Chemicals in common cleaners pose health hazards, including asthma and cancer risks

When cleaning your home, you expect to create a safer, healthier environment. However, some of the products you use might be putting your health at risk. Experts caution that many household cleaning supplies contain harmful chemicals that can lead to serious health problems.

“Many people assume that if a product is on the shelf, it’s safe to use. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case,” said Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit advocating for safer products.

Harmful substances found in thousands of cleaning products

In the U.S. market, the EWG has identified more than 2,000 cleaning supplies containing chemicals linked to asthma, chemical burns, and even cancer risks. One of the major concerns is “greenwashing,” where companies label products as environmentally friendly without clear transparency about their ingredients.

“People are becoming more aware of how these chemicals can affect their health,” Stoiber added. “Unfortunately, in the U.S., there is poor transparency about what’s actually in these products.”

The dangers of volatile organic compounds

Many household cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are gases emitted from solid or liquid products. These chemicals can cause problems such as eye, nose, and throat irritation and damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Dr. Natalie Johnson, an associate professor of environmental and occupational health at Texas A&M University, explained that VOC exposure is often much higher indoors, increasing the risk of adverse health effects. “The impact depends on the frequency and degree of exposure,” she said.

Making safer choices

Fortunately, consumers have options. The EPA’s Safer Choice label identifies products free of chemicals linked to serious health risks. Jennie Romer, deputy assistant administrator for pollution prevention at the EPA, shared an example of how this system can help: when her husband went to restock laundry detergent, he used the Safer Choice database to find a safe option.

Manufacturers have made efforts to limit VOC emissions, with regulators placing restrictions on these chemicals in consumer products over the past three decades. “The industry has been working to keep VOC concentrations well below harmful levels,” said Brian Sansoni, senior vice president at the American Cleaning Institute.

Proper use is key to reducing risks

How you use cleaning products can also affect your health. Mixing certain cleaners, like bleach and ammonia, can create dangerous fumes, Romer warned. Following product instructions is crucial to avoid potentially hazardous combinations.

“Frequency of use is another factor,” Johnson noted. “Our oldest adage in toxicology is that it’s the dose that makes the poison.”

Special care should be taken for vulnerable populations, including pregnant people, children, and those with asthma. “Children are still developing, and exposure to pollutants can have long-term effects,” Johnson explained, noting that her research focuses on how early-life exposure may predispose children to conditions like asthma.

Small changes can make a big difference

While it may be tempting to throw out all your cleaning products and start over, Stoiber advises taking a more gradual approach. “It’s impossible to avoid all exposures, but making small changes can reduce risks,” she said.

Start by checking if any of your current products are EPA or EWG-recommended. When a product runs out, replace it with a safer alternative. Simple, everyday items like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can also serve as effective, natural cleaners.

Another tip? Keep up with vacuuming and dusting. Many harmful chemicals settle into household dust. “By regularly vacuuming and dusting with a damp cloth, you can reduce your exposure to these chemicals,” Stoiber advised.

By taking these steps, you can make your home both cleaner and safer for your family.