Cosmetic companies (for cleaners such as shampoos, toothpastes, body washes, soaps and other similar products) do not have to put all of a product's ingredients on the label unless it is classified as a pharmaceutical product. Nor do they have to rigorously test the chemicals they add to their products for health effects on humans. Some of them when tested on animals have cause several dangerous effects from skin and eye irritation to cancer and birth defects. Bathroom, kitchen and laundry cleaners such as bleach, fabric softeners and detergents are highly toxic and can irritate the skin as well as fumes becoming a danger when used in a poorly ventilated area as they are ingested.
Not all ingredients in cleaning products are listed on the label (particularly chemicals added for fragrances), which make it difficult to avoid. If there are no toxic chemicals listed on the ingredients it is best to use them in a well ventilated area while wearing protective clothing, such as gloves. Corrosive chemicals (such as harsh bathroom, kitchen and laundry cleaning products) can cause severe burns on eyes, skin and, if ingested the can burn the throat and esophagus. Ingredients with high concentrated toxins include chlorine, bleach and ammonia, which produce fumes that are highly irritating to eyes, nose, throat and lungs, and should not be used by people with asthma, lung or heart problems.
Always wear gloves when using any harsh cleaning products, such as bleach, chlorine and ammonia. However, for killing mould a safe and better alternative is white vinegar as it kills the mould, whereas harsh chemicals have been found to feed the mould. Make sure that the bathroom and laundry are well ventilated when using cosmetic sprays (such as deodorant and hairspray) as well as any cleaning products.
Continuing to use products that have irritated your skin, eyes or you have made you find it hard to breath is a very bad idea. Cosmetics and cleaners have been found to have vast amounts of chemicals in them, which can lead to several forms of cancer, as well as when combining chlorine bleach and ammonia it releases a toxic gas that is damaging to the lungs.
By doing nothing, the bathroom, kitchen and laundry with either be covered in mould, which can be dangerous as it can effect mood swings and cause have nerve damage, while chemical based cleaners and cosmetics can irritate skin and eyes, provoke asthma and damage your lungs.
Try to use plant-based alternatives, you will be able to find this by looking at the labels.
