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What are the health risks of dishwashing detergent to humans?

Mar 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, dishwashing detergent may pose health risks to the human body, including chemical substances entering the body, skin irritation, effects on the respiratory system, poisoning from accidental ingestion, and environmental pollution. Dishwashing detergent contains various chemical substances such as surfactants and preservatives. When washing dishes, if not rinsed thoroughly, these chemicals may remain on the tableware.

Under normal circumstances, dishwashing detergent may pose potential hazards to human health, including residual chemicals, skin irritation, effects on the respiratory system, risks of accidental ingestion, and environmental pollution. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Residual Chemicals

Dishwashing detergent contains various chemical substances such as surfactants and preservatives. When washing dishes, if not thoroughly rinsed, these chemicals may remain on the tableware. When people eat with these dishes, residual chemicals may enter the body. Long-term accumulation could affect human metabolism, interfere with the endocrine system, and damage health.

2. Skin Irritation

The main components of dishwashing detergent are somewhat irritating. Direct hand contact with detergent, especially frequent contact, may damage the skin's natural oil layer, removing its protective barrier. This can lead to dryness, roughness, itching, peeling, and in severe cases, may cause contact dermatitis, damaging the skin of the hands.

3. Effects on the Respiratory System

When using dishwashing detergent to clean dishes or the kitchen, it may generate tiny droplets or aerosols. In poorly ventilated environments, these droplets and aerosols may be inhaled into the respiratory tract. They can irritate respiratory mucous membranes, causing discomfort symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure may increase the risk of respiratory diseases.

4. Risk of Accidental Ingestion

If dishwashing detergent is improperly stored and accidentally ingested by children mistaking it for a beverage, the consequences could be severe. Chemical substances in the detergent can irritate mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, leading to symptoms of poisoning such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Ingesting large amounts of detergent may result in more serious consequences, such as burns to the digestive tract and electrolyte imbalance.

5. Environmental Pollution

After use, dishwashing detergent is discharged into the environment, where its chemical components are difficult to naturally degrade, causing pollution to water and soil. These pollutants may eventually return to the human body through the food chain. For example, harmful substances from detergent may accumulate in aquatic organisms such as fish living in contaminated water. Humans consuming these organisms may then be indirectly harmed, affecting health.

In daily life, when using dishwashing detergent, it is important to follow proper usage methods and store it safely to minimize risks.

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