The following table spells out health problems that common household chemicals can cause.
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.
This list is overview of some of the health problems household chemicals can cause, but of course it's not diagnostic. If you're suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned here, see your doctor.
The kinds of symptoms you have depend on the type of chemical, how concentrated it is, and how long you're exposed to it. For example, people whose work exposes them to high levels of VOCs, like painters and cleaners, are most likely to suffer health problems. Over time, even low-level exposure can cause problems, especially in kids, the elderly, people with existing conditions such as asthma or allergies, and folks who are extra sensitive to chemicals.
If you use products that contain any of the chemicals in this list, buy small quantities so you won't have to worry about disposing of leftovers. Also, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area (fresh air reduces the concentration of VOCs) and follow the manufacturer's directions. Never mix different kinds of cleaning products: Mixing ammonia with bleach, for example, creates chloramine gas, which is highly toxic—and often fatal—when inhaled.
Because VOCs can leak from closed containers, don't keep old, half-empty bottles of cleaning products, paint strippers, or other VOC-filled chemicals in your home. But don't just toss them in the trash, either—read on to learn how to get rid of them safely.
By now, you're probably ready to gather up all your cleaning products and dump them in the trash. Not so fast: While it's a good idea to remove harsh chemicals from your home, you need to dispose of them safely. The earth will thank you for it.
To get rid of household chemicals, don't throw them in the trash, pour them down a drain, or burn them. If your community has a day designated for hazardous waste pickup, unload them then. If you're not sure how to dispose of hazardous waste where you live, call your city's waste department or your garbage company or go to www.earth911.com. This helpful site lets you type in the kind of stuff you want to get rid of (such as paint or household cleaners) and your Zip code, and it finds a disposal facility near you.
Head to this book's Missing CD page at www.missingmanuals.com for a list of all the websites mentioned in this book.
When it comes to health—yours, your family's, the environment's—you don't want to take chances. Luckily, you don't need to expose your family to harmful chemicals and indoor air pollutants because there are simple, healthier alternatives. As the next section explains, you can make your home greener and healthier in no time.