What makes household cleaners and products so toxic?
Some common household chemicals that are known carcinogens include formaldehyde, phenols, benzene, and toluene. Formaldehyde can be found in room deodorizers, furniture polish, floor wax, and dishwashing detergents. New furniture and carpets can also outgas formaldehyde. Mattress covers, wrinkle free linens and some clothing are treated with formaldehyde. If sensitive, these can cause coughing, skin, and eye problems. Bedding and childrens sleepwear can outgas chemicals such as toluene and polyurethane vapors. Phenols are major indoor pollutants. Toilet bowl cleaners, all-purpose cleaning sprays and oven cleaners all contain phenols. Industrial solvents are considered by some to be the most damaging of envirotoxins. Benzene and propyl alcohol are examples. Dichlorobenzene is used widely in room deodorizers and moth repellents. Solvents such as these can affect the thymus, thereby directly impacting our immune system. Popular brand name cleaners Ajax , Windex, and Lysol come with their
