I heard something about too many chemicals in cleaning products may be harmful and that if your house is too sterile, your immune system will fail. Just wanted to confirm this. Thanks!!
2006-10-01 10:47:39 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Cleaning & Laundry
excesive cleaning isnt healthy youve got to live with a little dirt or your bodys imune system will start to stop fighting off bugs around you... may find yourself getting more colds etc..
but not cleaning at all is bad for your health too so
its cleaning in moderation :)
2006-10-01 10:53:14 · answer #1 · answered by shagkitten21 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is what I learned in microbiology class last year. Keeping a place clean is not bad, but overusing anti-bacterial products can be dangerous. No cleaning solution can kill 100% of germs and microorganisms. Only about 75% - 90% of germs are killed (99.9% when used properly, but who actually lets the cleaning products sit for the full two minutes or scrubs thier hands for the full two minutes. This creates superbugs (survival of the fitest 25% - 10% of all microorganisms over an extended period of time).
These bugs are now immune to anti-bacterial products. They are also immune to many antibiotics as well. That is part one of the problem. The other part is our own natural immune systems. We all have a symbiotic relationship with natural "flora". These flora co-habitate our bodies, without harming us, while defending us from other more dangerous microorganisms. They also aid us in digestion. Antibacterial products kill off these natural flora and leave us susceptible.
Also without constant exposure to these normal small microorganisms, our immune system is left "out of practice". Our immune system first defense work on the principle of reconigtion. If the immune system hasn't come into contact with minor microorganisms, it won't be able to recognize a major one.
Having a clean house is great. I would recommend not overusing the antibacterial products. Just use common sense when you do use them, like when someone is sick, or if someone or something comes into contact with something that may be loaded with germs, like raw pork or chicken or the toilet.
2006-10-01 21:10:13 · answer #2 · answered by evyl_temptryss 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Apart from the chemicals and immune system, one must ask why the need for excessive cleaning? What is being avoided? What is it an excuse for? Is this the only part of your life which is under control? What else could you be doing with your time?
(Me? I am much too busy for cleaning, never mind excessive, maybe if there is someone out there who likes excessive cleaning they might like to volunteer!)
2006-10-03 20:36:58 · answer #3 · answered by piccalilli 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically, yes.
Over exposure to chemical products can be hazardous to your respiratory system. That is why you never drop food on the floor for your dog to lick it up - always hand it to the mouth.
However, I dont think you can keep your house 100% clean given that you actually go outside and interact with the environment and that your house probably has bugs in it (just saying, typically).
I wouldnt clean too often...just enough to keep it visibly clean and maybe once a month mop things up or something.
2006-10-01 17:53:35 · answer #4 · answered by leikevy 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have read several articles on this subject recently and they all point to the fact that the different chemicals used in the cleaning products are bad for your health. Especially as you can use several different ones to clean one room.
Apparently the best natural cleaning products are lemon juice bicarbonate of soda and clear vinegar and you can mix those.
Happy cleaning!
2006-10-03 04:26:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that is right... that is the same with the sterile soap that our kids are using today... it is so sterile that they are not building up any type of immunity for diseases.
On the other hand.. I had a classmate that cleaned every hour.. the house, that is.. but she was mentally off her rocker
2006-10-01 17:58:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Um, It really depends on what you mean by "excessive". I live In Brazil, SA, and the people there clean, clean, clean, clean. Most houses are always spotless, I think it really depends. You also don't want to be dirty, because that isn't good for you either, so it all varies.
2006-10-01 18:02:36 · answer #7 · answered by JD 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If this worries you, you would not believe the amount of products you find in your cupboard that are not harmful, that are so good for cleaning, i will name some, but you need to find out more about them, white vinegar, lemons, washing soda, baking soda, salt, vinegar, and news paper, there are others but can't remember at this moment. cheers good luck.
2006-10-02 04:36:09 · answer #8 · answered by donua1022 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Vacuuming and dusting must be done to keep the dust mites etc. at bay but we use far too many chemicals these day's. Time will tell what the effects will be.
2006-10-01 17:56:22 · answer #9 · answered by Gadget Granny 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's true. The chemicals will affect your health in a negative way over time. I've switched to non-toxic cleaners. Use any search engine "non-toxic household cleaners" or "non-toxic cleaners"
2006-10-04 15:36:30 · answer #10 · answered by babysweetvee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋