Cleaning our home is something most of us do each day. From washing up to cleaning work surfaces in the kitchen. We also use air fresheners to make our home smell nice and fresh, getting rid of any stale odours.

You probably go to the supermarket and buy your household cleaning products without giving much thought to it, apart from maybe the price or if you prefer lemon fresh to pine fresh!

However have you ever considered some of the toxic and potentially carcinogenic chemicals that go into many of these products?

Many people could suffer ill health due to toxic chemicals present in many products used in the home. These could range from cleaning products to toiletries.

Fewer than a quarter of the 70,000 chemicals used in toiletries and cleaning products have been fully tested for safety, and some classed as hazardous waste are often found in baby lotions, eye drops and cleaning fluids. Many of these chemicals accumulate in the human body causing cancer and other diseases.

Aerosol products such as spray paint and stripper may contain methylene chloride,a carcinogenic chemical. They also contain butane which is a propellant. This could cause asphyxiation if used in an enclosed area in large amounts

Detergents break down the surface tension of water, allowing other chemicals like surfactants to enter the material or pores of the item being cleaned. This is very effective in dislodging dirt and grease, giving a squeaky clean effect! However residue from these chemicals left on cutlery and plates even in tiny amounts can still accumulate in the body from absorption in food.

You may wear washing up gloves when cleaning to stop the chemicals from detergents getting into your skin, but in hot water these chemicals can be breathed in to the lungs. Many strong cleaning products carry a warning label to use in a well ventilated area and not to get it into contact with the skin or eyes.

Formaldehyde is often found in everyday cleaning products such as multi purpose cleaner, and floor cleaner. It is also found in toilet paper and cosmetic products such as nail polish and deodorant.It's used as a preservative, but can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and throat. Cancers of the nose and throat have been linked to formaldehyde.

Chlorine is often found in washing powders to give a whiter finish to clothes. It's found in liquid and powder bleach as well as disinfectants. It's also found in swimming pools, and drinking water.Chlorine can irritate the eyes and lungs, and aggravate any respiratory conditions such as asthma.

---------------------------------------- Some simple alternatives to use instead ----------------------------------------- Lemon juice can be used as a cleaner. It has mild bleaching properties.

Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a bleach

Add essential oils to your cleaning formulas

Pumice stone makes a good stain remover

Borax makes a great disinfectant

Use candles to get rid of unwanted smells instead of air fresheners. Lighting a candle can soak up tobacco and pet odours. Scented candles will give a nice fragrance as well!