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Common Household Products Dangerous to Children

Deluged with commercials for every household product imaginable, it's hard for parents to delineate which products are environmentally safe and not hazardous to their children. Common items such as air sprays, disinfectants and cleaners are made from carcinogenic chemicals that are toxic to the health of children who often have access to items that many adults consider harmless.

  1. Baby Bottles

    • Many baby bottles are made with a chemical called bisphenol-a (BPA), which has a molecular structure similar to estrogen, and is linked to disruptions of natural human hormones, especially in young children. Some baby bottle manufacturers have switched to BPA-free plastic, but in order to feel safe, parents should make sure their bottles don't contain BPA, or use alternatives such as glass or stainless steel bottles.

    Air fresheners and cleaning products

    • Cleaning products, used for sinks, tile and counter tops, and air fresheners, both contain ethlylene-based glycol ethers and terpenes. Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified only ethers as toxic, terpenes that react with ethers result in a poisonous combination, especially when used in an unventilated area where children play. Some cleaning products contain ammonia, which has been linked to kidney and liver damage. Oven cleaners contain chemicals that burn the skin and exude toxic fumes harmful to the respiratory system. There were 411 exposures by children to dangerous cleaning products in 2009, according to the American Association of Poison Control Center's annual report.

    Plastic toys, hair spray, shampoos and deodorants

    • A hormone-like chemical known as a phthalate is used to bind the fragrance and color in many cosmetic products such as hair sprays, shampoos and deodorants, but is also present in children's toys because it increases the flexibility and durability of plastic. Phthalates have been linked to developmental and reproductive problems in animals, prompting Washington and California to ban their use in toys for young children.

    Antibacterial Soap, Lotion and Body Wash

    • Antibacterial products, used to destroy bacteria or prevent disease-causing organisms from growing and reproducing, have become one of the most common items in the home. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as far back as 2000, warned that widespread use had created new strains of bacteria resistant to the antibacterial products, and that prolonged use could affect the immune systems of infants and young children. The most common additive in antibacterial products is Triclosan, a chemical that is stored in human fat cells and can reach toxic levels, especially when exposed to chlorinated water. Concerned parents can switch to antibacterial products made with tea tree oil or other natural ingredients.

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