AEROSOL PROPELLANTS: Petroleum-derived gases such as isobutane may create difficulties in breathing.

AIR  FRESHENERS: Key ingredients such as ammonia, formaldehyde (a potential human cancer producer), petroleum distillates, isobutane, phenol, and propane may cause lung irritation (including asthma-like symptoms) and eye irritation.  Isobutane and propane are highly flammable propellants.  Over-exposure may cause cancer, central nervous system damage, liver damage, and tumors.  Label precautions read “WARNING!”

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER/DEGREASERS: Most products of this type contain either ammonia, 2-butoxy ethanol, petrochemical, and/or phenol. These type of products may act as a mucous membrane or lung irritant.  Direct contact or vapor inhalation may cause eye damage.  Lingering chemical fumes may cause weakness and dizziness. Extended use may cause a chronic lung condition.  Overexposure to key ingredients are linked to cancer; kidney and liver damage; and reproductive disorders.  Label precautions read “WARNING!” 

BATHROOM, TUB & TILE  CLEANERS: Most products contain various “active” acids, 2-butoxy ethanol, and/or ammonia.  Acid-based products may cause SEVERE skin burns and permanently damage the eyes.  Fumes may cause choking and respiratory irritation.  Overexposure to these products are linked to central nervous system disorders, kidney damage, liver damage, reproductive disorders, and tumors.  Label precautions read “WARNING” and/or “FLAMMABLE!”

BLEACH, CHLORINE, LIQUID: Known as the “universal” sanitizer, favorite brand names contain liquid sodium hypochlorite, which is a potent and powerful “oxidizer”. Through the oxidizing process, BLEACH is able to kill bacteria and whiten.  Undiluted BLEACH may cause chemical burns on contacted surfaces.  It is “CORROSIVE “ to eyes and skin.  Direct contact with eyes may cause severe eye injuries or blinding. Direct contact with skin may cause blistering and/or chemical burns.  Accidental ingestion may permanently damage the mouth, throat, and stomach.  Fumes are irritating or corrosive to the respiratory tract including the nose, throat, and lungs; may interfere with brain function; and may aggravate heart and asthmatic conditions. Overexposure may also interfere with reproductive system.  As a by-product of its oxidizing process, BLEACH releases ‘chloramine gas’ into the air which destroys oxygen content and diminishes indoor air quality dramatically.  Label precautions read “DANGER!”

CARPET DEODORIZING, POWDERS: Most contain sodium aluminosilicate, a suspected human carcinogen.  Direct contact with skin can produce mild irritation. Direct contact with eyes may cause abrasive eye damage.  Continual exposure to this dust may cause lung irritation, aggravate asthma-like symptoms and cause headaches. Label precautions read “CAUTION.”

CARPET SHAMPOOS: These product types usually contain 2-butoxy ethanol, formaldehyde (a potential human carcinogen), and perchlorethylene.  According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), carpet cleaners containing “ 2-butoxy ethanol” -or-”formaldehyde” -or-”perchloroethylene” are considered “high risk” health hazards to the environment and to humans.  Inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation or cardiac arrhythmia.  Direct contact with undiluted product may cause severe eye and skin damage.  Overexposure may cause cancer and/or serve as a central nervous system depressant; a kidney and liver toxicant; or promote bone marrow damage; or may cause pregnancy problems with extended exposure.   Label precautions read “WARNING!”

CARPET SPOT/STAIN  REMOVERS: These product types usually contain 2-butoxy ethanol, formaldehyde (a potential human carcinogen), and perchlorethylene. According to the EPA, carpet cleaners containing “ 2-butoxy ethanol” -or-  ”formaldehyde” -or-”perchloroethylene” are considered “high risk” health hazards to the environment and to humans.  Inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation or cardiac arrhythmia.  Direct contact with undiluted product may cause severe eye and skin damage.  Overexposure may cause cancer and/or serve as a central nervous system depressant; a kidney and liver toxicant; or promote bone marrow damage; or may cause pregnancy problems with extended exposure.   Label precautions read “WARNING!”

DISHWASHING LIQUIDS, HAND: Usually contains ammonia, ethanol, formaldehyde (a potential human carcinogen), and glycol ethers.  Exposure to fumes may cause labored breathing or coughing; intense sneezing; or, in some cases, death.  Direct contact with eyes may cause tearing and puffiness around eyes.  Direct contact with skin may cause severe irritation.  Mixing dish washing liquids with BLEACH (for sanitizing purposes) can produce “toxic”, chloramine fumes.  Repeated exposure may cause asthma-like symptoms and/or effect the central nervous system over a long period of time.  Label precautions read “CAUTION”.

DISHWASHING LIQUIDS,  AUTOMATIC: Usually contain bleaching agents, artificial dyes (see “DYES”), ethyl alcohol, and artificial fragrances (see “FRAGRANCES”). Undiluted, may act as a strong skin irritant.  If swallowed, may burn your throat.  In those products containing bleaching agents, chloramine gas may be created whose fumes may cause swelling and tearing of eyes or even faintness.  Over a prolonged period of time these fumes may cause headaches, lung irritation, nausea, and depression. In extreme cases, prolonged exposure may even cause coma and possibly, death!  Label precautions read “WARNING!”

DISINFECTANTS, AEROSOL: Usually contains phenol, 2-butoxy ethanol; formaldehyde (a potential human carcinogen), phenols or quaternary ammonium compounds.  Usually uses highly “flammable” propellants.  Readily absorbed through the skin.  Inhalation can strongly irritate the nose, throat, mucous membrane, and lungs. Direct contact with undiluted product may cause skin burns, permanent corneal damage to eyes and upper respiratory tract irritation.  Ingestion may cause intense stomach cramps, swelling, breathing difficulties, and convulsions.  May cause liver, kidney and/or reproductive disorders over a prolonged period of time.  Overexposure may affect the central nervous systems or even cause cancer.  Label precautions read “WARNING!”

DUST REMOVAL, AEROSOL SPRAY: Contains isobutane and propane, which are highly flammable propellants that create irritating fumes to the eyes and lungs.  Overexposure may cause central nervous system disorders over a prolonged period of time.  Label precautions read “WARNING!”

DRAIN  OPENERS: Most of these products are highly caustic on either end of the pH scale.  They are include either ACIDS, such as liquid sulfuric acid, or ALKALIS, such as liquid sodium, potassium hydroxide or powdered lye.  Other types may contain bleach. ALL TYPES CREATE INHALATION HAZARDS.  If ingested, may burn mouth, tongue, throat, esophagus, and stomach causing permanent damage.  Direct contact may cause severe skin burns with subsequent tissue scarring or severe blinding eye damage. Fumes may trigger asthmatic or bronchial attacks; may aggravate heart conditions and cause depression.   Label precautions read “WARNING!”

DYES: Includes azo, basic, disperse, fiber-reactive, vat dyes, and fluorescent agents.  As colorants and whitening agents in many products including all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, and fabric softeners, may cause allergic reactions.

FABRIC  SOFTENER, LIQUIDS:  Contains formaldehyde (a potential human carcinogen) and artificial fragrances.  Designed to have fragrance linger in clothing all day causing continual exposure to potentially harmful chemical ingredients.  Direct contact may be a skin irritant and eye irritant.  Fumes can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, labored breathing, and in severe cases, death.  Prolonged contact can aggravate asthmatic and other respiratory symptoms.  Label precautions read “CAUTION”.

FABRIC  SOFTENER  SHEETS: Direct contact may irritate skin.  Fumes may irritate eyes, nose, and throat.  Prolonged exposure may cause labored breathing, dizziness, headaches, depression, nausea, and in severe cases, death.   Label precautions read “CAUTION”.

FLOOR  CLEANERS: Various types containing either ammonia, petroleum distillates, or caustics.  Direct contact may cause chemical skin burns or blindness.  If swallowed, may burn the mouth and throat.  Fumes may irritate the skin and eyes or produce asthma-like symptoms.  Prolonged exposure may cause central nervous system disorders, tumors, kidney damage, and/or liver damage and may even be linked to cancer.  Label precautions read “CAUTION” or “WARNING!” depending on the chemical ingredient content.

FRAGRANCES: Any of 4,000 chemical “perfumes” used in many cleaning products, either to simulate an “identifiable” or positive “non-descript” scent or to mask odors of other chemicals in a product.  May cause skin irritation, discoloration or allergic reactions.  The # 1 INDUCEMENT OF MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITIES (MCS).  May be irritating to the eyes or respiratory tract.

FURNITURE  POLISH: Contains nitrobenzene, naptha, phenol, and petroleum distillates.  May be absorbed via inhalation and through the skin.  May bind with blood to reduce oxygen availability.  Direct contact with skin may dissolve vital skin oils and cause dermatitis or skin burns.  Direct contact may permanently injure eyes.  Repeated, prolonged exposure has been linked to cancer, birth defects, heart, liver, and kidney ailments.  May also act as a central nervous system depressant.  Chronic inhalation may cause liver damage.   Label precautions read “DANGER!”

LIQUID LAUNDRY DETERGENT: Usually contains ethanol and triethylene glycol. Undiluted, concentrated product directly contacting skin may cause irritation.  Repeated contact with skin may cause dermatitis.  In concentration, strong eye irritant and prolonged exposure may cause permanent eye damage.  Repeated exposure to fumes may cause chronic lung irritation.  Fumes can cause coughing, troubled breathing and in severe cases, death.  Label precautions read “WARNING!”

LAUNDRY STARCH SPRAYS: Usually contains toluene (methylbenzene).  Eye, skin, and respiratory irritant.  Central nervous system depressant.  Overexposure may cause heart problems.  Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause liver and/or kidney damage as well as anemia.  Extreme exposure during pregnancy may result in birth defects.  Label precautions read “CAUTION”.  Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling contents may be harmful or fatal.

METAL POLISH: Usually contains sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate and/or petroleum distillates.  May cause eye damage and/or skin burns.  Fumes can cause dizziness, headaches and stupor.  Over prolonged periods of time asthma-like symptoms, central nervous system disorders, and cancer may be caused.  In larger quantities, may be considered an over-all environmental hazard.   Label precautions read “WARNING!”

MOLD & MILDEW STAIN CLEANERS: Usually contains either chlorine bleaching agents (sodium hypochlorite) or phenols (carbolic acid).  Fumes are strongly irritating to eyes, nose, and throat.  In extreme cases, may cause burns to skin and eyes and may be corrosive to the respiratory tract.  In the case of the chlorine types, produces toxic chloramine gas when mixed with other cleaning products.  Label precautions read “WARNING!”

OVEN CLEANERS: Usually contains lye (caustic soda, sodium hydroxide) which is highly corrosive.  Direct contact may cause severe burns to the skin, mouth, throat, and stomach.  Direct contact with eyes may cause permanent blindness.  Inhalation may permanently damage the respiratory tract, especially the lungs.  Prolonged exposure may cause kidney damage, brain damage, and reproductive disorders.  Label precautions read “DANGER!”

PETROLEUM DISTILLATES: Petroleum distillates emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), decrease indoor air quality and are considered harmful to the overall environment.  Include the lighter liquid hydrocarbons refined from crude oil by distillation, including petroleum ether, naphtha, mineral oil, mineral spirits, Stoddard solvent, and kerosene.  Heavier distillates include lubricating oil, grease, paraffin wax, and asphalt; gaseous distillates include propane and isobutane.  Liquid petroleum distillates contain varying, but usually small amounts of aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene, cycloparaffins, naphthenes).  Direct contact with eyes and skin may cause severe irritation.  Inhalation may cause severe respiratory irritation and may trigger asthmatic attacks.  Also considered a potential human carcinogen.  Used in many cleaning products, especially aerosol “air fresheners”.  When sprayed into the air, the unaware individual is walking through “scented gasoline”.  May aggravate sinus conditions, allergies, and onset migraine headaches.  Label precautions read “WARNING!”  & ”FLAMMABLE!”

SCOURING POWDERS  (with CHLORINATED BLEACH):  Usually contains highly alkaline powders, bleach, and quartz silicate (grit).  When wetted with water this product releases irritating “TOXIC” chlorine gas into the air.  Direct contact may cause moderate irritation to skin.  If swallowed this product may burn the mouth and throat.  Direct contact may cause permanent eye damage.  Inhalation of quartz silicate may act as a human carcinogen.   Label precautions read “WARNING!”

SPOT/STAIN REMOVER (CARPET/FABRIC):  Contains acetone, a volatile liquid, which reacts explosively with hydrogen peroxide.  Irritating to eyes, respiratory tract, and skin.  May be absorbed by inhalation.  Can cause changes in the liver’s ability to metabolize chemicals, kidney damage, dizziness, sedation, and coma.   Label precautions read “WARNING!” and “FLAMMABLE!”

STAINLESS STEEL CLEANERS:  Usually contains methyl chloride, xylene (dimethylbenzene), and/or carbon dioxide.  Direct contact can dry or, in extreme cases, burn skin.  Continual exposure to fumes can cause dizziness, headaches, and stupor. Prolonged exposure has been linked to central nervous system damage.  Chronic exposure may cause eye damage, difficulty in breathing, changes in liver function, kidney damage, anemia, and toxicity to blood cells.  In rare and unusual circumstances fumes can induce heart attacks.  Label precautions read “WARNING!”

TILE AND GROUT CLEANER:  Three types: 1) contains lye and bleach or; 2) contains various harsh acids or; 3) ethanol.  Corrosive types (lye and acid) may irritate the eyes and cause skin burns.  In ALL types, fumes can be highly irritating to nose, throat, and lungs.  Prolonged exposure is linked to asthma, bronchitis, and chronic lung irritation. Overexposure to fumes may also affect central nervous system and/or trigger heart attacks during usage.   Label precautions may read “WARNING!” or “DANGER!”

TOILET  BOWL CLEANERS:  Most of these product types contain highly corrosive acids, especially hydrochloric acids.  Direct contact may burn the skin, mouth, and throat.  Direct contact with eyes may cause permanent blindness.  Prolonged inhalation of fumes may induce asthma-like conditions and interfere with brain function.  Prolonged exposure may also cause muscle spasms, damage to blood tissue and reproductive disorders.  Label precautions read “DANGER!”  Some products may display “Skull & Crossbones” on the bottle!!  TOO DANGEROUS TO STORE OR USE!

UPHOLSTERY STAIN  REMOVER: Usually contains ammonia, 2-butoxy ethanol, formaldehyde (a potential human carcinogen), and perchlorethylene.  Direct contact may cause severe damage to skin and eyes.  Prolonged exposure to fumes can cause extreme irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract.  Ingesting can lead to abdominal tenderness and bleeding.  Long-term harms include bone marrow damage, cancer, central nervous system disorders, kidney damage, liver damage, and testicular atrophy. Label precautions read “WARNING!”

WINDOW  CLEANERS:  Contain ammonia, 2-butoxy ethanol and ethyl alcohol.  Direct contact may cause moderate irritation to the skin.  Overexposure to fumes may be irritating to the lungs and eyes.  Prolonged exposure is linked to bone marrow damage, kidney damage, liver damage, pregnancy problems, reproductive disorders, and tumors.   Label precautions read “WARNING!”

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