
Introduction
Chemicals may make household cleaning easier, but not always safer.
Studies show that some chemical ingredients used in cleaning products increase the risk of long-term health problems, such as cancer and asthma, as well as short-term health problems, such as headaches and skin irritation. Chemicals that pose health risks are often considered toxic. Children exposed to toxic chemicals in household cleaning products may become more susceptible to cancers, later in life. This risk can be avoided or minimized as there are many inexpensive and non-toxic cleaning product alternatives.
This page will provide information about how Canada regulates household chemicals and which chemicals and cleaning products to avoid. It also contains simple recipes for non-toxic cleaning alternatives and additional resources to help answer questions you may have.

Toxic chemicals are in cleaning products
Although not required, some companies may voluntarily list ingredients, but the list may not be complete. However, if there are hazard symbols on the package, there may be toxic chemicals in the cleaning product.
Watch out for:

Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, Methanol, and Ethylbenzene.
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What do they do? They may damage the nervous system, fetuses and can cause cancer.
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They are in: oven cleaners, disinfectants, detergents, toilet, tub and tile cleaners, metal polishes, drain openers, adhesives, paints and finishes.

Formaldehyde.
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What does it do? It is known to cause cancer in people.
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It is in: air fresheners, antibacterial dish detergents and carpet cleaners.
Toxic chemicals can go down the drain and come back through the tap

Remember that even if you are not directly exposed to the cleaning product, the chemicals that go down the drain, from the bathtub, sink, and washing machine, may come back to you in small traces in your drinking water. The water purification system is usually unable to remove all impurities.
Recipes for non-toxic household cleaners

There are many simple and inexpensive alternatives to avoid toxic chemicals in household cleaners. Try the following recipes:
WINDOW CLEANER: Use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. The first time you wash windows using this solution, add a couple of drops of dish soap to get rid of the film left by earlier chemical cleaners.
ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER: Use white vinegar or baking soda to clean toilets, sinks, floors and other surfaces.

In general you can use:
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LEMON JUICE to remove grease from mirrors and tables.
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WHITE VINEGAR to remove grease, prevent mould formation, to clean windows and floors.
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TABLE SALT to disinfect and scour.
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BAKING SODA (SODIUM BICARBONATE) to scour, cleanse, deodorize, remove spots, soften fabric and unclog drains (mixed with vinegar).
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STORE BOUGHT PRODUCTS which are biodegradable and environmentally friendly such as Nature Clean or BioVert. Look for the Environmental Choice logo.

If you use chemical cleaning products:
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Remember it is often not necessary to use as much as directed on the package;
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Never mix them;
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Wear gloves;
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Always use and store them as instructed;
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Ensure the area is well ventilated during and after cleaning;
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Rinse, remove and properly store the cleaning equipment such as sponges, rags or buckets;
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Find out how to dispose of cleaning products responsibly by calling your municipality.

Options for Action!

Keep it simple at home
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Phase out the use of chemical cleaners and try non-toxic alternatives.

Talk about toxic ingredients in household cleaners
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To your friends, family, employer and colleagues;
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To your local store owner or manager;
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Call the telephone number often provided on packages to request a list of ingredients or to voice your concerns about products containing toxic chemicals.

Write to the government to urge:
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The removal of cancer-causing chemicals from cleaning products;
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Mandatory listing of all ingredients on cleaning products;
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Warning labels if a cleaning product contains chemicals associated with cancer.
Write or call your Member of Parliament with your concerns.
Find your Member of Parliament online using your postal code