Detergent Cancer? All Those Years We've Been Eating "Detergent" Rumors!

Detergent Cancer? All Those Years We've Been Eating "Detergent" Rumors!Xiaoliu, who helps her mother wash dishes after meals, sees the almost empty detergent bottle in the kitchen. She mixes some water with it and cleans the tableware

Detergent Cancer? All Those Years We've Been Eating "Detergent" Rumors!

Xiaoliu, who helps her mother wash dishes after meals, sees the almost empty detergent bottle in the kitchen. She mixes some water with it and cleans the tableware. When buying detergent online, she happened to catch a promotional event and ordered a whole box, thinking of stocking up on some. However, upon arrival, her mom gave her a lecture: "I recently saw online that detergent can cause cancer. We won't use detergent at home anymore, let's just wash the dishes with hot water." Xiaoliu was dumbfounded, "Mom, you can't believe everything you see online. We've been using detergent for so many years, and nothing has happened. Why did it suddenly become carcinogenic? Besides, our dishes would be so dirty without detergent."

Detergent, an indispensable cleaning product in our daily lives, is often labelled as "carcinogenic", causing people to be afraid of it. So, will long-term use of detergent really harm our health and cause cancer? Today, we will delve into this topic and uncover the truth behind detergent!

1. Detergent Causes Cancer, Really?

The "Culprit" behind Detergent-Induced Cancer: Surfactants and Formaldehyde

People's concerns about detergent's toxicity mainly stem from the "surfactants" it contains. The surfactants in detergent are usually substances like fatty alcohol ether sulfates and alkyl benzene sulfonates, which are the highest content substances in detergent besides water. It is precisely because of these substances that detergent can effectively clean the grease on tableware.

Many people worry that the residual surfactants will be ingested during dishwashing, thus causing harm to the body and even cancer. However, research shows that to achieve a toxic effect, a person weighing 60 kilograms would have to drink at least a whole bucket of undiluted detergent. This dosage is practically impossible to reach during regular use. If you are really worried about residues, simply rinse the tableware a few more times.

Does the Formaldehyde in Detergent Really Cause Cancer?

Besides surfactants, people are also concerned about the formaldehyde in detergent. Many detergents, especially low-end products, add formaldehyde for preservation and disinfection. As a substance with carcinogenic properties, formaldehyde naturally evokes fear.

But don't panic excessively!

The national standard GB 19430.1-2015 "National Food Safety Standard Detergent" has set strict regulations for the formaldehyde content in detergents. Detergents are classified into two types: A and B. Type A detergents can be used directly to clean food, while Type B detergents are used to clean tableware and containers.

• Type A detergent: Formaldehyde and methanol content does not exceed 0.05%.

• Type B detergent: Formaldehyde and methanol content does not exceed 0.1%.

As long as you buy detergent from reputable brands and the packaging states "can be directly contacted with food", the possibility of formaldehyde exceeding the standard is very low. There is no need to be overly worried!

How to Choose Safe Detergent

Although national standards have set strict regulations for the formaldehyde content in detergents, some low-end products may still have an exceeding risk. Therefore, when purchasing detergent, pay attention to the following:

• Choose reputable brands: Try to choose detergent from well-known brands. These brands usually strictly comply with national standards and ensure product quality and safety.

• Check product labels: Carefully check the product labels to confirm the type of detergent (Type A or B) and whether it states "can be directly contacted with food".

• Avoid loose detergent: The production environment and quality of loose detergent are difficult to control, and there may be issues such as bacteria, exceeding PH value, etc. It is advisable to avoid using loose detergent.

• Pay attention to the smell of detergent: Detergent should not have a strong smell. Detergent with an overly strong fragrance may contain inferior perfume and long-term use may irritate the respiratory tract, inducing symptoms such as dyspnea and nausea.

• Pay attention to the appearance of detergent: Normal detergent should be transparent without layering. If the detergent is layered and cloudy, it is most likely a sign of deterioration and should be discarded immediately.

Suggestions for Safe Use of Detergent

• It is recommended to wear gloves while washing to avoid direct contact of detergent with skin.

• During washing, if you encounter stubborn grease, rinse it with hot water first and then use detergent. Do not soak for a long time.

• After washing, thoroughly rinse the tableware to ensure that the detergent residue is minimized.

2. Improper Dishwashing, Illness from the Mouth! Those "Fatal" Dishwashing Habits

Apart from the issues with the detergent itself, some incorrect dishwashing habits can also harm our health.

1. Habit of Stacking Dishes After Meals

Many people are used to stacking dishes together after meals. However, this practice will increase the workload of washing and may even lead to cross-contamination.

• Suggestion: After meals, separate oily and non-oily tableware. Remember to wash the bottom of the bowls. For oily tableware, wipe it with kitchen paper first before washing.

2. Dishcloth is Not Clean

According to the "China Household Kitchen Hygiene Survey White Paper", dishcloths contain pathogenic bacteria such as Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus. Unclean dishcloths will cause re-contamination of tableware.

• Suggestion: Use designated cloth for designated purposes. After each use, air dry it in a ventilated place and replace it regularly.

3. Tableware is Not Disinfected for a Long Time

After washing tableware, it is best to place it in a disinfection cabinet to disinfect it, or boil a pot of water and boil the tableware for a few minutes. Remember to replace the tableware regularly.

4. Detergent is Not Diluted

Many people like to pour detergent directly onto the tableware. This will lead to an excessive amount of detergent used. In the long run, it may accumulate toxic chemical substances, leading to decreased immunity.

• Suggestion: Dilute the detergent before using it. Dilute it according to the recommended ratio on the product instructions.

5. No Water Control After Washing

Not controlling the water after washing tableware will breed bacteria. It is recommended to dry the tableware in a draining rack before putting it in the cupboard.

3. Two Sides of Detergent: Type A and Type B

To help consumers better understand the use and safe use of detergent, national standards classify detergent into two types: Type A and Type B.

• Type A Detergent: Can be used directly to clean food. The product packaging will state "can be directly contacted with food".

• Type B Detergent: Used to clean tableware and containers. It is not recommended to use it to clean items that directly contact food.

It is important to note that even Type A detergent is not recommended for cleaning fruits and vegetables. This is because the cleaning principles of fruit and vegetable detergent and tableware detergent differ. The former emphasizes removing residual pesticides, while the latter mainly removes grease. Mixing the two may affect the cleaning effect and even cause harm to the body.

4. The Truth about Detergent: Be Vigilant, But Be Rational

The issue of detergent being carcinogenic has always been a hot topic. But in reality, as long as you choose detergent from reputable brands and use it according to the correct method, it is generally safe.

• Do not panic excessively: Detergent itself does not directly cause cancer. As long as it is used reasonably, it will not pose a threat to our health.

• Rational choice: Choose detergent from reputable brands. Try to avoid using loose detergent. Carefully read the product labels to confirm the type of detergent.

• Develop good dishwashing habits: Thoroughly wash tableware during dishwashing. Dilute the detergent before using it. Control the water thoroughly after washing, and disinfect tableware regularly.

Detergent, as an essential product in our daily lives, requires both vigilance towards its potential risks and a rational view of its safety. As long as we choose scientifically, use safely, we can confidently enjoy the convenience and hygiene brought by detergent.