Hazardous Household Items: What To Know About Their Labels, Contents + Healthy Alternatives

Decoding the Labels

Some companies list all of the chemicals in their products. But shockingly enough, there are many out there that don’t. WebMD says the Consumer Products Safety Commission requires labeling for household products like battery acid, drain opener, and cleaners. The companies that make these products are required to list the ingredients that are known to be hazardous. They also need to include first aid information. The problem is, all other ingredients don’t need to be listed. This means that the products can include anything without the company mentioning them at all.

Many consumers feel if it’s being sold in a reputable store that it’s gone through a review stage. Since that isn’t the case, you could be spraying dangerous chemicals into your home’s air without you even knowing it.

When purchasing products, look for labels that read “non-toxic,” “petroleum-free,” and “biodegradable.” Stay away from products with labels that state they have a fragrance without having any information about what the scent is made of.

The Household Product Labeling Acts

All information stating what is actually in the product you’re using can be a lifesaver for you and your family. This information isn’t on the bottles for show; it’s there to let you know what’s in the product and how it can be harmful. Over the past few years, two bills have been proposed as a way to make the label information clearer and safer for users.

In the summer of 2009, U.S. News says Senator Al Franken introduced a bill to help prevent families from getting hurt while using common household items. Franken says a chemical that is deemed as “safe” one day may be listed as “dangerous” another.

“How many times have you heard on the news or read in the paper about a new drug or chemical that has been recently linked to health or environmental hazards? It happens all the time. An ingredient that a company claims is ‘perfectly safe’ today could be reclassified as ‘dangerous’ tomorrow. And an ingredient that is safe for most people could be a major irritant for a child with asthma. Eventually, I hope that manufacturers will take preemptive action and eliminate potentially harmful chemicals from their products. In the meantime, this legislation is a common sense step in the right direction,” Franken said.

Unfortunately, eliminating all potentially hazardous chemicals from products isn’t in the cards right now.  By having all of the chemicals and information thoroughly listed, people can hopefully make judgement on their own.

The House of Representatives also introduced a bill to combat potential issues stemming from household label issues. Representative Steve Israel feels that it’s important to have extensive information listed following major issues with the tobacco industry. Rep. Israel says the industry hid a lot of basic information about the chemicals that were being used in our workplaces and homes.

Products covered by these two acts would include air fresheners, floor and furniture polish, drain cleaners, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and other similar products. Dangers associated with these products include asthma and respiratory problems.

Toxic Household Products You Should Evict

Everyday Health compiled a list of a few commonly-used household items that you need to toss ASAP.

1. Air Fresheners

Candles, plug-in scents, and other air-freshening devices can actually be pretty harmful. These products can contain chemicals called phthalates, which can cause problems for the reproductive system. If you’re looking for a safe air-freshener, pick up a candle made with essential oils or use fresh flowers as an alternative.

2. Fabric and Upholstery Protection Sprays

If you’re unfamiliar with what upholstery and fabric protection sprays actually do, they essentially create a plastic barrier over your furniture. Over time, this plastic will wear off and will be released into your home environment. Rather than trying to protect your furniture from stains, clean them as they happen.

3. Plastic Food Containers

While this one isn’t necessarily a chemical, it’s a potentially harmful product that we use on a regular basis. Have you ever noticed your plastic containers turning cloudy after a few cycles through the dishwasher? That happens because plastic breaks down and can actually release dangerous chemicals into your food. Just like air fresheners, many of the containers we use contain phthalates which can disrupt your endocrine system. Use glass containers to store and transport your food instead.

Create Your Own Household Cleaning Products

Like using glass containers or essential oils as a safer alternative to dangerous products, you can also create your own household cleaning products. Good Housekeeping says all of these DIY products can be made using very few ingredients.

To create an all-purpose cleaner and deodorizer you’re going to need four tablespoons of baking soda and one quart of warm water. All you need to do is pour the solution on a clean sponge and start wiping. You can use this mixture to clean countertops, appliances, and even the inside of your refrigerator. It also does a great job of shining stainless steel appliances and sinks.

If you need something to remove tough stains, take half a lemon and a half cup of borax. You can find borax for about $8.00 in the laundry detergent aisle. Take the lemon and dip it into the borax, then use the lemon to scrub away any rust stains. Don’t use this cleaner alternative on marble or granite, though, you’ll run the risk of ruining those surfaces.

Many household items are essential for everyday life, but do you know what you’re using is actually made of? Always read the labels on the back of any product before use. If you’re unsure of what is in the product or if what you’re using is actually safe, try homemade alternatives to nip toxins in the bud.

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