How Household Chemicals Can Affect Your Health
The following table spells out health problems that common household chemicals can cause.
Tip
Household products are packed with potentially harmful substances, so this table can't cover them all. If you want to learn about a specific product or ingredient, check the Household Products Database from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at http://hpd.nlm.nih.gov. Search for a product by name to see possible health effects and safe handling instructions. Search for an ingredient to get a list of products that contain it, along with links to information about its toxicity.
|
Chemical |
Health Effects |
Found In |
|---|---|---|
|
Ammonia |
Eye, nose, and throat irritation; skin problems; aggravation of asthma symptoms |
Cleaning products, paint stripper, adhesive removers, some fertilizers |
|
Ammonium hydroxide |
Eye, nose, and throat irritation; aggravation of asthma symptoms |
Cleaning products, disinfectants, metal polishes, car care products, carpet and upholstery cleaners |
|
Benzene |
Cancer |
Adhesive removers, degreasers, interior paints, dry-cleaning solvents |
|
Chlordane |
With long-term exposure: kidney, liver, and central nervous system damage; cancer |
Flea powders, pesticides |
|
Chlorine bleach |
Eye, nose, and throat irritation; skin problems; aggravation of asthma symptoms |
Cleaning and laundry products, toilet-bowl cleaners |
|
Chloroform |
Central nervous system damage; possibly cancer |
Dryer sheets; adhesive removers |
|
Cresol |
With long-term exposure: ... |