Dangers of Household Cleaners
- Everwell Pets
- Mar 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 27
What You Need to Know About Phthalates & Pet Health
We've been digging into epigentic disruptors in our latest article series and have a new topic to add to the list, which can be found lurking right under our noses: household cleaners. While we're sold that they’re designed to keep our homes sparkling clean, many of these products contain chemicals that could be interfering with your pet’s health. It’s important to understand how these chemicals commonly found household cleaners can affect your pet’s health and what you can do to protect them.
So, while you’re working to keep your home clean, let’s make sure the products you’re using aren’t adding to the problem. By choosing non-toxic, pet-safe cleaners and avoiding phtalates, you’re taking a huge step toward protecting both your home and your furry friends from these hidden dangers.
What Are Phthalates?
Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used to make plastics more flexible and to improve the texture of products like cleaners, air fresheners, and even perfumes. While they’re effective at their job, they come with a hidden cost: they are endocrine disruptors. Phthalates can also accumulate in the body over time, leading to long-term exposure even if the initial contact was brief.
Phthalates are found in a variety of products, including:
Household cleaners (especially those with a strong fragrance)
Air fresheners
Perfumes and scented candles
Plastic containers and toys
You may be thinking, “But these products are so convenient, and they keep my home smelling fresh and clean!” And while that’s true, the problem lies in the toxic fumes and the potential for direct contact with the chemicals that your pets can easily inhale, ingest, or absorb through their skin; keep in mind your pets walk and lay on floors and beds without the protection of shoes, socks and clothes.
How Phthalates Affect Pets
Phthalates can affect your pet's health in several concerning ways. Studies have shown that these chemicals can impact everything from reproductive health to behavioral issues, and they may even be linked to increaed risk of cancer, neurological issues, and developmental disorders. Let’s break down some of the risks:
1. Hormonal Disruption: Since phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, they can interfere with your pet’s hormonal balance, which is critical for normal growth, immune function, and metabolism. Research has shown that exposure to phthalates can lead to reproductive health issues, such as reduced fertility and changes in behavior [1]. Pets, like humans, are at risk for disruptions in their thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormones due to these chemicals.
2. Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of chemical fumes from air fresheners or plug-in deodorizers can be harmful to your pets’ respiratory system. These two common household items warrant special mention, and many pet parents use them without thinking twice about their potential dangers. While they may mask odors in the short term, they come with hidden risks that could seriously affect the health of your furry friends (and even you!). Prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals can irritate their lungs, lead to asthma-like symptoms, or worsen existing respiratory conditions.
Phthalates are often used in air fresheners to create strong, lingering scents, so your pet may be inhaling toxic fumes long after you’ve plugged it in or sprayed it. Air fresheners also contains chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), butane and acetone, which can contribute to poor air quality and respiratory irritation.
3. Skin Irritation and Allergies : In addition to respiratory issues phthalates can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in both pets and people. If your pet is licking or grooming their fur after coming in contact with surfaces sprayed with products containing phthalates, they could end up ingesting these harmful chemicals. This can lead to digestive upset, skin rashes, or even more severe reactions depending on their sensitivity.
4. Liver Damage: Studies on phthalates have shown they can accumulate in the liver, leading to liver toxicity over time [2]. Since pets tend to walk around, sniffing and licking areas that are often sprayed or cleaned, they can be at risk of this accumulation, especially if there’s frequent exposure. It could be that those elevated liver enzymes on your pet's blood work is the result of toxins inside your home.
5. Behavioral Changes: Phthalates are also linked to changes in behavior and nervous system function. Pets exposed to high levels of these chemicals may show signs of anxiety, aggression, or changes in overall behavior. In severe cases, it may even impact their ability to learn and interact in normal ways.
How to Keep Your Home Fresh, Naturally
So, what can we do to keep our homes smelling nice and our pets safe? There are plenty of natural alternatives that won’t put your pets at risk. Here are some simple swaps you can make:
Essential oils like lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus can freshen the air without the harmful chemicals. Just make sure to dilute them properly and avoid using oils like tea tree or cinnamon, which can be toxic to pets.
Considering making your own non-toxic cleaners using natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. These ingredients are safe for pets and just as effective at cleaning.
Pets spend a lot of time on their beds, and it’s crucial to keep their resting areas clean and free of chemicals. Use safe, natural products to wash your pet’s bedding and toys regularly to prevent any chemical buildup. Be aware of your laundry detergent and NEVER use dryer sheets.
Place toys and bowls into the dishwasher to be disinfected on a regular basis
Activated charcoal is great for absorbing odors naturally without any fragrance. It’s safe for pets and works wonders in bathrooms or closets.
Opening windows and letting natural air circulate can help refresh your space without needing to rely on artificial fragrances. Bonus, it also lets the sunshine in!
In Summary
As phthalates and other toxic chemicals become more common in our environment, it’s essential to be vigilant about the products we use in our homes. Our pets are especially vulnerable to these chemicals, so reducing their exposure by choosing safer alternatives can make a huge difference in their long-term health and well-being. By opting for non-toxic cleaning products, airing out your space, and keeping their environment clean and chemical-free, you’re taking a major step toward protecting your furry friends.
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Citations
[1] Swan, S. H., et al. (2005). “Environmental phthalate exposure and human health: a review of the literature.” Environmental Health Perspectives.
[2] Berman, T., et al. (2001). “Toxicity of phthalates.” Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology.