PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2: QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

NAME: Cula, Robelle Grace DATE ACCOMPLISHED: December 12,

Arriesgado, Neil 2023
Cosmo, Jhamela
Comajig, Raine
Lawa, Hannah

GRADE/STRAND/SECTION: 12 STEM 2F SUBJ.TEACHER: Ms. Maritess Kho

Class Adviser: Ms. Angelou Libato S.Y. 2022 - 2023

REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature

Every year the number of cleaning products available to the consumer

increases; old ones are improved and new ones promise superior performance. Even

though many would contend that these products' advantages vastly exceed their

drawbacks; evidence shows that some ingredients of household cleaning products,

especially commercial products are hazardous substances with harmful effects on

humans and the environment. However, Eco-friendly formulations are becoming

more and more common these days. Studies and experiments have looked into the

possibility of a natural substance that removes stains just as well as a commercial

cleaner but less harmful (Silviro, 2023; Bom et.al, 2020) . This paper discusses 4

sections, the household hazardous wastes, what makes a commercial cleaning

product hazardous, the benefits of choosing natural cleaner products rather than
commercial cleaning products for cleaning, and alternatives to lessen the danger of

commercial products.

The house can be considered a factory for the production of various chemical

products. Hazardous wastes from household chemical goods need to be handled

properly due to the possible threats they pose. Numerous dangerous compounds, such

as sodium hypochlorite, trisodium phosphate, ammonia, ethylene glycol monobutyl

acetate, and chlorine bleach liquid, are released by household cleaning products

(Pogorelc, 2023). These substances are bad for the environment and living things

alike. This poses significant potential hazards when handled incorrectly to both human

health and the environment during transportation, storage, disposal, and other

processes (Mirza & Mirza, 2023).

Hazardous trash can intensify its properties as a hazard when combined with

ordinary household waste because it can alter the composition of landfills or react

directly with the acids, alkalis, and solvents present in the waste-filled environment

(Gallagher, 2021). A growing number of studies has shown that cleaners may create a

risk for adverse health effects. It includes breathlessness (23%) and skin abnormalities

(68%) were the most often reported issues (Vayısoğlu & Öncü, 2021; Gerster et al.,

2014). The PIC records for the skin and eyes, but not for the respiratory system,

accurately reflect the nature of the health dangers, as do the statistics on occupational

diseases and injuries. Sixty-one percent of cases of occupational sickness linked to

cleaning or disinfection agents involve the skin, and 26 percent involve the

respiratory system. Chemical burns account for 64% of incidents of occupational

harm (Kathare et al., 2022; Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) | US EPA, 2023).
 To lessen the risk of domestic waste and make the home safe for both people and

domestic animals, other alternatives have also been proposed. The social and cultural

definitions of cleanliness and comfort have changed, usually in ways that require more

resources. A number of commercially available household bathroom and kitchen cleaning

products, with and without EPA- registered disinfectant properties, were compared to

several "alternative" products, including lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda (“Hard

Surface Cleaning Performance of Six Alternative Household Cleaners Under Laboratory

Conditions on JSTOR,” n.d.)

 Our houses are kept clean and odor-free with a large selection of soaps,

detergents, bleaching agents, softeners, polishes, and specialty cleaners for sinks,

showers, and ovens. These cleaners' ingredients froth, bleach, and sanitize our

kitchenware, laundry, restrooms, and surfaces. In addition, they can cause harm if

inhaled or touched, are toxic if consumed, and contribute to indoor air pollution. Most

household cleaning tasks can be completed with a few basic, safe substances such as

water, baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and a gritty sponge for scrubbing. And it can

help save a ton of money that would otherwise be spent on expensive, commercial

cleaners.

Lemon, vinegar, and baking soda are often used as a natural, eco-friendly

substitute for commercial all-purpose cleansers. Lemon acid functions as a natural

bleach and is antibacterial and antiseptic, making it an excellent cleaning agent

(Prakash, 2019). The second alternative is

vinegar, the 4 to 8 percent acetic acid concentration in the bottle of vinegar is strong

enough to remove different kinds of stains in the toilet sink. However, horticulture

vinegar, which contains up to 45% acetic acid, would work faster to remove stains

(Martins, 2023). A natural, non-toxic cleaning solution with a wide range of uses is

baking soda. Therefore, using sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, can be used for

cleaning, stain removal, and unclogging toilets (Anaya, 2023).

Research indicates that a number of the chemicals used in commercial and

residential cleaning products are dangerous and hurt both people and the environment.

This paper is organized into four sections: alternatives to lower the risk associated with
 commercial goods; household hazardous wastes; what constitutes a hazardous

commercial cleaning product; and the benefits of utilizing natural cleansers rather than

commercial ones for cleaning. This study aims to identify natural, biodegradable, and

less dangerous commercial cleaning product alternatives by analyzing and

understanding the potential repercussions of using the hazardous chemicals included

in commercial cleaning products. The test of contrasting and comparing alternatives

to the current one—how will they differ—moderated the experiment's strength. This

suggests that it's crucial to take into account the wider effectiveness of commercial

products while conducting research and trying out alternatives. however, even though

many would argue that commercial product benefits much outweigh their

disadvantages

Related Studies

Conducting a study on alternative toilet cleaners is important to explore

environmentally friendly options, potentially reducing harmful chemical exposure.

Three theories for experimentation could focus on the acidity level, antibacterial

properties, and the chemical reaction

 when combining lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda as toilet cleaners.

Investigating the cleaning effectiveness of lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda

individually, as well as in combination, provides valuable insights into their potential

as alternative toilet cleaners. Lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda are often

considered non-toxic cleaners, contributing to a safer cleaning environment.

Additionally, exploring their stain-removing abilities in toilet sinks helps assess their

practical applications (Eartheasy, n.d.; Young, 2023; Harris, 2021). Vinegar is known

for removing mineral deposits and stains in toilet sinks, while lemon juice may excel

in tackling organic stains. Baking soda's abrasive nature might make it effective

against various stains. The duration required for vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda

to remove stains in a toilet sink is a critical aspect to evaluate their efficiency in

practical cleaning scenarios. Investigating whether the effectiveness of vinegar, baking

soda, and lemon juice changes after being stored for days helps understand their

stability and long-term viability as alternative toilet cleaners (Anaya, 2023; Maynard,

2021; Miller, 2023). This comprehensive approach aims to provide a well-rounded

assessment of these alternative toilet cleaners, considering their cleaning

effectiveness, non-toxic properties, stain-removing capabilities, and storage stability.

Research studies have shown that inexpensive and natural alternatives often perform

well compared to expensive branded products in various cleaning applications.

In recent years, there has been a notable shift in consumer preferences towards

sustainable and eco-friendly products, including alternative toilet cleaners. Globally,

concerns about environmental impact and health have prompted the rise of innovative

solutions in the realm of toilet cleaning. Major brands are now investing in research and
development to offer formulations that minimize harm to both the planet and individuals

(World Health Organization: WHO, 2023). Biodegradability is a key focus, with plant-

based ingredients becoming popular choices. Brands are incorporating natural extracts,

essential oils, and enzymes into their formulations, aiming to provide effective cleaning

without relying on harsh chemicals (Green Cleaning Recipes | Mariposa County, CA -

Official Website, n.d.; McGuigan, n.d.). This global trend aligns with an increasing

awareness of the long-term consequences of traditional cleaning agents on water

ecosystems and overall health.

At the national level, governments are recognizing the importance of regulating the

cleaning product industry to promote sustainability. Many countries have implemented or

are considering regulations that encourage the production and use of alternative toilet

cleaners (ISSA, 2021). These regulations often set standards for biodegradability, eco-

labeling, and the use of renewable resources. Several studies and experiments evaluated

the impact of packaged interventions for operation and maintenance (O&M) on the

usability and cleanliness of toilets in public schools in the Philippines. The results suggest

that carrying out extra O&M interventions related to toilet cleanliness and practices can

accelerate the advancement of people's health and safety (Duijster et al., 2022). Some

investigations, like the ones from Compostela Science and Technology High School and

SMNCHS School, used calamansi, baking soda, and vinegar as their ingredients. For

instance, some nations incentivize manufacturers to reduce packaging waste, encouraging

the adoption of refillable or recyclable packaging for toilet cleaning products ("Less Toxic

Alternatives," 2018). National certification programs are also emerging to verify the eco-
friendly claims of these cleaners, providing consumers with reliable information about the

environmental impact of their purchases (Primer Media Inc., 2019).

Locally, communities are actively participating in the shift towards alternative

toilet cleaners. DIY cleaning solutions using household items like vinegar, baking soda,

and citrus extracts have gained popularity (Chrissieklinger, 2023). This grassroots

movement reflects a desire for self-sufficiency and a reduction in reliance on commercial

cleaning products. Community organizations and environmental groups often organize

workshops to educate residents about the environmental impact of traditional cleaners and

demonstrate how to make and use alternative options ("7641 Islands of the Philippines,"

2022). These local initiatives not only contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle but also

foster a sense of community engagement and responsibility for environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, University Cebu Banilad researchers will test the viability of utilizing these

components. These components are simple to get in the area, and this study will also be

able to shed light on how to lessen exposure to harmful substances.

Despite the positive trends, challenges persist in the widespread adoption of

alternative toilet cleaners. Consumer awareness remains a hurdle, as some individuals may

be skeptical about the effectiveness of eco-friendly options compared to traditional

chemical-based cleaners. Additionally, the higher upfront cost of some sustainable

products can deter price-sensitive consumers.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and

collaboration. Brands can invest in marketing campaigns that emphasize the efficacy of

their eco-friendly products, while governments can offer incentives to make these

alternatives more accessible and affordable. Local communities can continue to share
success stories and practical tips, encouraging others to make the switch to greener cleaning

practices.

The global, national, and local experiences with alternative toilet cleaners highlight

a promising shift towards sustainability. As awareness grows and regulations evolve, the

market for eco-friendly toilet cleaners is likely to expand, contributing to a healthier

environment and improved well-being for individuals and communities worldwide.

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