Cleaning products

[Boni]

Can anyone advise me of their experiences using cleaning products and flares, etc.? Although, I haven't been aware of them afffecting me, I may be simply ignorant that this is happening.

Also, I know someone who cleans for a living and is a chronic sufferer. Perhaps the products she uses to do her job are the actual culprits that are making her sick. I am wondering if this might be part of building a case for rendering her disabled to work.

Thanks

[ICNDonna]

I'm not terribly sensitive to cleaning products, but I have a daughter-in-law who had to change occupations from working as a dietitian in nursing homes (which she loved) because the chemicals gave her migraines.

Donna

[sleepyangel30]

I'm not terribly sensitive to cleaning products, but I have a daughter-in-law who had to change occupations from working as a dietitian in nursing homes (which she loved) because the chemicals gave her migraines.

Donna


Donna, I once worked at a nursing home I could not deal with the chemicals it would always make me so dizzy that I had to quit.

[Katrina]

Anything can effect us and that includes things we breathe in. The best you can do is be aware of the possibility and chart things when you flare, what you did that day, ate, drank, changed makeup or perfume, did you use a different detergent to wash your clothes or fabric softener, where did you go, and so on. In some cases one thing alone may not make you flare but if you add it to something else together it may...be aware of that too. Your on the right track by being aware of the possibility :) I know my nasal allergies often affect my bladder and although I like the smell of bleach when I use it if I smell it too long ....a problem occurs. Good luck!

[July]

I have read that products that contain bleach and/or formeldahyde can contribute to vulvar/vaginal pain. Even women's nail polish and nail polish remover contain formeldahyde. I've often wondered about chemical sensitivity. I try to stick to natural cleaning products from the health store or even plain old simple baking soda or vinegar.

[Silverfern]

Chemical smells affect my bladder really badly. Paint fumes are one of the worst (terrible urgency), but nearly every cleaning product affects me to some degree, although some are definitely worse than others....toilet cleaners and disinfectants are killers for me. It doesn't have to be a really strong smell either I've discovered. It took me awhile to figure this all out. If it burns my nasal passages after I inhale it, then you can guarantee my bladder/urethra will start burning badly very soon thereafter. My nose doesn't always burn though. I actually wear a full face mask sometimes if I can't avoid cleaning products. Unfortunately I'm a 'job coach' for an intellectually disabled woman who just so happens to clean houses for a living! Stupid choice of a job for me but I just didn't have the heart to not do it as she's very dear to me and she really wanted me to help her. Anyway, the mask is a godsend!

I've managed to find many cleaning products from my local health shop which don't affect me....they're also better for the environment too which is good!

It's worth becoming aware when you're using household cleaners, especially if you have a flare a bit later on. It's a bit like the diet in some ways....you have to experiment.

Hugs

[July]

This past week I walked through a cosmetic/perfume department of a store, and the smell was overpowering. Later that night, my bladder was acting up.

[Silverfern]

I notice exactly the same thing walking through the 'cleaning product' aisle of the supermarket. I've learned to hold my breath as I walk down it. In fact I use this technique a lot in my day to day life when I'm aware I might be in a 'dangerous smell' situation. Works good!

[Sarojini]

Many ICers suffer from MCS, or multiple chemical sensitivity. If you are one of those people (you find fumes, fragrances, airborne particles, etc extremely irritating to skin, eyes, nose, and other body systems), then it is quite likely your bladder is being affected too.

I try to avoid most chemical fumes -- I have my husband clean the bathroom mold off since that cleaner makes me feel gross, and since I work in a lab, I use ALL chemicals under a fume hood even if the Environmental Health and Safety Dept. says they can be used on the benchtop.