Is your home making you ill?

by ROSALIND RYAN, femail.co.uk

We all like to think of our homes as a sanctuary from the stresses and pollution of the outside world.

But new research has discovered that a cocktail of 300 chemicals in our homes could be slowly poisoning us.

A recent report by the Consumers' Association found that some seemingly harmless items, such as air fresheners and cosmetics, contained harmful substances that could stay in the body for years.

Many of these chemicals are endocrine disrupters which means they have a negative effect on our hormones. Some have even been linked to breast cancer and an impaired immune system.

The watchdog is now calling for tougher regulations to protect the public. They say manufacturers should declare whether or not they are using any of the suspect chemicals in their products.

But households are not powerless against these potential lethal chemicals. By using natural alternatives to everyday products, you can cut your risk of exposure to the harmful substances and help protect the environment too.

Follow our guide below to common household products that could be harmful and discover the natural alternatives to use in their place.

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CLEANING FLUIDS

What do they contain?

Organic health writer Karen Sullivan says that 12 per cent of all calls to poison control centres are the result of household cleaning products. They contain chemicals that are poisonous, corrosive or flammable.

Most bleaches contain a chemical called sodium hypochlorite that gives off highly toxic fumes which can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and even damage the lungs.

Some scouring powders also contain ammonia which should never be mixed with bleach - it can release a deadly gas.

Even the innocuous looking washing-up liquid is a potential hazard. Many contain artificial fragrances and detergents that dry out the skin and can be toxic if swallowed.

Why are they harmful?

Besides the cumulative effects these substances can have on our own bodies, bleach and ammonia pollute water once they enter the underground network, destroying beneficial bacteria that help break down sewage.

Washing-up liquids also contain water-polluting phosphates that can destroy fish and plant life once they are washed out into the sea.

What can I use as an alternative?

For a general household cleaner, mix one part bicarbonate of soda, one part organic liquid-soap solution and one part of vinegar. You can add drops of organic tea tree oil or lemon essential oil if you want a lingering fragrance.

Borax is a useful replacement for bleach. Mix one teaspoon of borax with one litre of hot water, one teaspoon of organic vegetable oil-based detergent and two tablespoons of vinegar.

To get rid of limescale on taps, rub vigorously with the cut side of half a lemon. Rinse off and buff dry with a soft cloth.

You can also buy phosphate-free washing up liquid or try plain liquid soap with fresh lemon juice to help eliminate grease.

Follow the links below to find out how your deodorant, bed linen and your hairdryer could be making you ill.