The Hidden Dangers of Harsh Cleaning Chemicals

Cleaning Shouldn’t Come at a Cost to Your Health or the Environment

We all want clean homes and workplaces. But what if the products we use to clean are actually making us sick?

Many household and office cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can harm our health and pollute the environment. From toxic fumes that irritate your lungs to chemicals that linger in the air and water, the dangers are more serious than most people realize. Here’s what you need to know – and how to make safer choices.

The Health Risks of Harsh Cleaning Chemicals

Many common cleaning products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause:

• Respiratory problems – Frequent exposure has been linked to asthma and long-term lung damage. A 20-year study found that regular use of cleaning sprays can harm lung function as much as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.

• Skin and eye irritation – Bleach, ammonia, and other harsh ingredients can cause burns, rashes, and severe eye damage.

• Endocrine disruption – Chemicals like phthalates (found in fragranced cleaners) interfere with hormones and have been linked to fertility issues and hormone-related cancers.

• Carcinogenic effects – Some cleaning agents, like formaldehyde, are known human carcinogens and have been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers.

The Environmental Damage of Toxic Cleaners

After we clean, where do those chemicals go? The answer: into our air, water, and soil.

• Indoor air pollution – Harsh cleaners release toxins that linger in enclosed spaces, leading to poor air quality at home and in offices.

• Water contamination – Cleaning products get washed down the drain, ending up in rivers and oceans, where they harm aquatic life.

• Soil damage – Some chemicals don’t break down easily, leading to long-term contamination in soil and water sources.

• Climate impact – Manufacturing and using petroleum-based cleaning agents contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

What Are the Worst Offenders?

Some of the most common harmful cleaning chemicals include:

• Ammonia – Found in glass and oven cleaners; causes lung irritation and severe eye damage.

• Chlorine bleach – Common in disinfectants and whitening agents; linked to respiratory issues and toxic gas production when mixed with other cleaners.

• Formaldehyde – Used as a preservative; a known carcinogen.

• Phthalates – Found in scented cleaning products; disrupt hormones and have long-term health risks.

• Phosphates – Once common in detergents, they are a major cause of water pollution and algal blooms.

How to Clean Smarter – Without Risking Your Health

The good news? You don’t need toxic chemicals to get a deep clean. There are safer, non-toxic alternatives that work just as well without the risks.

At CG Chemicals, we are committed to safe, effective, and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Our products are: 

• Non-toxic – No harsh fumes or skin-irritating chemicals.
• VOC-free – Better for your lungs and indoor air quality.
• Biodegradable – No harmful residues left behind.
• Highly effective – Tough on dirt, grease, and germs without the risks.

Make the Switch to a Safer Clean Today

Your health, your home, and the planet deserve better. If you’re still using conventional cleaners, it’s time to rethink what’s really “clean.” Switch to CG Chemicals’ non-toxic cleaning solutions and experience a safer, healthier way to clean.

Shop now or contact us to learn more about our eco-friendly cleaning products!

Sources: American Lung Association, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).