10 Cancer-Causers to Remove From Your Home

Given poor government regulation, many of the cleaning products available on the market contain “everyday” carcinogens such as formaldehyde, nitrobenzene, methylene chloride, and napthelene, as well as reproductive toxins and hormone disruptors. Not to mention other ingredients that cause liver, kidney and brain damage, allergies and asthma. I really am a happy person–not your basic Eeyore type, but toxic cleaning products seriously get my goat. One of the best things you can do to detox your home is to create one of Annie’s simple non-toxic cleaning kits to use–most of the ingredients you probably already have on hand.

But there are a host of products, other than those used for basic cleaning, that often contain carcinogenics. This list, from Cancer: 101 Solutions to a Preventable Epidemic (New Society Publishers, 2007) by Liz Armstrong et al, cautions against 10 household products, in addition to cleaners, that you should avoid having in your house.

1. Air fresheners: Often contain napthelene and formaldehyde. Try zeolite or natural fragrances from essential oils. For more information, see Easy Greening: Air Fresheners.

2. Art supplies: Epoxy and rubber cement glues, acrylic paints and solvents, and permanent markers often contain carcinogens. For more information, see Arts and Crafts: Make it Safe.

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Elena T.

2:34AM PDT on Jun 18, 2013

Thank you :)

June 18
send a green star

Cynthia B.

10:33AM PDT on Jun 10, 2013

very informative thx Styrofoam needs to be listed. If you heat food in styrofoam it releases a toxic fume in microwave. So check on your elderly friends as many recieve meals in styrofoam and check to see they are trans it to something else if they are using a microwave.

June 10
send a green star

Lepidopter P.

10:16AM PDT on Jun 10, 2013

1. Air fresheners as in plug-ins, cones, sprays, etc? They smell awful and give me a headache. Blech. I burn incense, essential oils, and yes, scented canndles.

2. I use epoxy for home repairs, not as a recreational material. And I will continuw to use it when it's the best adhesive for the job.

3. Automotive supplies? Who keeps motor oil, antifreeze, and washer fluid in random locations around the house?

4. Candles. Beeswax is great - if you can find it. Not every store carries them, and ordering them online I worry about melting during shipping.

5. Carpet shampoo? NO CARPET was an absolute requirement when I bought my house. The realtor thought I was crazy when at one house she showed us with brand new white carpet I asked what was under it because I was planning to rip it out before we moved in if we bought the place. I don't shampoo furniture.

6. Dry cleaning? Forget it. I refuse to own clothing that can't go in the washing machine.