Household Cleaners

Ingredients frequently used in household cleaners are ammonia, lye, phosphate, pesticides and chlorine. These substances can cause eye, nose, ear, throat and skin irritation and can sometimes be fatal if swallowed.

If using cleaners with dangerous substances, be sure to wear rubber gloves to protect your skin. Sufficient air circulation is crucial. Open a window or run a fan.

Never mix two cleaners of different kinds, particularly if they combine ammonia and chlorine. Together they produce cloramine gas, which can be fatal when breathed.

Whenever possible use natural alternatives like vinegar or products that don't use toxic chemicals. (OP's report on natural cleaners)

Mold

Mold itself is not toxic, but it can produce toxins that cause uncomfortable physical reactions like upper respiratory difficulty, wheezing or skin irritation. Mold grows in poorly ventilated, moist areas and in materials like wood, drywall, carpet and upholstery.

If you suspect mold is responsible for an adverse physical reaction, examine your home's ventilation system, particularly in the bathroom and north-facing rooms, which often experience high levels of moisture.

Lead

Lead is a naturally occurring metal, but high exposure levels can be detrimental to humans, particularly to young children. Lead is toxic to many of your body's tissues and enzymes.

Some houses may still have traces of lead on painted surfaces, which, upon aging, crumble into a breathable dust. Water pipes in older homes may also contain lead solder, which can be absorbed into the water.

In adults, long-term lead exposure can affect the nervous system and result in slight blood pressure increases and anemia. In children, it can cause serious brain damage, impairing cognitive and memory abilities.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas. It is a product of the incomplete burning of hydrocarbon-based fuels. There are no physical signs of carbon monoxide poisoning until it turns fatal.

Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home and make sure to have a technician service the heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil or coal-burning appliances each year.

Avoid running a car or truck inside a garage even if the door is open and don't use a generator, charcoal grill or other gasoline or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement or garage.

When emitted at high levels, carbon monoxide is poisonous to all people. This pollutant enters the bloodstream through the lungs and forms carboxyhemoglobin, a compound that inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen to organs and tissues. Some of the health effects may include:

* Chest pain
* Cardiovascular problems
* Vision problems
* Reduced ability to work or learn
* Reduced manual dexterity
* Death

Along with these dangerous health affects, CO also contributes to the formation of ground level ozone.

Flame Retardants

Polybrominated diphenylethers, or PBDEs, are a class of flame retardant chemicals, which are designed to slow a fire and provide adequate time for escape.

They are included in household items from consumer electronics to upholstery to wire insulation to furniture foam. In 2004, the University of Texas found larger than expected amounts of flame retardants in contamination in food containing animal fats. The type of retardants found were PBDEs, a chemical added to plastics, electronics, textiles and furniture foam to save lives by retarding flammability. The Dallas researchers had earlier tested the breast milk of 47 Dallas women and found the highest PBDE levels in the world to date.

Though researchers have yet to determine what level of exposure in humans might cause negative health effects, animal studies have shown that high levels of exposure interferes with thyroid hormone, which is essential for healthy brain development.

In order to find out what types of flame retardants are in your household, contact the manufacturers of items like couches, television sets and small appliances.

Tobacco Smoke

Smoking in your home or in your car is a big no-no. Breathing second-hand smoke may cause infants and children to develop asthma, upper respiratory infections or persistent pneumonia and bronchitis. In adults, it can cause a number of ailments, including headaches, wheezing and nasal congestion.

Formaldehyde

The Environmental Protection Agency has classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen. It's commonly found in plywood, particleboard, paneling and fiberboard as well as in furniture, cabinets and certain types of fabric and draperies. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents are also used in various types of cosmetics: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, mouthwash, bubble bath formulae, hairspray, mousse, toothpaste, mouthwash, mascara, talcum powder, hair dye, foundation, face cream, nail hardener, and nail polish.

Physical symptoms, which can change depending upon the length and the level of the exposure, include upper respiratory irritation and burning or tingling in the eyes, nose and throat.

Radon

Radon gas is odorless, tasteless and invisible but also deadly. It can cause lung cancer at high enough exposure levels. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an estimated 21,000 people die of radon-linked lung cancer deaths per year.

A natural but radioactive decomposition of uranium in the bedrock releases radon into the air. It can seep into your house through the basement and cracks in walls and floors as well as other gaps in construction.

Radon concentrations in a home can be lowered by sealing these entry points, by depressurizing the sediment around home foundations, and by improving home ventilation.

Testing for radon exposure is easy, however, and can be done with store-bought kits or by a qualified tester.

Phthalates

Phthalates are man-made chemicals commonly used in various types of plastics, including flexible kids' toys, but they can also be found in a wide range of products like cosmetics and vinyl flooring.

Though researchers have yet to determine what levels of exposure might be harmful to humans, animal studies have shown that phthalates disrupt hormones and cause birth defects in male genitalia in animals.

The European Union has already banned different types of phthalates from cosmetics and toys. As an alternative to products with phthalates, try wood toys or phthalate-free cosmetics.

Bisphenol A

Organic Principle has written about this dangerous chemical on a number of occasions. Bisphenol A is a chemical that mimics estrogen and is often used in hard plastic items like Nalgene bottles, water pitcher filters, baby bottles and canned foods.

Bisphenol A has been linked in animals to infertility, enlarged prostate, abnormal chromosomes, obesity and insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.

Like with phthalates and flame retardants, researchers are still trying to determine what levels of bisphenol A are dangerous to humans. To be extra careful, try using products without bisphenol A like stainless steel water bottles.