Chapter 11 - Household chemicals and their impact

Abstract

Household chemicals have been causing toxicity in the environment and human lives for decades. European Union has banned many chemicals harmful to human life. Still, in developing countries, many hazardous household chemicals are legal or not even appropriately regulated. Even in developed countries like the U.S., only a few household chemicals are regulated or banned. Many companies in the market are producing such products that are being used in our daily life. Different chemicals and equipment such as air fresheners, insecticides, pesticides, hoses, plastic, and cosmetics are present in houses, damaging human health. Likewise, they contain endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and reproductive system disruptors. Household chemicals affect human health and affect fetuses, infants, male and female reproductive systems. Pets and other wildlife are also being affected by them. Moreover, these household chemicals have severe adverse effects on the quality of the environment. In this chapter, we will also be discussing more reliable and safe alternatives to household chemicals. Green products can be a viable option for the improvement of human health and the environment. Awareness about eco-friendly products is rising day by day. People are switching to the green-products, forcing the manufacturers to do the same, enhancing green companies' economic role and worth. Some precautions can be adopted for the products that cannot be replaced while dealing with household chemicals.