The hazards of household toxins can reap misery on a family. Some toxins are just irritating allergens, but many have long term or fatal health risks.

Homeowners assume that if a product is on the grocery store shelf or in the neighborhood dollar store, then it is bound to be safe. Unfortunately, that just isn’t the case. The government has not required chemical manufacturers to list many of the most harmful ingredients in household products.

Most consumers don’t understand the impact that these toxic ingredients will have on their health. Without private research regarding chemical reactions and hazards of household toxins, consumers would’nt have a clue regarding the safety of household chemical products.

For example, formaldehyde is found as the by-product in many other products like dryer sheets and furniture polish. A common ingredient found in most air fresheners and deodorizers along with formaldehyde is phenol, which is a carcinogen. These chemicals pose serious health risks when exposed to them consistently over a period of time. Irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and skin, nausea, headaches, nose bleeds, dizziness, memory loss, and shortness of breath are not uncommon after long term exposure.

Do you use stain removers in the laundry and around the home? Stain removers with methylene chloride is a known cancer causing agent that can cause liver, brain, heart, and skin damage. How about oven cleaners?Monoethanolamine, which is found in oven cleaners, depresses the central nervous system , which can cause dizziness or coma.

Citrus and Orange cleaners, which are marketed with the words “citrus oil” on the label, will often contain D-limonene. D-limonene is a skin and respiratory irritant. It can cause life threatening respiratory distress, especially in those with asthma or an allergic reaction.

The health hazards of household toxins are never ending. The worst part… nearly every commercial cleaning product that is not formulated as an eco-friendly, holistic alternative has some toxin in it. Many of the products we use for housework, gardening, home improvement, or car maintenance contain hazardous materials that endanger our health as well as pollute the environment.

The average house has an estimated three to 10 gallons of hazardous products. While we cannot eliminate all contact with toxic materials we can minimize the contact by removing all toxic household products out of our home and away from our families! Those who are still using toxic products should give serious consideration to eliminating them form the home and replacing them with eco-friendly, holistic alternatives as soon as possible