FAQs About Toxic Household Products

1. What actually makes a household product toxic?

Toxicity isn’t about immediate poisoning (though that can happen). The real danger comes from chemicals that either: (a) accumulate in your body over time like heavy metals, or (b) disrupt your hormones at extremely low doses. Many cleaners contain both types.

2. How can I spot toxic products without a chemistry degree?

Three red flags:

• Warning labels like “Danger” or “Poison”
• Ingredients you can’t pronounce (sodium hypochlorite = bleach)
• Strong chemical smells that linger

Pro tip: The EWG’s Healthy Living app lets you scan barcodes for toxicity ratings.

3. What are the worst offenders in my cleaning cabinet?

The “Big 3” to avoid:

1. Ammonia – destroys lung tissue with repeated use
2. Phthalates – in fragrances, disrupt hormones
3. Quaternary ammonium compounds – trigger asthma

Even “green” products sometimes contain these disguised as “fragrance” or “preservatives.”

4. Are “natural” products actually safer?

Sometimes, but not always. We’ve seen “natural” products with:

• Essential oils that poison both people and pets
• “Plant-based” cleaners that contain synthetic preservatives and are highly concentrated causing more pollution
• Misleading claims like “chemical-free” (everything is chemicals!)

Your best bet? Look for third-party certifications like EPA Safer Choice. Avoid using concentrates or any substance or dilute significantly.

5. How can I realistically reduce chemical exposure?

Start with these manageable steps:

• Open windows when cleaning (even in winter)
• Use microfiber cloths instead of disinfectant sprays
• Switch one product at a time
• Use non highly-volatile substances (e.g.: Baking or washing soda for laundry)
• Store chemicals in garage/basement in isolation from living environment – not under sinks

Small changes make a big difference over time.

6. What long-term damage can cleaners actually cause?

Studies show professional cleaners have:

• 40% faster lung function decline (comparable to smoking!)
• Higher rates of autoimmune diseases
• Increased risk of certain cancers and decrease in organ functions

The scary part? Virtually ALL home users are exposed to many of the same chemicals.

7. Are my favorite scented candles harming me?

Unfortunately, yes. The wax, wicks, and fragrances often contain:

• Paraffin (a petroleum byproduct)
• Lead-core wicks (banned but still found)
• Phthalates in “fragrance”

Safer option: Vent your living space properly.

8. What’s the right way to dispose of toxic cleaners?

Never pour them:

• Down drains (harms water treatment)
• In trash (can leach into groundwater)

Check your city’s hazardous waste program – many offer free drop-off days.

9. Why are kids and pets more at risk?

Three key reasons:

1. They’re closer to floors where chemicals settle
2. Pets lick their paws after walking on cleaned surfaces
3. Children’s developing bodies are more sensitive to disruptions

A baby crawling on a mopped floor gets about 60x more exposure than an adult walking on it.

10. What are truly safe cleaning alternatives?

Go-to toolkit:

• Disinfecting: Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• Grease cutting: Castile soap + baking soda
• Windows: Vinegar + water + newspaper
• Air freshening: Open windows

These work as well as chemicals for 90% of cleaning needs.