Study: Use of Competitors’ Cleaning Products as Harmful as Smoking 20 Cigarettes a Day

Major scientific research further confirms that Melaleuca’s EcoSense products are the safer choice

Research conducted by scientists around the world now confirms what Melaleuca has known for more than 30 years: Toxic chemical ingredients in home-cleaning products take a toll on the health of those who clean with them. The extent of the devastation is only now beginning to be uncovered.

According to a groundbreaking new study, regular use of common household cleaners can have the same devastating effects on respiratory health as smoking a pack of cigarettes every day. The research, conducted by more than two dozen scientists in 10 European countries, was just published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine—a highly respected, peer-reviewed medical journal of the American Thoracic Society.

"To the best of our knowledge, this analysis is the first to address lung function decline in relation to cleaning exposure in occupational life or at home," the study states. "Our findings advocate a need for further focus on preventing harmful exposure to the airways from exposure in cleaning activities."

Cecile Svanes, M.D., Ph.D., the study’s senior author, further explained the need for studying the effects of cleaning products on health over an extended period of time: "While the short-term effects of cleaning chemicals on asthma are becoming increasingly well documented, we lack knowledge of the long-term impact. We feared that such chemicals, by steadily causing a little damage to the airways day after day, year after year, might accelerate the rate of lung function decline that occurs with age."

In the 1990s, scientists began monitoring the health of more than 6,000 people who used cleaning sprays and other products that contain harmful chemical agents. After tracking the subjects’ health for 20 years, the researchers discovered that women who regularly used these products at home or who worked as cleaners had the same damage to their lungs as if they had smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years.

Though there was a clear correlation between women who cleaned at home or for work and respiratory illness, there was no such correlation for men. Scientists did, however, point out that the total number of men regularly using household cleaning products was significantly lower than women.

The results are not altogether unexpected, as previous research has elaborated on the increased sensitivity in the female respiratory system. This makes the latest findings all the more concerning, considering that the most sensitive members of the population (women) are also those engaging with these hazardous products with the most frequency.

Researchers originally suspected that products delivered through a spray or mist would prove more dangerous than those applied as a liquid, gel, or wipe.

Surprisingly, the study found no significant difference between cleaner delivery types, implying that chemicals in liquid cleaners become just as available for inhalation through evaporation as those used in sprays.

Caution: Ammonia and Chlorine Bleach Are the Culprits

“Most cleaning agents have an irritative effect on the mucous membranes of the airways,” the study says. Researchers also pointed out that “long-term exposure to airway irritants such as ammonia and bleach used when cleaning at home” could cause lung damage.

Not surprisingly, the scientists strongly advised avoiding any products that contain these harmful chemical agents and recommended using a safer alternative instead.

Melaleuca EcoSense Cleaners: A Different Approach

For over 30 years, Melaleuca: The Wellness Company has been the industry leader in safer-for-your-home products. Melaleuca scientists utilize the best of science and nature to formulate highly effective cleaning products that won’t jeopardize the health of families or the environment.

None of Melaleuca’s EcoSense products contain ammonia, chlorine bleach or other harmful ingredients. Instead, they rely on safer, more environmentally responsible formulas to provide the same or better effectiveness as leading brands that contain chemicals now documented as a danger to physical health.

Because Melaleuca’s cleaning formulas are so safe, not one of them requires a childproof safety cap. This includes Melaleuca’s disinfectants, bathroom cleaners, toilet cleaners, shower and tub cleaners, stain removers, floor cleaners, degreasers, window and glass cleaners, and surface cleaners.

Melaleuca has always taken a firm stance against using any toxic substances in its formulas, and it always will. As a result, Melaleuca customers can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing the products they use every day are safer for their home, safer for their loved ones, and safer for the environment.