Common toxins found in cleaning supplies

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

• Also found in cosmetics, building materials, and air fresheners. 

• If the word volatile in its title doesn't scare you enough, a University of Washington study found over 25 VOCs exiting laundry vents of households. "Two chemicals – acetaldehyde and benzene – are classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as carcinogens, for which the agency has established no safe exposure level." 

Surfactants

• According to a research study led by the University of Birmingham, surfactants can protect hazardous chemicals and cause them to last longer in the air. 

1,4-Dioxane

• According to the EPA, it is a probable human carcinogen. Also found in personal care products. 

• Not required to be listed on ingredient labels by the FDA.

• A scholarly review found that over one-fifth of drinking water in the US was contaminated by 1,4-Dioxane. It further discusses that while data on "human exposure and health effects are limited, animal studies have shown chronic exposure to cause carcinogenic responses in the liver across multiple species and routes of exposure."

Phthalates

• An endocrine disruptor also found in most fragrance. 

• A scholarly review found that "chronic exposure to phthalates will adversely influence the endocrine system and functioning of multiple organs, which has negative long-term impacts on the success of pregnancy, child growth and development, and reproductive systems in both young children and adolescents."

Formaldehyde 

• Also found in building materials. 

• The National Toxicology Program names formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen in their Fifteenth Edition of Report on Carcinogens.

Nonylphenol (NP)

• An endocrine disruptor banned in the EU, but not in the US. Also found in personal hygiene, lawn care products, and latex paint. 

• Studies reported "positive associations between NP exposure and ovarian, uterine, pituitary, and testicular cancers."

Triclosan

• An endocrine disruptor also found in many personal care items. 

• According to the Cleveland Clinic, triclosan is an antibacterial chemical. Long term exposure may have health risks that "range from allergies to bacterial resistance." "Some animal studies have shown that exposure to high amounts of the ingredient may cause a decrease in certain thyroid hormones." Triclosan can also cross the placenta and is detected in breast milk.