Why the poison diaries
In today’s world, it is hard to escape the many health risks we face on a day-to-day basis. Headlines and social media posts often claim that ‘product x’ or ‘food y’ causes cancer or other serious harm, but most of the time these claims are oversimplified, taken out of context, or not backed by strong research. So how do we know if we should trust them?
Take a quick look around your home. You will probably find several products for cleaning, washing, insect control, gardening, and personal care (e.g., shampoo, lotion, deodorant, and skin care). Perhaps you routinely check the ingredients of these products and try to avoid certain ingredients. But how many of those ingredients do you really understand? And what about the everyday products you don’t question because they are trusted brands in most South African households? Are all their ingredients safe, especially with regular, long-term use?
Most household products contain multiple compounds we broadly refer to as household chemicals. Each chemical is included in the product for a specific reason: to clean, preserve, fragrance, disinfect, repel insects, or improve appearance. The challenge is that many chemicals also pose a risk to human health, depending on how you are exposed to them (how much, how long, and in what setting).
Some risks are obvious. Swallowing bleach, for example, can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, burns. These are acute (immediate/short-term) effects. But chemicals can also cause chronic (long-term) effects that are less visible and seldom discussed. You may have heard advise like ‘just ventilate the room’ or ‘leave the area for a while and you’ll be fine’. Ventilation can help, but it isn’t always the whole story. Especially when exposure is frequent, happens in small indoor spaces, or affects children, pregnant people, or anyone who may be more vulnerable to chemical effects, including people with allergies and those who are immunocompromised.
That’s where The Poison Diaries comes in. We are passionate about sharing clear, trustworthy, science-based information on household chemicals and the risks they may pose, along with practical, safer alternatives that may help us move towards a less toxic future. Our team has over 30 years of combined experience researching and working on health impacts linked to everyday chemical and pesticide exposure. We’ve heard too many stories and seen too many preventable poisonings and illnesses to stay quiet.
So, what can you expect from this blog? Regular posts that break down what’s really in common products, what the evidence really says, and what it means for your home, your communities, and ecosystems around you. We’ll be sharing real-life experiences and simple tips on safer choices or alternatives to help reduce risks – without fearmongering or confusion.
Keep an eye out for our next post, where we’ll explore household pesticides and the hidden cost many people don’t realise. If you have a story to share, or questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out by leaving us a comment on this post or sending us an email at info@poisondiaries.org
