Holy Name University

Basic Education Department

Senior High School

SUSCEPTIBILITY RISKS OF THE HAZARDOUS COMPONENTS OF PERSONAL

CARE AND HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS

Members:

Cantoneros, Yvonne Minardo, Chrischaelle Sofia

Gonser, Karla Jane Roferos, Janna Xyla

Jamil, Mark Charles Tinampay, Rex Jesus

Grade & Section:

12- HUMSS Mother Inviolate

Introduction

In every Boholano household, there is always room for personal care and

cleaning products. These products are agents for grooming and sanitary purposes and

are very useful in the household on a day to day basis. Consumers always make sure to

buy these products as they are used in taking care of one’s hygiene, beautification, killing

bacteria and maintaining the sanitation in one’s area. Household cleaning materials and

personal care products are used by consumers to safely and effectively remove soils,

germs and other contaminants (Chemical Safety Products, 2019). In addition, they also

prevent the spread of infectious diseases and control allergens such as dust and mold,

helping individuals to stay safe and healthy.

However, what comes with these products are the utmost risks and

hazardous substances that are often neglected and not given the proper attention. There

are many harmful chemicals on these personal care and cleaning products that a

consumer isn’t aware of, despite using it every day. Oftentimes, it’s hard to know what is

safe and what it is to avoid. And in addition, most consumers often disregard the

underlying importance of knowing the harmful effects of these materials. That is why this

research aims to identify the susceptible risks and hazardous chemical properties in order

to help consumers in being mindful on the products that they select. Also this study is

relevant in order to raise awareness to the Boholano consumers upon picking and

choosing the exact products that one would use with the knowledge of what are the

probable risks that these products hold.

Data and Analysis

LOCATION NUMBER OF
HOUSEHOLD BRAND OF EFFECTS OF
CLEANING CLEANING ACTIVE HAZARDOUS HAZARDOUS
AGENTS AGENT INGREDIENTS COMPONENTS COMPONENTS TO
HUMANS
Dazz Sodium Linear Sodium Linear Can irritate the skin and the
Kitchen 1 dishwashing Alkylbenzene Alkylbenzene eyes which then causes
paste Sulfonate Sulfonate eye damage
Tuff toilet Hydrochloric Acute inhalation can cause
bowl Acid Hydrochloric Acid, eye, nose, skin irritation,
cleanser Surfactant respiratory tract.

Bathroom 2 Eye, nose, and respiratory

Gleam Hydrochloric acid tract irritation and
muriatic acid Hydrochloric and stannous inflammation.
Acid chloride
Zonrox Sodium Sodium Coughing from the fumes,
laundry Hypochlorite Hypochlorite irritation, blistering and
bleach burning when put on the
skin.

Champion Long term use cause skin

Laundry 5 bar soap ____________ Surfactants irritation and lead to some
degree of damage.

Surf laundry
detergent ____________
Anionic Skin irritation.
surfactants

Ariel Bleach Facial irritation, asthma,

sunrise ____________ breathing problem.
fresh

Surf fabric
conditioner ____________ Silica Lung cancer, silicosis

Bedroom 1 Baygon Imiprothrin, Imiprothrin, If directly in contact with the

multi- insect Cyfluthrin Cyfluthrin skin it may cause itching
repellant and burning.

Living 1 Shine Petroleum Shortness of breath, Skin

Room Master Distillates exposure may cause mild
floorwax ____________ (Hydrocarbon) irritations, or with prolonged
exposure may result to
chemical burns.

Table 1 HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS

 Cleaning products are widely used in every household since it is important

to keep the house safe from bad bacteria that may cause any kind of disease to the

people. More so, cleaning products are utilized to help keep the house presentable.

Cleaning products are not just used for cleaning all the parts of a house but are also used

for cleaning a person’s personal belonging such as clothes, so as the linens and utensils

found in a house. Though these products are purposely made to help people in

maintaining cleanliness, it can still cause harm to humans.

All of the different substances that are seen and used at home today are

products of different chemical reactions. Chemical reaction happens between the

ingredients used for a certain product and the body. Though it is used to make the house

safe from bad bacteria, the ingredients used in this product can be harmful. Table 1 shows

that there are 5 products found in the laundry area which implies that most cleaning

products are located in the laundry. Next to this are the 2 products which can be found in

the bathroom. While the other locations such as kitchen, bedroom, and living room each

has 1 cleaning product. Products such as detergents, fabric conditioner and bleach are

the leading products commonly seen in a household basing on the data as shown in table

1. Other cleaning products such as dishwashing paste can be found in the kitchen, bowl

cleansers in the bathroom, insect repellent’s in the bedroom, and floor wax in the living

room. There are a total of 10 cleaning products found in a household as listed above but

half of these products do not specify the active ingredients used in their package label

while the other half has specifically written in their labels the active ingredients used for

the product, products with no specified active ingredients are left blank in the active

ingredients column of Table 1. The most frequently mentioned hazardous ingredient is

hydrochloric acid, which is found in products located in the bathroom. Products in the

bathroom contains harmful ingredients such as Hydrochloric Acid, Surfactants, and

Stannous Chloride. Dermal contact with Hydrochloric Acid can cause severe burns,

ulceration, and scarring in humans (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

1993). Surfactants in long-term use can cause skin irritation (Kulapin et al., 2001) while

Stannous chloride can also cause severe skin burns, eye damage, and respiratory

irritation (U.S LabChem, 2014). Ingredients such as Sodium Linear Alkylbenzene which

causes irritation to the skin and eyes (Human and Environmental Risk Assessment, 2013)

are found in products located in the kitchen. Hazardous ingredients found in the products

located in the laundry are Sodium Hypochlorite, Surfactants, Anionic Surfactants, Bleach,

and silica. Sodium Hypochlorite which can cause coughing from the fumes, irritation,

blistering and burning of the skin (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry,

2014). Bleach causes facial irritation, asthma, and breathing problem (Benzoni T &

Hatcher JD, 2019). Silica is the most hazardous ingredient as it can cause lung cancer

(Klinman et al., 2018). Imiprothrin and Cyfluthrin are harmful ingredients of insect

repellent products which are seen in the bedroom, both can cause allergic reactions such

as itching and burning (Hanson et al., 2018). Products such as floor wax found which are

found in the living room contains Petroleum Distillates which can irritate and burn the skin

(New Jersey Department of Health, 2011). Based on the data gathered, most products

contain ingredients that can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
 INGREDIENTS
CATEGORY PRODUCT
ALLERGEN IRRITANT(S) DEVELOPMENTAL/ CARCINOGEN NUEROTOXIN
REPRODUCTIVE
TOXIN

 Watson Cocamidopr Sodium laureth Sodium

s honey opyl sulfate, sodium benzoate,
& betaine, chloride, DMDM
scented Triethano- Cocamidopropy Hydantoin
cream lamine l betaine,
hand glycerin,
soap sodium
benzoate
 J.chemi
e
salicylic Salicylic acid
SKIN acid

 Pond's Denatured Denatured

white alcohol, alcohol,
beauty Niacinamide Benzophenone Menthol
pore -4, menthol,
conditio lactic acid
ning
toner

 Avon Glutathione
feelin
fresh
deodor
ant for
women
 Jhonso
n off N,N-diethyl- N,N-diethyl-
soft & meta- meta-toluamide
scented toluamide

 Skin
white
advanc
ed Dimethicone Dimethicone,
whiteni , Salicylic acid,
ng Niacinamide Benzophenone
cleanse 4
r

 I white
whiteni Titanium Titanium
ng pack dioxide, dioxide
Ascorbic acid

 I white
Niacinamide Butylene, Adenosine
bb.holic
, Glycol
Adenosine
  Ponds DMDM DMDM DMDM
moisturi Hydantoin Hydantoin Hydantoin
zing
cold
cream

 Dermpl Sulfuric Acid

us
sunscre
en
moisturi
zer
 Aqua
moisturi
zers Mulberry root
whiteni extract
ng vita
 Nose
pack
blackex Charcoal Charcoal
trac-tor powder powder

 Vaselin
e lotion
Glycerin
 Jhonso
n baby Cetyl alcohol,
oil Glycerin

 Nivea
skin
lotion
Glycerin
 Greenc
ross
Isopropyl
isopropl
alcohol
y
alcohol
 Gard
HAIR shamp EDTA
oo

 Sunsilk Sodium
Chloride

 Magical
Gel EDTA

 Colgate Sodium Sodium Sodium Fluoride Sodium

MOUTH Toothp Flouride Monoflouropho Fluoride
aste sphate
  Sensod Sodium Glycerin Sodium Phosphoticate Triclosan, Silica Sodium
yne Phosphotica Phosphoticate
te
 Jackie
NAILS Nail
Tint Ethyl Alcohol Ethyl Alcohol Ethyl Alcohol Ethyl Alcohol
Sanitiz
er

 Jackie
Nail
Polish Acetone Acetone Acetone
Remov
er
Table 2 PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

Personal care products are a heterogeneous group of chemical substances

that are used for various health, beauty, and hygiene formulations. These products are

important for people when it comes to personal grooming. It also helps in maintaining a

presentable look and in some cases it protects a person from environmental hazards.

Table 2 shows the different personal care products found in a household

with their ingredients. The products are grouped according to their uses while the

ingredients of these products are classified according to the risk they bring. Table 2

classifies the use of these products into 4, which implies that the common use for personal

care products are for the skin, hair, mouth, and nails. The 5 classifications of the risk in

these ingredients are: Allergens, Irritants, Developmental/Reproductive toxin,

Carcinogens, and Neurotoxins. As shown in the table 2, skin products has the most

products listed. These products are commonly known as skin care products which are

used by people to maintain a healthy and good looking skin. 8 of these skin care products

can cause allergies. The most common allergen in skin care products is Niacinamide.

Niacinamide can cause allergic reaction to people who have pre-existing allergies

because it can cause the body to release histamine (Cherney, 2018). 13 skin care
products also contain ingredients that can cause irritation, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, and

Benzophenone-4 as the most frequently listed. Glycerin can irritate the eyes (Cosmetic

Ingredient Review, 2014). Salicylic Acid can cause severe skin irritation (Everyday Health,

2018). Studies have shown that Benzophenone-4 acts as an irritant when topically

applied to the skin (Liebert, 1983). Only 1 skin care product contains adenosine which is

a developmental/reproductive toxin. Adenosine can cause decreased spermatogenesis

and increased numbers of abnormal sperm and is not recommended to be used as

pharmaceutical during pregnancy (Risk Profile Adenosine, 2012). Four (4) skin products

are classified to have contained carcinogenic substances, with DMDM Hydantoin as the

most common. Skin contact with DMDM Hydantoin can cause skin cancer over time and

is associated with Leukemia or Cancer of the blood cells through inhalation, dermal and

ingestion routes of exposure (Winters, 2017). Lastly, only 2 products for skin care use

contain neurotoxins.

There are 3 ingredients listed for hair use, with 2 of these as shampoos. All

3 does not contain any allergen but 1 product contains a substance that can cause

irritation. All 3 hair products does not contain developmental/reproductive toxin as well as

neurotoxin substances. 2 of these products both contains EDTA which are classified to

be developmental/reproductive toxin. At very high dosage, EDTA have reproductive

effects because it is able to binds with and deactivates metal ions that are required for

normal reproduction and development (Lanigan et al., 2002).

Two (2) products are identified for mouth use, both are used for the teeth or

known as toothpaste. Both products contain ingredients that are classified as allergens,

irritants, developmental/reproductive toxin and neurotoxin. But only 1 product contains

substances that are known to be carcinogens, namely: Triclosan and Silica. Triclosan

stimulates ovarian cancer growth by regulating cell cycle- and apoptosis- related genes

via an estrogen receptor- dependent pathway (Kim et al., 2014). Silica causes lung

cancer, inhalation of silica particles promotes the development of pulmonary fibrosis that

over prolonged periods increases the risk of lung cancer (Sato et al., 2018).

Two (2) products are also listed for nail use, 1 product contains Ethyl Alcohol

which is classified as an irritant, developmental/reproductive toxin, carcinogen, and

neurotoxin. Contact with Ethyl Alcohol can irritate the skin and eyes. Repeated exposure

to this substance can cause spontaneous abortions as well as birth defects and other

developmental problems which is referred to as “fetal alcohol syndrome.” Ingestion of

Ethyl Alcohol may also increase the risk of certain types of cancer in humans.

Furthermore, it can cause damage to the nervous system with repeated high exposure

(New Jersey DOH, 2016). One (1) product contains Acetone as its ingredient which is

classified as an irritant, developmental/reproductive toxin, and neurotoxin. Exposure to

highly concentrated acetones and its vapours can cause irritation of respiratory tract and

skin, reproductive toxicity test have proven that acetone can cause reproductive problems

especially in men and depress the central nervous system (Garcia, 2017).
Conclusion

Based on the Data and Analysis, the researchers concluded that:

1. Products sold in the market that most people perceive to be safe and does not have

any adverse effect to a person’s health can still cause harm. The risk that these products

bring ranges from less serious reactions such as allergies and irritations and raises to a

highly serious level such as cancer, developmental/reproductive and nerve damage.

2. All products contain harmful ingredients, even in just a small amount but with a long-

term use of these products, it can still be considered as a danger to the consumer. Not

one product listed did not have any harmful ingredients. All products listed each had their

own harmful substances.

3.
Recommendations

1. Check the label or packaging of the product for its ingredients, if possible look for its

active ingredients, and search for the purpose or uses of these substances.

2. Though people, advertisements, or even the packaging itself may declare that the

product is safe to use, doing a little research about what type of substances are harmful

is still the best thing to do before buying a product.

3. When buying household cleaning and personal care products, do not just aim for the

effectivity of the products but also for you and your family’s safety.

4. When using a product, trying a small amount on your hands first is important, to know

if there will be some kind of allergic reaction especially when using a new brand of

product.

5. In using household cleaning products, wearing protective equipment such as mask,

gloves, apron, and the likes is very important more importantly when dealing with strong

or tough cleaning products.

References

[1] Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2014) Medical Management

Guidelines for Sodium Hypochlorite

https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/MMG/MMG.asp?id=927&tid=84

[2] Benzoni, T.; Hatcher, J. (2019) Bleach Toxicity

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441921/#_NBK441921_pubdet_

[3] ChemicalSafetyFacts.org (2019) Cleaning products: Uses, Benefits, and Chemical

Safety Facts

https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/cleaning-products/

[4] Cherney, K. (2018) Everything You Should Know About Niacinamide

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/niacinamide

[5] Choi, K.C.; Go, R.E.; Hwang, K.; Kim, J.Y.; Nam, K.;Yi, B. (2014) Methoxychlor and

Triclosan Stimulates Ovarian Cancer Growth by Regulating Cell Cycle- and Apoptosis-

Related Genes Via an Estrogen Receptor-Dependent Pathway

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1382668914000982?via%3Dihub

[6] Cosmetic Ingredient Review (2014) Safety Assessment of Glycerin as Used in

Cosmetics

https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/glycerin.pdf&ved
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/12396676/

[14] Liebert, M.A (1983) Journal of the American College of Toxicology Volume 2

https://journals.sagepub.com

[15] New Jersey Department of Health (2011) Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet:

Petroleum Distillates

https://nj.gov./health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/2648.pdf&ved

[16] New Jersey Department of Health (2016) Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Ethyl

Alcohol

https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/0844.pdf&ved

[17] Risk Profile Adenosine (2012) Adenosine

https://www.mattilysnet.no/kosmetikk/stoffer_i_kosmetikk/risk_profile_adenosine.9866/b

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[18] U.S Department of Health and Human Services (1993) Hazardous Substances Data

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Environmental Impacts

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diseases-and-environmental-impacts.html