Many of the products we use routinely to clean our homes contain toxic chemicals. These include glass cleaners, scouring powders, general purpose cleaners, toilet cleaners, carpet spot removers, oven cleaners and degreasing products. Some of the ingredients in these products, such as chlorine, solvents, caustics, chemical disinfectants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), have been found to cause eye and throat irritation as well as more serious long-term respiratory diseases and cancer. They also contribute to indoor air pollution. Before you use a product, think about the residue that will remain on surfaces, on clothing, on your skin and in the air. These exposures are not insignificant.

Cleaning and washing products can also contaminate our drinking water supplies when they are rinsed down drains and flushed down toilets. Recent studies have shown that when liquid laundry detergents are discharged into rivers and other bodies of water, they interfere with reproductive function in marine life.

Avoid products labeled "Danger,""Poison," or "Warning" and work outside or provide fresh air if you must use a strong product to get the job done. The best choice is to make your own cleaners from simple food ingredients (such as vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice). A Grassroots tip: Regular cooking oil removes paint from hands better than paint thinner or turpentine.

For a comprehensive look at the problem of cleaning products in schools, please see the ChildSafe School Program

For a comprehensive list of institutional cleaning products that we recommend, click here.

SUGGESTED PRODUCTS

BioKleen
www.biokleen.com
A manufacturer and supplier of earth-friendly, safe, non-toxic and biodegradable cleaners for industrial, marine, automotive, janitorial and household purposes.

Bon Ami
www.bonami.com
A unique, earth-friendly company providing biodegradable household cleaners for all surfaces that are free of chlorine, perfumes and dyes.

CleanWell
www.cleanwelltoday.com
All natural hand sanitizers and hand wipes made from renewable resources. Contains no alcohol and safe for kids!

Ecover
www.ecover.com
An international company active in the production of ecological cleaners, supplying dishwashing, laundry, household and personal care products to more than 20 countries.

PureGreen24
www.PureGreen24.com
The first "green" disinfectant, PureGreen24 has the lowest toxicity rating assigned by the EPA. It's non-flammable, non-corrosive, and odorless; strong enough to kill the most dangerous viruses and bacteria (including MRSA), yet safe for use on children's toys at home. Available for purchase from the website.

Seventh Generation
www.seventhgeneration.com
Non-toxic and environmentally safe household products, including paper towels and tissue, cleaning/dish/laundry products, trash bags, diapers and baby wipes and personal hygiene products.

PUBLICATIONS
Home Enlightenment: Practical, Earth-Friendly Advice for Creating a Nurturing, Healthy, and Toxin-Free Home and Lifestyle by Annie Berthold-Bond (Rodale, 2005)

Naturally Clean: The Seventh Generation Guide to Safe and Healthy, Non-Toxic Cleaning by Jeffrey Hollander (New Society Publishers, 2005)

Home Safe Home: Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Everyday Toxics and Harmful Household Products by Debra Lynn Dadd (J.P. Tarcher, 1997)

Safe Shoppers Bible by David Steinman and Samuel Epstein (Macmillan, 1995)

Clean and Green: The Complete Guide to Non-Toxic and Environmentally Safe Housekeeping by Annie Berthold-Bond (Ceres Press, 1994)