It is kept in the kitchen cupboard, used every day and almost no one imagines the danger it poses. At first glance it seems harmless, but science is starting to show otherwise. What many consider a symbol of cleanliness and safety may, after all, be affecting health as seriously as tobacco.
When cleaning becomes a hidden risk
For years, researchers have studied the impact of household products on the respiratory system. The conclusions are unsettling. Certain detergents and disinfectants release invisible particles that irritate the lungs and, over time, cause inflammation comparable to that caused by cigarette smoke.
The alert was launched by a team from the University of Bergen, in Norway, after monitoring more than six thousand people for two decades. The, titled “Cleaning at Home and at Work in Relation to Lung Function Decline and Airway Obstruction”revealed that women who cleaned the house regularly showed a loss of lung capacity similar to that of those who smoked a pack a day.
The false “clean smell”
This is not an exaggeration. Researchers identified so-called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), present in sprays and perfumed products, as the main culprits. When inhaling them, the body reacts slowly, creating an inflammatory condition that worsens over the years.
The problem is that these products are stored precisely where we spend the most time: the kitchen. Between detergents, degreasers and air fresheners, many spaces end up full of chemical substances that are released by heat or water vapor. And the more closed the environment, the greater the risk.
The false sense of cleanliness also contributes to deception. The so-called “clean smell” is not a sign of hygiene, but rather of chemical particles suspended in the air. They are what give that intense aroma that so many associate with freshness, and which, after all, could be slowly damaging your lungs.
The return to natural tricks
Experts recommend simple but effective measures: open windows during and after cleaning, avoid mixing products and reduce the use of aerosol sprays. Ventilation is the easiest way to eliminate particles that remain in the air for hours.
In recent years, many families have started to return to homemade solutions. Vinegar, baking soda and lemon have once again gained prominence, especially among those who prefer natural and economical methods. In addition to being effective, they are safe and environmentally friendly options.
But the impact goes beyond the respiratory tract. Some artificial fragrances interfere with the hormonal system and are associated with tiredness, headaches and mood changes. It’s a discreet but real side effect that builds up with constant exposure.
The air indoors can be the most dangerous
The World Health Organization has already classified the indoor air in homes as one of the main causes of respiratory diseases not associated with tobacco. Irony of ironies: we spend time trying to eliminate germs, but we end up breathing more polluted air at home than on the street.
Doctors emphasize that the danger is not in cleaning, but in overdoing it. Using several products at the same time, insisting on intense scents and closing the windows during cleaning are common mistakes. Small changes in habits can make a big difference.
Many of the products available on the market continue to have confusing labels and little information about risks. Therefore, experts are calling for greater transparency and awareness campaigns that help people understand what they are actually using.
Less is more
The solution, they say, is to ventilate more and simplify products. The air we breathe indoors is just as important as what exists outside. And if cleaning is done in moderation, the body will thank you.
In the end, the message left by the study is clear: the danger does not come from tobacco, but from the bottle in the kitchen cupboard. And all it takes is a few adjustments in everyday life to prevent what seems like a healthy gesture from turning into a silent risk.
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