What Are the Most Dangerous Household Chemicals?

Although we use them every day, many cleaners and chemicals in our homes can be hazardous if splashed on the skin, inhaled or ingested. To avoid serious accidents, carefully follow the instructions on the product label and store any chemical product safely, especially if you have children or pets living in your home. Here are several common household chemicals that can cause severe health problems:

Antifreeze – Swallowing antifreeze (ethylene glycol) may damage the heart, brain, kidneys and other internal organs. Inhaling antifreeze vapors can also be harmful, potentially causing respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, and, in severe cases of prolonged exposure, more serious health effects. Both ingestion and inhalation of antifreeze should be treated as potentially dangerous.

Bleach – Bleach is a strong, corrosive substance that can affect the respiratory system if inhaled. It can also irritate or burn the skin and eyes. Ingesting bleach can cause pulmonary edema, vomiting, and coma. Always wear cleaning gloves and a dust mask when using bleach.

Drain Cleaners – These dangerous substances contain lye and other chemicals known to cause burns to the skin and eyes and even blindness in severe cases. Swallowing a small amount of drain cleaner can severely affect the throat and stomach and may even cause death.

Carpet or Upholstery Cleaners – Carpet cleaners contain chemicals like perchloroethylene and naphthalene. The perchloroethylene in carpet cleaners is carcinogenic, and it may cause dizziness, headaches, kidney dysfunction, neurological damage and other problems from short-term exposure. While not fully documented, naphthalene may cause cataract formation and liver damage over long exposure.

Ammonia – Ammonia produces fumes that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. People suffering from asthma or heart or lung problems should avoid using ammonia. Mixing ammonia with chlorine products (such as bleach) produces an even more dangerous gas, which can be fatal.

Air fresheners – Air fresheners are known to contain many chemicals and VOCs. Some even contain formaldehyde, a strong (possibly carcinogenic) substance that irritates the skin, eyes and throat. They also contain other dangerous chemicals that may cause nervous system damage or pulmonary edema in sensitive individuals.

Oven Cleaners – Many oven cleaners contain sodium hydroxide (lye), which can burn the skin and eyes on contact. If inhaled, these fumes can severely irritate the respiratory tract. Ingesting even small amounts of oven cleaner can lead to internal burns, stomach issues, or worse.

Toilet Bowl Cleaners – These cleaners often contain hydrochloric acid, which can cause severe burns to the skin and damage the respiratory system if inhaled. Swallowing this chemical can be fatal, causing severe internal damage.

Paint Thinners and Removers – These products contain harmful chemicals like methylene chloride, which can cause dizziness, headaches, and long-term damage to the liver and nervous system. Prolonged exposure or improper ventilation during use may increase the risk of unconsciousness and death.

Dishwashing Detergents – Many dishwashing detergents contain phosphates and chlorine, which can irritate the skin and eyes. If ingested, they may cause nausea, diarrhea, and more severe digestive system damage.

These are just a few examples of potentially harmful household chemicals commonly found in homes. Many other cleaners also contain dangerous chemicals. To err on the side of caution, it’s best to avoid purchasing products labeled as dangerous or poisonous. 

• Find out more hidden household dangers in this article on household chemicals you should never mix. 

Brought to you by PuroClean Emergency Services, providing professional fire, water, mold restoration and biohazard cleanup services in Edison, Union & Summit, NJ.