The average home contains over 60  toxic chemicals; some of which are in common household cleaners. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious illnesses and sometimes  death.   These irritants can be particular dangerous to the elderly, children and pregnant women.  

Here are 6 of the most deadly ones.

1. Ammonia

Not only can ammonia trigger asthma, it can kill  if mixed with common bleach.  Prolonged exposure to ammonia can cause chemical burns to the lungs and skin as well as scarring of the cornea.

2. Carpet Shampoo

Some shampoos used for carpets contain perchloroethylene, a known carcinogen, which can cause kidney, and nervous system damage. Some also have ammonium hydroxide, which is an eye, skin and lung irritant.

3. Dishwasher detergents

Many of the common dishwasher products have dry chlorine and are the #1 cause of accidental child poisonings.  You can possibly absorb the particles of dry chlorine that may still remain on your dishes as you heat your food.  Damage to mucous membranes and the throat are also some of the  problems associated with dishwasher detergents.

4. Furniture polish

Petroleum distillates are often found in many  furniture polishes.  Now only are they very flammable, but they can also cause lung and skin cancer.  Other chemicals in furniture polishes  to watch out for are  phenol and nitrobenzene which can be absorbed through the skin.

5. Toilet Bowl Cleaners

Often containing hydrochloride acid which is a corrosive, they can irritate  the eyes and skin and can cause possible damage to the  kidney sand liver. Toilet bowl cleaners are very dangerous if swallowed, causing vomiting, coma and under some circumstances, pulmonary edema.

6. Air fresheners

A common chemical in many air fresheners is formaldehyde, a suspected carcinogen, as well as phenol which can cause hives, and the burning and peeling of the skin.

How can you protect yourself and your loved ones from these dangers?

1. Always wear gloves as you do housework

This will keep you from absorbing many chemicals through the skin of your hands.

2. Open your windows and circulate the air

You can also protect you family with such indoor plants as areca, lady palms, bamboo and ferns, which can help absorb toxic substance in the air.

3. Use baking soda, salt and water paste to clean your oven instead of commercial oven cleaners.

Don’t let your ovens go so long until grease and grime build up to the point you have to use strong chemicals.  Clean your oven more often with softer and safer cleaners. Next time purchase a self cleaning oven.

4. Only use"green" dishwasher detergents

Look on the label and only buy those detergents that are phosphate and chlorine free.

5. Clean your carpets with simple but effective cleaning mixtures you make up yourself

Baking soda and water work well for your carpets.  Also use salt for wine or fruit stains. Club soda can be used effectively for lighter stains while you can deodorize your carpets with baking soda and cornstarch.

The real secret to effective cleaning is to get the stains up quickly before they dry. 

Becoming aware of  the hazards of common household cleaners will help keep your family safe.  This is especially important for your elderly loved ones and could help you avoid many cancer dangers as well as other serious health problems lurking in your own home.   

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