Cleaning is essential to protecting our health in our homes, schools, and workplaces. However, household and cleaning products including soaps, polishes, and grooming supplies often include harmful chemicals. Even products advertised as "green" or "natural" may contain ingredients that can cause health problems.
Many cleaning supplies or household products can irritate the eyes or throat, or cause headaches and other health problems, including cancer. Some products release dangerous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Other harmful ingredients include ammonia and bleach. Even natural fragrances such as citrus can react to produce dangerous pollutants indoors.
How can you prevent harm from cleaning and household products?• Read all labels on cleaning supplies and household products before you buy them.
• Choose products that do not contain or have reduced amounts of VOCs, fragrances, irritants, and flammable ingredients.
• Avoid using air fresheners altogether.
• Do a little research on the product from a reliable source.
• As a safer cleaning alternative, warm water and soap often will do the trick, especially at home.
• Baking soda is good for scrubbing.
• A mix of vinegar and water can clean glass.
When using cleaning or household products, keep the area well-ventilated. Open windows and doors. Never use cleaning products in a small, enclosed space.
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