Image from NASA National Space Science Data Center.

Toxic Household Products

Your Good Health is Our Goal

Why are the cleaning laundry products you use every day harmful? Anything you get on your skin or inhale will be absorbed into your
body, similar to the nicotine patch for those quitting smoking. When cleaning you do both! You get it on you, and you inhale the toxic fumes that are being
emitted. Many of the chemicals found in household cleaners are responsible for:

• many asthmatic, cold & flu symptoms
• hyperactivity
• headaches
• fatigue
• eczema
• and even learning disabilities in children
• Some are even cancer causing!

Listen to a discussion about the threat that environmental toxins pose to our lives This 19 minute discussion covers:

• Where are you exposed to toxins?
• What do toxins have to do with early puberty?
• What harm do plastic bottles pose?
• Is there a link between toxins and obesity?
• Is diabetes linked to environmental pollution?
• Did you know that you have 53 chemicals known to cause cancer in your body? That's just the beginning.
• Why are there hormones in our foods?
• What problems do pesticides pose?
• What can you do to reduce your exposure to toxins?

Additional Information:Read an informative pamphlet about green cleaners that are good for your home and our planet!

What’s the big deal about toxins you ask? You’d be surprised. Find out where they are in your home and, more importantly, how to replace them.

Last update: April 4, 2001

Source unless noted: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Common household toxins and the products they're found in:

• Sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach)
  

  Lung and eye irritant. (Source: Washington Toxics Coalition) If mixed with ammonia or acid-based cleaners (including vinegar), releases toxic chloraminegas. Short-term exposure to chloramine gas may cause mild asthmatic symptoms or more serious respiratory problems.

• Petroleum distillates (metal polishes)
  

  Short-term exposure can cause temporary eye clouding; longer exposure can damage the nervous system, skin, kidneys, and eyes.

• Ammonia (glass cleaner)
  

  Eye irritant, can cause headaches and lung irritation. If mixed with chorine, releases toxic chloramine gas. Short-term exposure to chloramine gas may cause mild asthmatic symptoms or more serious respiratory problems.

• Phenol and cresol (disinfectants)
  

  Corrosive; can cause diarrhea, fainting, dizziness, and kidney and liver damage.

• Nitrobenzene (furniture and floor polishes)
  

  Can cause shallow breathing, vomiting, and death; associated with cancer and birth defects.

• Formaldehyde (a preservative in many household products)
  

  Suspected human carcinogen; strong irritant to eyes, throat, skin, and lungs.

• Perchloroethylene or 1-1-1 trichloroethane solvents (Spot removers and carpet cleaners)
  

  Can cause liver and kidney damage if ingested; perchloroethylene is an animal carcinogen and suspected human carcinogen.

• Naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene (mothballs)
  

  Naphthalene is a suspected human carcinogen that may damage eyes, blood, liver, kidneys, skin, and the central nervous system; paradichlorobenzene can harm the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys.

• Hydrochloric acid or sodium acid sulfate (toilet bowl cleaners)
  

  Either can burn the skin or cause vomiting diarrhea and stomach burns if swallowed; also can cause blindness if inadvertently splashed in the eyes.

• Formaldehyde, phenol, and pentachlorophenol (spray starch)
  

  Any aerosolized particle, including cornstarch, may irritate the lungs.

Are you passionate about the environment? Live in the country? Suffer from contact dermatitis? Biodegradable, low toxicity cleaners may be your answer.

Earth-friendly cleaners!

This site is not endorsed by NASA"

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.