What Are Household Items That Contain Carbon?
Household items that contain carbon include cleaning products, such as toilet blow cleaners, laundry detergent, metal polishers, air fresheners, dishwasher detergent and even some hand soaps. Carbon is added to items in liquid, spray, granule and powder form. The amount and concentration of carbon varies depending on the type of product and manufacturer, but nevertheless, it is a relatively common additive to household products.
Carbon is generally found in higher concentrations among certain brands or products. It is a staple ingredient in auto care products, such as wheel cleaners, carpet and upholstery cleaners and car soap. In these products, carbon may form up to 30 percent of the base substance. Carbon is a water-soluble chemical that is lightweight, too. When added to other substances, it produces a thick, rich lather, which makes it ideal for soaps, detergents and other sudsy substances. Although it is found in many common items, carbon is considered a potential skin and eye irritant. It may produce short-term health consequences and harm from long-term exposure, too, which makes it unsuitable for use in personal products like shampoos, conditioners and bar soaps. According to the National Institute of Health, carbon is added to household products in liquid, powder, pump spray, gel, wipe and solid form.
