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Submitted by admin on Fri, 10/19/2007 - 14:02.

Household Products

Health Effects

Daily we use chemicals that might adversely affect our health and the environment. Many common household products, including cleaners, disinfectants, and air fresheners contain dangerous chemicals.

For example, many common degreasers may contain the chemical D-Limonene, which can irritate eyes, skin and airways, particularly affecting those with asthma. Click here (PDF) for additional information about other common products and their health effects.

Air fresheners

Air fresheners come in a variety of packages including toilet blocks, aerosol cans, and scented candles. Air fresheners may contain variants of up to 3,000 different chemicals which are listed ‘fragrance’ on the label. Fragrances in aerosol cans are especially dangerous as they contain propellants (including butane, isobutane or propane). These propellants are neurotoxic at high concentrations.

The US Department of Health and Human Services recently found that a chemical commonly found in deodorizing products, 1,4 dichlorobenzene, causes reduced lung function. There is evidence that chemicals found in the ‘plug-in’ air fresheners react with the ozone in the environment to create formaldehyde and other chemicals.use lavender to naturally freshen air

To avoid the chemicals found in air fresheners, try some of these natural ways to freshen your home (such as lavender). Also, remember that pump spray bottles are always preferable to aerosol spray delivery methods.

Other Household Products

Another set of common household products which are used with some regularity are pest control products. See our Pest Control site for more information on risks and alternatives to chemical pest control methods.

Cosmetic and personal care products

See the Guide to Less Toxic Products for information on safe, chemical-free alternatives to mainstream cosmetics and personal care products.

Safer Cleaning Substitutes

Although the following list of alternative cleaners may require a little more elbow grease to be effective, (1) their proper use will not harm you or the environment, (2) they are more economical, (3)  the bottles are often recyclable (see Recycling), and (4) the leftover cleaners are non-hazardous and therefore easier and safer to dispose of properly.

use white vinegar to clean without toxic chemicals

  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Lemon juice
  • Club soda
  • Baby oil
  • Liquid castile soap

Additional Resources

  • Visit reduce.org for additional information on ways to reduce the use of toxins in your home.
  • For recipes for safer cleaners, click here.
  • Pennsylvania Resources Council has created a booklet on safe cleaning substitutes at: www.prc.org
  • Seventh Generation makes full lines of less-toxic household products and produces The Non-Toxic Times, a newsletter for toxin-free living.

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