We all know chemicals used in household cleaning products can be harmful if ingested but did you know that getting them on our skin or even being around the fumes can be dangerous? This is especially true for babies and young children.

In addition to household cleaning supplies, air fresheners, candles and laundry detergents can also have a negative impact on your health. 

Here are some specific chemicals to avoid:

• • Sodium hydroxide
    • Corrosive and can cause burns
    • Inhaling can cause throat irritation
    • Found in drain openers/cleaners, oven cleaners
    • Great alternative is to mix one cup baking soda and one cup vinegar and pour down the drain or use to clean the oven
  • Phthalates
    • Can be hidden as fracrage or parfum in products
    • Known hormone disruptor
    • Men with higher levels of phthalates in their blood had lower sperm counts
    • Found in air fresheners, lotions, dish soap, laudry detergent, fabric softeners, toilet paper and basically anything “scented”
    • Look for products that are fragrance free or use natural essential oils
  • Chlorine
    • Major source of thyroid dysfunction and respiratory inhalation when inhaled
    • It can be found in diapers, laundry whitening agents, mildew removers, toilet cleaners, tap water, which is one reason we recommend a filter
    • Instead, look for oxygen-based laundry whitening agents and avoid diapers and cleansers that contain chlorine as an ingredient
  • Ammonia is another common toxic cleaning chemical
    • Found in polishing products, glass cleaners, jewelry cleaners
    • It’s a powerful irritant and very dangerous for lung problems, asthma, breathing problems and the elderly
    • Instead, consider Greenshield organic glass cleaner or Branch Basics
  • Triclosan
    • An antibacterial agent found in hand soap and anything marked “antibacterial”
    • Dangerous hormone disruptor especially for women
    • Actively being investigated as a possible carcinogen
    • Contributing to antibiotic resistant germs

You don’t need to throw away everything you have but as you run out of your go to products, consider swapping them out of non-toxic alternatives. We love the Environmental Working Group's guide to healthy cleaning that can be found here.