Household Products

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Basics

• Summary
• Start Here
• Prevention and Risk Factors
• Treatments and Therapies

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• Related Issues

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Research

• Journal Articles

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• Women

Summary

The products you use for cleaning, carpentry, auto repair, gardening, and many other household uses can contain ingredients that can harm you, your family, and the environment. These include :

• Oven and drain cleaners
• Cleaning and disinfecting products, including bleach and antibacterial cleaners
• Laundry powder
• Floor polish
• Paint thinners, strippers, and removers
• Pesticides
• Grease and rust removers
• Motor oil and fuel additives
• Arts and crafts supplies

Toxic substances in these products can cause harm if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin. People respond to toxic substances in different ways. At high doses, a toxic substance might cause birth defects or other serious problems, including brain damage or death.

To avoid problems, keep products in the containers they come in and use them exactly as the label says. Follow label directions or get medical help if you swallow or inhale them or get them on your skin.

Environmental Protection Agency

Start Here

• Household Chemical Emergencies (Department of Homeland Security) Also in Spanish

Prevention and Risk Factors

• Do-it-Yourself Recipes for Basic Household Cleaners (University of Massachusetts at Lowell, Toxics Use Reduction Institute)
• Household Hazards (To Pets) (American Veterinary Medical Association) Also in Spanish
• Poison-Proof Your Home One Room at a Time: Pesticide Poison Prevention Checklist (Environmental Protection Agency) - PDF Also in Spanish
• Read the Label First! Protect Your Household (Environmental Protection Agency) - PDF

Treatments and Therapies

• Poisoning: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish

Related Issues

• Chemical Emergency Preparedness (American Red Cross)
• Recalls and Product Safety Warnings (Consumer Product Safety Commission) Also in Spanish
• SaferProducts.gov (Consumer Product Safety Commission)

Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

• Article: Epidemiologic Trends in Common Injury Mechanisms and Associated Consumer Products in...
• Article: Fragrance and Preservative Contact Allergens in Cosmetic and Household Cleaning Products...
• Article: Tracing Corrosive Damage in Human Teeth: A Forensic Pilot Study of...
• Household Products -- see more articles

Find an Expert

• Environmental Protection Agency Also in Spanish
• Find a Poison Center (Health Resources and Services Administration) Also in Spanish
• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Also in Spanish

Women

• Using Household Chemicals during Pregnancy (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish