10 Everyday Chemicals to Avoid if you have Asthma

Here are 10 everyday chemicals to avoid, especially if you have asthma or another respiratory disease

These are the chemical names that may be found in common household cleaning products that people with asthma and other respiratory diseases should avoid:

1. Sodium hypochlorite. This is the active ingredient in bleach, which can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma symptoms.
2. Limonene. This is a common fragrance ingredient found in air fresheners, cleaning products, and laundry detergents. It can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation and trigger asthma symptoms.
3. Ammonia.  Ammonia is a strong, irritating chemical found in many cleaning products. It can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, and worsen asthma symptoms.
4. Sodium hydroxide. This is a corrosive chemical found in some oven cleaners. It can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and cause breathing difficulties in people with asthma.
5. Propylene glycol. This is a common ingredient in air fresheners and fabric softeners. It can cause eye and skin irritation and trigger asthma symptoms.
6. Permethrin. This is a pesticide commonly used to kill insects. It can irritate the lungs and cause breathing difficulties in people with asthma.
7. Sodium lauryl sulfate. This is a foaming agent found in many cleaning products, including laundry detergents and dish soaps. It can irritate the skin and trigger asthma symptoms.
8. Formaldehyde. This is a chemical commonly used in air fresheners and other household products. It can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and trigger asthma symptoms. Formaldehyde is a chemical that is sometimes used in air fresheners because of its ability to neutralize unpleasant odors. It is a colorless gas with a pungent odour and is highly effective at breaking down and eliminating organic compounds that can cause bad smells.
9. Acetone. This is a solvent found in some cleaning products and nail polish removers. It can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and worsen asthma symptoms.
10. Toluene. This is a solvent commonly found in paint and paint thinner. It can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and trigger asthma symptoms.

It's important to note that these chemicals may not be listed on the label of every product, so it's a good idea to research the ingredients of products before using them, especially if you have asthma.

If you can, instead of using these chemicals, use mild, unscented detergents for clothes and avoid scented fabric softeners. Stop using air fresheners and deodorisers. Do not smoke cigarettes in the home. Cleaning with non-toxic cleaners is a great way to both clean your home and manage asthma.

If you do need to use these chemicals then it’s a good idea to where a mask and eye goggles and to ensure the windows are open for good ventilation.

What are some of the chemicals which affect your respiratory system and what products have you found them in? 

We would love to hear so we can keep raising awareness.