Senior living facilities should be havens of comfort and safety. However, the very products used to maintain cleanliness and prevent fire hazards can harbor hidden dangers.
Many common cleaning supplies and building materials contain toxic chemicals that can pose serious health risks to elderly residents. This is especially true for those with compromised respiratory systems or weakened immune systems.
Understanding these dangers and advocating for safer alternatives is crucial to protecting the well-being of our most vulnerable populations.
Disinfectants and Antibacterial Products
Disinfectants and antibacterial products are crucial for maintaining hygiene in senior living facilities. However, overuse can contribute to antibiotic resistance, a growing public health concern.
Additionally, some disinfectants contain harsh chemicals, such as quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATS). These chemicals can irritate the skin and respiratory system, especially for residents with weakened immune systems.
The National Pesticide Information Center highlights that ADBAC, a form of QUATS, can irritate mucous membranes at concentrations ranging from 0.1-0.5%. When ADBAC concentrations surpass 10%, they can harm the surface of mucosal membranes. Higher amounts of exposure pose serious hazards to these delicate tissues.
Facilities should prioritize bleach-free disinfectants and focus on proper cleaning techniques to reduce reliance on harsh chemicals.
Balancing Pest Control with Resident Safety
Pesticides are essential for controlling unwanted pests, but they can also pose health risks to residents. Many pesticides contain neurotoxins that can interfere with the nervous system and cause headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.
Facilities should prioritize integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which focus on non-chemical methods like traps, baits, and physical barriers to control pests. When pesticides are necessary, facilities should opt for less toxic options and ensure proper application techniques to minimize resident exposure.
The Dangers of Firefighting Foams
“Forever chemicals,” or perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), are a class of man-made substances. They are utilized in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a kind of firefighting foam. While they are very good at putting out fires, they bioaccumulate in the human body and are quite persistent in the environment.
According to The Guardian, government-funded research revealed PFAS chemicals in the blood of almost 97% of all Americans. This recent finding of PFAS in maternal blood samples is especially troubling. This is because the EPA signed an agreement with PFAS manufacturer 3M over 23 years ago to phase down its usage.
PFAS exposure has been related to a wide range of health issues, including cancer, thyroid illness, and immune system malfunction. Senior living facilities built near airports or military bases with firefighting training grounds may be at particular risk of PFAS contamination. This is primarily because these chemicals can migrate through air and water sources.
The dangers of PFAS have become increasingly recognized, leading to legal action against manufacturers and users of AFFF. Communities living near contaminated sites have filed lawsuits citing health problems associated with PFAS exposure. The AFFF lawsuit emphasizes the need for tougher PFAS restrictions and better awareness of the possible health concerns presented by these chemicals.
Lawsuit Legal News highlights that as of June 2024, the United States District Court of South Carolina has approximately 8,400 pending cases. The nation’s fastest-growing mass tort is now this one. TruLaw notes that it is expected that the AFFF MDL will keep growing because there is substantial causation and research-based evidence.
Toxins in Air Fresheners and Fragrances
Synthetic air fresheners and fragranced cleaning products often contain a complex blend of chemicals. These products often mask unpleasant odors rather than address the source. Some of these can trigger respiratory problems and allergies in vulnerable residents.
This is particularly dangerous for the elderly, who are more likely to develop a respiratory condition. According to the American Lung Association, the greatest quantity of air that healthy human lungs can store is around 6 liters.
Your lungs mature between the ages of 20 and 25. After the age of 35, it is common for your lung function to gradually diminish over time. As you age, breathing may become more difficult.
Facilities should prioritize proper ventilation and regular cleaning to eliminate odors naturally. Consider using essential oil diffusers with calming scents like lavender, but ensure proper dilution and ventilation to avoid respiratory irritation.
FAQs
Can AFFF cause asthma?
Yes, AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) can potentially cause asthma. Exposure to AFFF has been linked to respiratory issues, including asthma, due to its chemical components. Prolonged or repeated exposure to the foam can exacerbate respiratory conditions and trigger asthma symptoms.
Are disinfectants toxic to living tissue?
Disinfectants can be toxic to living tissue, depending on their chemical composition and concentration. Many disinfectants contain strong chemicals that can cause irritation or damage to skin, eyes, and respiratory tissues. Proper use and protective measures are essential to minimize these risks.
Do air fresheners release toxins?
Yes, air fresheners can release toxins into the air. Many include chemicals like phthalates, formaldehyde, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can pollute indoor air and pose health risks. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals may affect respiratory health and overall well-being.
Senior living facilities can harbor hidden health risks due to common products used for cleaning, fire prevention, and pest control. These can contain toxic chemicals that linger in the air and environment, potentially causing respiratory problems, immune system dysfunction, and even cancer.
While these products are necessary to maintain hygiene and safety, senior living facilities should prioritize using safer alternatives. Senior living facilities can create a truly safe and healthy haven for their residents by prioritizing resident well-being and adopting a more holistic approach.