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Overall, chlorine is a dangerous chemical to keep in your home. In 1993, 40,000 exposures to chlorine were reported to poison control centers which is more than any other chemical. Fragranced chlorine bleaches are especially dangerous because
odor is disguised and actually makes
experience of inhaling chlorines bleach pleasant.
Mixing household products containing chlorine with other cleaning agents is another danger due to
fact that these mixtures can create chlorine gas and chloramines, toxic gases that can injure
deep tissues of
lungs.
Whenever chlorine is used, organochlorides are formed which are forerunners to dioxins, a deadly class of compounds that cause toxic health effects. A new EPA draft report on
dangers of dioxins warns for
first time that even trace amounts can cause serious health problems including birth defects, genetic mutations, threats to
immune and reproductive systems, damage to
liver, kidneys and skin and even cancer.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Read labels on cleaning supplies and look for those which contain chlorine.
HEALTHY TIPS
- Avoid using cleaners which contain chlorine. - Find safer, more natural and environmentally responsible products to clean your home. - Never mix bleach with acids such as vinegar, ammonia, toilet bow cleaners, drain cleaners or chlorinated scouring powder as it produces deadly chloramines gas which may result in
burning of mucous membranes and chemical pneumonia.
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