Household Horrors

Many household items you take for granted are not good for you. In the ads they may sound like they're good for you, but take a close look at the labels on your personal items and cleaning products and you'll find some horrific ingredients. And remember what companies make these products... If big pharma is behind them, then you know that misinformation is the rule.

Healthy and Green Dry Cleaning

By Melissa Breyer
Published 04/14/2008
Household Horrors
Rating: Unrated

The dry cleaning industry started in the 19th century, and volatile liquids such as gasoline and naphtha were used to clean clothing and linens. Clothing is washed with a liquid, it’s just not water. The flammability of those early solvents led to the use of other solvents, and today eight out of 10 professional dry cleaners in the United States use the chemical perchloroethylene (commonly called perc) to clean clothes. And although perc is less flammable, it is still an awful chemical to have so prominently in our lives. It is outlawed in many countries, and California plans to phase out perc by 2023, with a ban on new perc equipment in effect soon.

Dinged By Dryer Sheets

By Annie B. Bond
Published 01/27/2008
Household Horrors
Rating: Unrated

You know if you are one of those sensitive to dryer sheets and fabric softeners. (I think this is the No. 2 consumer complaint behind perfume.) You are sad that you don’t like to walk in your neighborhood on Saturday mornings because of the offense smell wafting from neighbors’ dryer vents. If someone uses them in your home you may have a nightmare of burning skin, respiratory irritation, anxiety attacks and irritability. I have one friend who became so sensitive to the fumes that he had to sleep in a chair until he could get new bedding! What is the problem with these laundry products? Plenty.

Splat! Green Girl Whacks Air Fresheners

By Lily Berthold-Bond
Published 11/16/2007
Household Horrors
Rating: Unrated

Personally, when I smell an air freshener my head immediately begins to ache and rightfully so. These synthetically perfumed air “fresheners” actually do exactly the opposite. They emit chemicals that, when mixed with ozone, create a toxic living environment. In turn, this toxic environment has been shown to cause headaches, depression, hormonal imbalance and reproductive problems.

Hidden Danger of Swimming Pools

By Joseph Mercola, DO
Published 08/8/2007
Household Horrors
Rating: Unrated

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who spend a lot of time at indoor swimming pools during their early years are more prone to developing asthma, recurrent bronchitis, and other breathing problems as they grow older, compared to others who do not frequent indoor pools.

NBC Promotes Toxic Chinese Light Bulbs

By Cliff Kincaid
Published 07/11/2007
Household Horrors
Rating: Unrated

The Alliance for Climate Protection, which is part of Al Gore's Live Earth campaign, tells people that by using compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, they can save energy, save money and live longer. But they fail to mention that the bulbs are made in communist China and are potentially hazardous to human health. Proceeds from this weekend's Live Earth concerts will go to the Alliance for Climate Protection, chaired by Gore.

What is the Dirtiest Surface in Your House?

By Joseph Mercola, DO
Published 06/26/2007
Household Horrors
Rating: Unrated

It's really important to understand that the likelihood of getting an infection is mostly not related to the infectious agent so much as it is to our behavior.

Washing Your Hair May be Dangerous to Your Health

By Joseph Mercola, DO
Published 12/25/2004
Household Horrors
Rating: Unrated

When taking a shower, it is doubtful the thought, "How is this shampoo affecting my nerves ?" ever comes to mind. Though perhaps more people should pay attention to the products they are using on a daily basis, as some contain a potentially dangerous chemical, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), which may have detrimental effects on the nervous system.

The Truth About Antibacterial Soaps--And Why You Should Avoid Them

By Joseph Mercola, DO
Published 03/20/2004
Household Horrors
Rating: Unrated

The active ingredient in most antibacterial products is triclosan, an antibacterial agent that kills bacteria and inhibits bacterial growth. But not only does triclosan kill bacteria, it also has been shown to kill human cells. Triclosan was introduced into consumer products in 1995, and its use has spread rapidly.

Doctor's Worried About Antibacterial Soaps

By Joseph Mercola, DO
Published 09/24/2000
Household Horrors
Rating: Unrated

Almost half of all soaps on sale in the US contain antibacterial compounds, such as triclosan, which could be contributing to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, according to a new study. The researchers investigated 295 national brand liquid soaps and 733 bar soaps, and found that 75% of liquid soaps and nearly 30% of bar soaps contained anti-bacterial compounds like triclosan or triclocarban.