

cleaning product

Formaldehyde is present in low amounts in different household products like:

  • Some nail and hair cosmetics
  • Solvents
  • Tobacco smoke

It can irritate your skin, eyes, and nose to cause memory problems and respiratory infections over a long period. In worst cases, formaldehyde may also cause leukemia and certain cancers.

4. Ethylene Glycol

Ethylene glycol is a dangerous chemical usually found in anti-freeze fluid that may cause severe damage to internal organs like the brain.

The problem is that anti-freeze attracts kids because it smells sweet. You should thus keep this chemical out of your children’s reach to prevent accidents.

5. Ammonia

Ammonia is another popular substance that you can find in glass, silver, and jewelry cleaning agents.

However, this chemical can irritate and burn your skin, and its Inhalation may also result in severe respiratory problems like chronic bronchitis.

What to Do If a Household Cleaner Harms You or Your Family

medical treatment

Remember these steps if someone in your household sustains injury or ailment from a cleaning agent:

1. Apply First-Aid

Take note of these basic first-aid procedures for chemical exposure:

  • For skin irritation or chemical burn, wash off the remaining toxic substance with soap and water
  • For eye irritation, wash the eye under running water for around 15 minutes
  • In cases of chemical inhalation, move the victim to an area with fresh air and apply Cardiopulmonary
  • Resuscitation (CPR) if they stop breathing
  • Immediately rush a victim who had swallowed a toxic chemical to the doctor

2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Immediate medical care is essential to prevent complications from hazardous chemical exposure. However, be sure you inform the physician about:

  • The involved hazardous chemical
  • The exact time of the Exposure
  • Any existing health problems the victim may have

3. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

contingency fees

Call a Burbank personal injury lawyer and see if it’s possible to file a product liability claim against the cleaning agent manufacturer.

However, legal action is possible only if the victim had used the product according to the manufacturer’s directions. Product liability applies if there is a problem with the cleaning agent, like having a damaged container or insufficient directions on the label.

Personal Injury Attorney in Burbank for Household Chemical Exposure Accidents

Use and store household cleaners properly to prevent hazardous chemical exposure in your home. However, you may take legal action if a faulty chemical product harms your family.

Hiring a Burbank personal injury lawyer helps you file a product liability claim.

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