HSH: Bathroom

Aerosols
Isobutane, Propane, Solvents
Many aerosols are combustible.
Avoid aerosol cans. If a spray is necessary, use a pump dispenser.

Antibacterial Soaps & Lotions
Pesticides, Ammonia
These products are antibiotics that may be absorbed through the skin and may promote drug-resistant organism development.

The American Medical Association (AMA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention have criticized the widespread use of antibacterial soaps. The AMA states that regular soap is as effective.

Visit the AMA's American Medical News website to read more.

Cosmetics
Chemicals, fragrances, preservatives, and natural ingredients may cause irritations, allergies and other health effects. The FDA does not require approval for new cosmetics.

Read labels carefully and look for products with natural, biodegradable ingredients.

Disinfectant
Phenol, Formaldehyde, Cresol, Ammonia, Chlorine
These products don't kill all germs - only some of them - and they may bring harmful chemicals into your home. Fumes can escape through tightly closed containers and cause damage to internal organs and the central nervous system.

Immersing objects in boiling water will kill germs. For larger surfaces, use hot water and soap.

Drain Cleaners
Lye, Hydrochloric & Sulfuric Acid
These are some of the most hazardous products found in homes, and they cause direct water pollution.

Always use a drain basket to prevent clogging. To maintain clean drains, mix 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup salt and 1/8 cup cream of tartar. Pour this mixture down the drain and follow with hot water. Note: Use mixture completely as it will not remain active if stored. Clear clogs with 1/4 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. Cover drain and sink overflow vent until fizzing stops; then flush with boiling water. For persistent clogs, use a metal drain snake available at hardware stores or seek the advice of a plumber.

Glass Cleaners
Ammonia
Ammonia makes many glass cleaners poisonous, but many do not have a warning label.

Use 50% white vinegar and 50% water. Reuse an old pump dispenser for spraying and wipe with newspaper or a squeegee to avoid streaking. If necessary, use rubbing alcohol to clean wax left from commercial glass cleaners.

Toilet Cleaners
Chlorine, Hydrochloric Acid
Manufacturers' warning labels tell you not to breathe the product that you are using, but fumes can escape even with a closed container.

Use soap and washing soda to clean and baking soda to freshen. Remove stubborn rings by scrubbing with white vinegar or a pumice stone.

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Aerosols Isobutane, Propane, Solvents Many aerosols are combustible.	Avoid aerosol cans. If a spray is necessary, use a pump dispenser.
Antibacterial Soaps & Lotions Pesticides, Ammonia These products are antibiotics that may be absorbed through the skin and may promote drug-resistant organism development.	The American Medical Association (AMA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention have criticized the widespread use of antibacterial soaps. The AMA states that regular soap is as effective.	Visit the AMA's American Medical News website to read more.
Cosmetics Chemicals, fragrances, preservatives, and natural ingredients may cause irritations, allergies and other health effects. The FDA does not require approval for new cosmetics.	Read labels carefully and look for products with natural, biodegradable ingredients.
Disinfectant Phenol, Formaldehyde, Cresol, Ammonia, Chlorine These products don't kill all germs - only some of them - and they may bring harmful chemicals into your home. Fumes can escape through tightly closed containers and cause damage to internal organs and the central nervous system.	Immersing objects in boiling water will kill germs. For larger surfaces, use hot water and soap.
Drain Cleaners Lye, Hydrochloric & Sulfuric Acid These are some of the most hazardous products found in homes, and they cause direct water pollution.	Always use a drain basket to prevent clogging. To maintain clean drains, mix 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup salt and 1/8 cup cream of tartar. Pour this mixture down the drain and follow with hot water. Note: Use mixture completely as it will not remain active if stored. Clear clogs with 1/4 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. Cover drain and sink overflow vent until fizzing stops; then flush with boiling water. For persistent clogs, use a metal drain snake available at hardware stores or seek the advice of a plumber.
Glass Cleaners Ammonia Ammonia makes many glass cleaners poisonous, but many do not have a warning label.	Use 50% white vinegar and 50% water. Reuse an old pump dispenser for spraying and wipe with newspaper or a squeegee to avoid streaking. If necessary, use rubbing alcohol to clean wax left from commercial glass cleaners.
Toilet Cleaners Chlorine, Hydrochloric Acid Manufacturers' warning labels tell you not to breathe the product that you are using, but fumes can escape even with a closed container.	Use soap and washing soda to clean and baking soda to freshen. Remove stubborn rings by scrubbing with white vinegar or a pumice stone.