The stain-removing power of household detergents primarily stems from surfactants. Surfactants reduce surface tension, enabling them to penetrate even the tiniest fiber pores that water alone cannot reach, thereby dislodging and lifting dirt trapped within those spaces. In contrast, chemical detergents tend to lodge themselves in these same crevices, making them difficult to rinse away with water.

Household cleaning chemicals such as laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, insecticides, and toilet cleaners contain organic compounds like alkalis, foaming agents, fatty acids, and proteases. The acidic components can draw moisture out of skin tissues, causing proteins to coagulate; in contrast, alkaline substances not only dehydrate the tissue but also denature tissue proteins and disrupt cell membranes, resulting in even more severe damage than acids. Furthermore, the cationic and anionic surfactants found in these products can strip away the skin’s natural oily protective barrier, leading to corrosion and significant harm to the skin. Frequent use of detergents can also trigger the development of melasma on the face.

The Harm of Detergents to Human Health

1. Impaired immune function

Chemical substances in various cleaning agents can trigger allergic reactions in humans. Some of these chemicals, once absorbed into the body, can damage the lymphatic system, leading to a decline in immune function; the use of insecticides designed to eliminate fleas, termites, bedbugs, and cockroaches can increase the risk of lymphoma; and certain fluorescent and whitening agents found in bleaches, detergents, and other cleaning products are not easily metabolized like ordinary chemical compounds; instead, they accumulate in the body, significantly weakening the immune system.

2. Impeding wound healing

Fluorescent agents can also induce mutagenic tendencies in human cells; their cumulative toxicity in the liver and other vital organs may become a potential carcinogenic factor. Damage to the hematopoietic system: Chemical substances readily contaminate human blood. Although blood possesses a certain self-purifying capacity—allowing trace amounts of harmful substances to be diluted, broken down, adsorbed, and excreted—prolonged and substantial exposure to toxic agents will inevitably lead to qualitative changes in its composition. When chemicals from cleaning products enter the bloodstream, they can damage the cell membranes of red blood cells, resulting in hemolysis.

3. Sources of Blood Contamination

Many bath products containing natural bioactive extracts often also contain preservatives and other chemical additives, which can be sources of blood contamination. The “mothballs” used to protect clothing from insect damage are primarily composed of purified naphthalene derived from coal tar. Prolonged inhalation of naphthalene vapor from mothballs can lead to chronic poisoning, suppress bone marrow hematopoiesis, and result in symptoms such as anemia and impaired liver function.

4. Increased risk of leukemia

According to relevant data, women who keep insecticides in their homes have twice the risk of developing leukemia compared with those who do not. Neurological damage: Certain synthetic fragrances found in air fresheners can exert chronic neurotoxic effects, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Insecticides contain pyrethroid compounds, and the resins used to kill flies and other flying insects are often treated with dichlorvos; these toxic substances can damage the nervous system and increase the risk of cancer. Mixing different types of cleaning agents can lead to even more severe consequences. Reproductive system damage: Chemical thinners and detergents generally contain chlorides. Excessive exposure to chlorides can harm the female reproductive system.

5. Leading to infertility

Hydrocarbon compounds in detergents can lead to ovarian dysfunction in women; alkyl sulfonates and other chemical ingredients can be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes. If pregnant women use such products frequently, it may cause oocyte degeneration and even oocyte death. In the course of studying infertility, scientists have found that long-term detergent use is closely associated with infertility in many women. Moreover, during the early stages of pregnancy, certain chemicals in detergents pose a risk of fetal malformations.

Given the numerous health risks that household cleaning agents pose to women, it is important for women to take proactive measures to protect themselves and minimize their exposure to chemicals in daily life. When using cleaning products, appropriate protective measures should be taken, such as wearing rubber gloves when handling laundry detergent; if the skin comes into contact with chemicals, rinse thoroughly with plenty of clean water; and ensure frequent ventilation by opening windows. If symptoms such as dizziness or allergic reactions occur during the use of cleaning products, seek medical attention promptly.