Most of us use toxic chemicals every day.  Household cleaners, paints, batteries, pesticides, detergents, and flea powders are hazardous not only to our own health, but to the environment as well.  Each year, Americans use roughly 8.3 billion pounds of dry detergent and a billion gallons of liquid detergent.  Fertilized pollutants, or ‘nutrients,’ in human sewage cause algae slimes that suffocate marine life around the world, especially coastlines.

Potentially toxic chemicals are in many household products.  Many may surprise you in the toxic potential, so here are some examples that may be looked over:  antiperspirants, hair spray, shampoo, soap, flea and tick collars, litter, stain and odor removers, insulation, caulk, paints, stains and thinners, etc.  Read the labels of cleaning supplies you purchase. They have important warnings about hazards to your health or to the health of small children and pets.  Never mix your chemicals, because these fumes are often flammable or deadly when inhaled.

Antibacterial cleaners contain triclosan. This can have several side effects.  Use regular soap to kill 99.4 percent of germs (antibacterial kills 99.6 percent).  Air fresheners contain formaldehyde, which causes allergic reactions, skin problems, and several types of aches and pains in various parts of the body.  You may want to just open a window.  Dishwasher detergents contain high concentrates of chlorine that can cause skin irritation or burns, while residue may build up on your dishes and mix with your food.  Look for phosphate and chlorine-free detergents.  Bathroom cleaners contain hydrochloric acid, hyprochlorite bleach and other carcinogens.  Any of these poisons can cause be corrosive to skin and eyes, damaging to kidneys, nervous system, respiratory tract and cause birth defects.  Pure vinegar can remove toilet bowl stains, and washing soda or borax will work for tiles.