Veleni in lavanderia

Poisons in the laundry room and closet

If ordinary rooms, which for us represent the familiar and safe places in the house, instead harbor an unimaginable array of potential dangers hidden in containers and bottles of deodorants, detergents, and mothballs, imagine what could be lurking in the closet , the place par excellence dedicated to storing all these products, and in the laundry room , another room where detergents and stain removers reign supreme. And indeed, this is precisely the case.

Multipurpose surface cleaner

These products are usually sold in plastic bottles with a spray nozzle and are used for various purposes throughout the home. Multi-purpose cleaners are used, for example, to clean tiles, surfaces, or countertops, and often contain degreasing substances that are extremely effective against stubborn or encrusted dirt. These formulations typically have an aqueous base (solvent) in which cleaning compounds, degreasing agents, fragrances, and sometimes even disinfectants are dissolved. Common chemicals found in multi-purpose cleaners include ammonia , trisodium phosphate , tricalcium phosphate , sodium hypochlorite , ethylene glycol monobutyl acetate , and others.

Concentrations of these substances are usually not very high, so serious poisonings are relatively rare . However, depending on the formulation, detergents can cause irritation to the nasal and throat mucosa, ranging from mild to severe, not to mention the damage caused by contact with the eyes and skin. In the unfortunate event of contact, wash immediately with plenty of running water. If the product is accidentally ingested, go immediately to the nearest emergency room, remembering to bring the packaging with you. Thanks to the chemical composition listed on the label , health professionals will be able to determine the extent of the poisoning and choose the most effective treatment accordingly.

To avoid any problems related to accidental ingestion, all-purpose cleaners of all types and formulations should be kept well out of reach of children, for example on high shelves or in locked cabinets. When using them, it is recommended to always wear rubber gloves and keep windows wide open to avoid breathing in the fumes released by the product. A good idea to disperse fumes is also to turn on a fan, if available in the room.

Extremely important: never mix different detergents, as this could trigger sudden chemical reactions within the mixture, potentially resulting in splashes that could injure the face and eyes. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that mixing products containing ammonia and chlorine causes the spontaneous formation of a highly toxic gas called chloramine , which can even cause death if it accumulates in closed spaces and is inhaled for prolonged periods.
Laundry Detergents:
Essential in every household, both hand and machine laundry detergents often come in colorful packaging that is irresistible to many children. This is why it’s best to keep these products well out of their reach , as the risk of accidental ingestion is high. These detergents contain synthetic surfactants, cleaning agents, and enzymes that aggressively attack stains and dirt; many also contain bleaching or disinfecting agents.

It should be noted, however, that due to their chemical composition, these products are not among the most dangerous to health. Poisoning often causes symptoms such as stomach and abdominal pain , nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but nothing overly worrying. Of course, things change if small children accidentally ingest these products: in this case, you should immediately go to the emergency room or the nearest poison control center .

If pure, these detergents come into contact with the skin, they can cause irritation , so it’s best to rinse immediately. People who are hypersensitive to certain components, and large quantities, can also trigger asthma attacks , although this is quite rare.
Bleach Bleach is
also a very common product in our homes, and among the most dangerous . It is a water solution containing sodium hypochlorite at concentrations usually around 1-5%, which is used both as a disinfectant and for its whitening and stain-removing effects on laundry.

As mentioned above, it’s crucial to never mix bleach with ammonia, muriatic acid, or any other chemical, as uncontrolled chemical reactions can produce poisonous gases . These poisonous gases can cause serious eye and respiratory problems if inhaled.

When using bleach , for any purpose, it is always a good idea to wear protective gloves and remember that splashes, in addition to staining and piercing clothes , can cause damage to the skin and eyes (sometimes even blindness, in the most serious cases). The risk should not be underestimated even when dealing with scented bleach: despite the pleasant smell, these types of products are just as risky as “classic” formulations.
Ammonia
This cleaning product has an aqueous base in which the nitrogenous compound of the same name, ammonia (NH3), is dissolved _. It is a substance with a highly alkaline pH that is commonly used in the home as a cleaner for various types of surfaces; in these products, the concentration of ammonia in the aqueous solution can vary from approximately 5 to 25%.

Due to its chemical properties, ammonia can cause respiratory and eye problems, as it releases irritating gases . Furthermore, if it comes into contact with the skin or, worse, the eyes, it can cause ulcers, lesions, and blindness. In case of accidental contact, immediately rinse the affected area with plenty of running water. If you experience breathing problems, nausea, or dizziness, immediately leave the area, lie down, and breathe fresh air . If swallowed, seek immediate medical attention , but absolutely do not attempt to induce vomiting, as this could cause the esophagus to come into contact with the ingested corrosive substance again.

Even with ammonia, the usual recommendations apply: use it only while wearing gloves , ventilate the area during use, and keep the containers locked up or out of the reach of children. Ammonia, like other products, should never be mixed with other detergents, not even in small quantities, for the reasons mentioned above.
Glass and crystal cleaning products

Clear surface cleaners are essential for cleaning mirrors, windows, glass tables, television screens, computers, and other household items. The basic chemicals found in these products, in addition to water (the solvent), are typically ammonia and isopropyl alcohol . Isopropyl alcohol is a specific alcohol used in many surface cleaning products. It has a distinctive, pungent odor and is known for its strong degreasing properties. Unlike common ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol is less aggressive on surfaces, so it is especially recommended for cleaning technological accessories and optical devices.

All surface cleaners can cause irritation to the throat, nose, skin, and especially the eyes. Accidental ingestion typically causes drowsiness, loss
of consciousness, and—in severe cases—can even be fatal. To avoid problems and inhaling the fumes, these cleaners should only be used in well- ventilated areas , avoiding direct contact with the skin by wearing protective gloves . Room ventilation is particularly important not only because isopropyl alcohol tends to be highly volatile, but also because of its high flammability .
Sprays and other insecticides Insecticides used to repel unwelcome guests such as ants, cockroaches, but also flies, wasps, or spiders
are often kept in the closet . There are numerous types of insecticides, which differ both in the chemicals they contain and the type of product (spray cans, liquids, powdered insecticides , poisoned baits, etc.).

Before purchasing any insecticide, it’s a good idea to carefully read the label and instructions for use, as some products are specifically formulated for outdoor use (they release gases that are hazardous to health). Active ingredients commonly found in insecticides include propoxur , chlorpyrifos , permethrin , and diazinon , but they may also contain other chemical compounds.

When using spray, liquid, or powder insecticides, it’s always a good idea to wear protective gloves and, if necessary, a mask to avoid breathing in the fumes. A good rule of thumb is to keep doors and windows open during use. Powdered products, which are sprinkled on the floor, should only be used when you are certain there are no children or pets who could accidentally come into contact with them. In case of contact with eyes, mucous membranes, or skin, wash thoroughly with water; if accidentally ingested, these products can be fatal, so seek immediate medical attention .

The risks are lower with traps , since the poisoned bait is placed inside perforated plastic containers. Obviously, things change if someone tries to open these devices, which can happen with particularly curious children or pets like dogs. Even with bait, it’s best to handle it only with gloves and place it in an area inaccessible to children or pets, as a precaution.

It should also be remembered that when it comes to insect infestations, the best defense is always prevention . It is important to avoid creating favorable conditions for these unwelcome guests to settle, which means not attracting them. Therefore, crumbs that have fallen onto the floor should be removed from the house daily and food should be sealed tightly; the trash can and recycling bins should be emptied frequently.

Anti-mold products

Storage rooms and laundry rooms , especially if used for hanging laundry, can be affected by mold growth on walls and ceilings due to excessive humidity. This is why specific mold removal products are often used in these rooms, essential for nipping new mold growth in the bud.

These products are typically sold in pressurized spray cans or as sprayable liquids, and contain active ingredients that kill mold, such as chlorinated solvents (containing chlorine) and alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride . Due to the presence of these chemicals, mold-killing products can be extremely irritating to the skin and cause lesions and burns; even worse consequences occur if they come into contact with the eyes.

If these situations occur, rinse the affected areas thoroughly with running water. When using the product, it is essential to wear rubber gloves and, if possible, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent fumes from building up in the room.

To avoid having to resort to mold control products, it’s definitely advisable to take preventative measures to avoid creating conditions conducive to mold growth. Frequently ventilating rooms and using a dehumidifier occasionally—especially when hanging out laundry—are excellent strategies for dispersing excess humidity.

Learn more about chemical risks in laundry and utility rooms

A series of useful links to learn about the health and safety hazards present in the laundry room and closet. These sites provide information on proper practices for storing and using chemical products, as well as possible “eco-friendly” alternatives:

Industrial Cleaning – Detergents: The Risks of Mixing Chemicals During Cleaning

CasaleInforma.it – Most common disinfectants and how to use them

Ministry of Health – Detergents

BioAllegri Detergents – Learn to Know and Use Them

Guidelines for the correct use of insecticides in the civil sector

ISPRA – Domestic Living Environments: Insecticides

Consumer products: quality and safety – Chemical safety