Detergent, as a cleaning "helper" in the kitchen of every household, has recently been branded as a "carcinogenic accomplice". So, is dish soap really that deeply related to cancer?
Today, let's take a look at the fog and see which dish soaps we should stay away from.
1. Exploration of the association between dish soap and cancer
Dish soap, which plays a frequent role in washing dishes, is its main ingredient, surfactant, which has a powerful stain removal ability. However, can this ability "inadvertently" harm our health and even cause cancer?
Scientific studies have shown that surfactants do not have the potential to cause cancer on their own. But the problem is that behind this "but" there are often many small details that we don't know.
In fact, in addition to surfactants, some auxiliary ingredients such as thickeners and preservatives will be added to the dish soap. While these ingredients can make dish soap a better experience, they can also be a health hazard if not properly managed.
However, the good news is that the mainland has strict regulations on the ingredients and safety of the use of dish soap, positioning it as "actually non-toxic". Moreover, the human skin has a certain protective mechanism and will not easily allow these macromolecular substances to penetrate and enter.
2. Domestic detergent safety standards and spot checks
The national standard clearly stipulates that no fluorescent brightener shall be added to the dish soap, and sets an upper limit on the content of possible harmful substances such as formaldehyde, methanol, and heavy metals. At the same time, there are strict limits on the amount of microorganisms that can affect health.
However, on paper, it is shallow in the end, and I never know that I have to do it. A spot check by the national quality supervision department showed the other side of the dish soap market. In this random inspection covering multiple provinces, the substandard dish soap was mainly due to excessive formaldehyde content.
Although this number is only a minority, it is enough to cause us to be alarmed. After all, formaldehyde is not a good thing, and its carcinogenic risk has long been a recognized fact.
The safety of dish soap seems to be just a trivial matter in life, but behind it is the importance and neglect of health. Today, when the shadow of cancer is increasingly looming, we should pay enough attention to these seemingly inconspicuous small details.
3. Health problems caused by dish soap
Dish soap plays a cleaning role in our daily lives, but it cannot be ignored that it can also be a source of health hazards.
Taking allergic reactions as an example, certain ingredients in dish soap, such as preservatives, fragrances, etc., may trigger skin allergies, leading to symptoms such as rashes, itching, etc.
In a study on skin allergies caused by dish soap, researchers found that ingredients such as sodium isopropyl glycollate were common causes of allergic reactions.
In addition, the fragrance composition of dish soap should not be underestimated. Although aromatic dish soaps can provide a pleasant washing experience, long-term inhalation of their volatile aroma can cause irritation to the respiratory system, especially for asthma patients, which can aggravate the condition.
Studies have shown that certain fragrance ingredients can trigger asthma attacks, and the continued volatilization in indoor air may have long-term effects on indoor air quality.
Fourth, two types of dish soap to be wary of
Among the dazzling array of dish soap products on the market, there are two types of products that require our vigilance. First and foremost is the overly scented dish soap. In order to pursue a more attractive aroma for consumers, a large amount of flavor is often added to such products.
However, these fragrances may contain harmful substances such as benzene and formaldehyde, which may pose a potential threat to human health when exposed to them for a long time. In a study of household consumer goods, researchers found that excess fragrance ingredients may not only irritate the skin and respiratory tract, but long-term exposure may also be associated with increased rates of certain types of cancer.
The other category is bulk dish soap. Due to the lack of strict quality control, the ingredients of these products are often not transparent enough and may be adulterated with substances that do not meet safety standards.
A test report on bulk dish soap on the market showed that the formaldehyde content in some bulk dish soaps exceeded the national standard. Formaldehyde, as a known carcinogen, is a self-evident risk.
5. How to choose a safe dish soap
When choosing dish soap in the market, consumers are often faced with a multitude of brands and types to choose from. In order to ensure that the dish soap used at home is safe and harmless, the following points are important for every consumer to pay attention to.
First of all, looking at the product label is the first step in determining the safety of dish soap. Legal dish soap products are clearly labeled with the ingredients, date of manufacture, expiration date, and information about whether they meet national safety standards.
In particular, consumers should give preference to products with simple and transparent ingredients, and avoid dish soaps that contain unknown complex chemicals.
Secondly, give preference to products from well-known brands. Big brands usually mean stricter quality control and better customer service, and the products of these brands tend to be more guaranteed for product safety and stability.
Again, try to avoid using dish soaps that have added too many fragrances and colors. While these additives enhance the attractiveness of a product's appearance and smell, they also increase the likelihood of allergies and other health risks.
Especially for consumers with a history of skin sensitivity, using natural, additive-free dish soap is a safer option.
6. Suggestions for healthy operation of daily use of dish soap
In addition to choosing a safe dish soap when purchasing, some actions in daily use are also very critical to ensure that health is not threatened.
When using dish soap, it is recommended to wear rubber gloves. Not only does this avoid direct contact with potentially harsh chemicals in dish soap, but it also protects the skin from frequent water washing.
Making sure your kitchen is well ventilated is another important health tip when using dish soap. Good ventilation can help quickly remove volatile harmful substances that may be present in dish soap and reduce indoor air pollution.
Finally, rinsing thoroughly after use is an essential step. Whether you're washing utensils or cleaning surfaces, make sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water after using dish soap to remove any chemicals that may remain and avoid direct contact with food, thereby protecting the health of family members.
summary
Through the above measures, we can not only effectively avoid health problems caused by dish soap, but also enjoy the pleasure of cleaning more freely in daily life, ensuring the safety and hygiene of the home environment.
In this way, each of us can create a safer and cleaner living space for our families while protecting our own health.