What's under your kitchen sink, in your garage, in your bathroom, and on the shelves in your laundry room? I encourage you to visit the Household Products Database to find out what's in your favorite chemical cleaner.

Some things to note as you browse the Household Products Database:

1. You can look up the toxicity of any ingredient by going to TOXNET.

2. Note that in the sample products below, the manufacturers have in most cases elected not to state information about chronic health effects or carcinogenity (propensity to cause cancer). Additionally, the manufacturers for  most of these products have elected not to rate the product for health, flammability, and reactivity according to HMIS^®. Why are manufacturers allowed to choose whether or not to disclose this information?

Click to Read: Extended Producer Responsibility: A Materials Policy for the 21st Century (PDF)

3. Want a safe alternative? Please shop online at www.norwexhealthycleaning.com, where you will find Norwex chemical-free cleaning cloths that pick up 99.9% of bacteria, and safe alternatives that work.

HMIS^®, the Hazardous Materials Identification System, is a registered mark of the National Paint and Coatings Association (NPCA) but is used by all manufacturers to comply with the requirements of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard.HMIS^® uses colored bars, numbers and symbols to convey the severity of hazards of chemicals. Only numbers are used in this database to convey the severity of the hazards of chemical ingredients of each brand when used in the workplace. These ratings were determined for each brand by its manufacturer and documented in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) published by the manufacturer. 

• "Health" denotes the health hazard. The health rating is based on the toxicity of chemicals contained in a specific brand and its ability to cause skin and eye irritation.?
• "Fire" denotes the fire hazard, and ratings are assigned based on the flashpoint and boiling point of the materials contained in a specific brand.
• "Reactivity" denotes the reactivity hazard from exposure to materials contained in the indicated brand. Reactivity ratings are based on the material's potential to release violent energy under conditions of fire, water contact, high temperature or pressure, or proximity to activating substances.

Clorox Bathroom Cleaner With Teflon Surface Protector Tilex Instant Mildew Remover Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover Swiffer WetJet Advanced Cleaner Lysol Brand Scrubbing Wipes-Orange Breeze Scent Cerama Brite Ceramic Cooktop Cleanser Easy Off Glass-Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner Formula 409 Cleaner Degreaser 1 Qt (Trigger Spray) Nilodor Deodorizing Cleaner Concentrate, Original Comet Disinfectant Cleanser with Chlorinol Tilex Soap Scum Remover and Disinfectant 16 Fl. Oz. (trigger bottle) Downy Fabric Softener Sheets Tide Ultra Liquid Cheer Granular Laundry Detergent

Clorox Bathroom Cleaner With Teflon Surface Protector Brand Information Brand Name: Clorox Bathroom Cleaner With Teflon Surface Protector Form: liquid spray Product Category: Home inside >> Bathroom >> cleaner Home inside >> Cleaner >> bathroom Customer Service No.: 800-227-1860 Date Entered: 2005-01-17 Related Items: Products with similar usage in this database Manufacturer Manufacturer: Clorox Company, The Address: 1221 Broadway City: Oakland State: CA Zip Code: 94612 Telephone Number: 510-271-7000 Fax Number: 510-832-1463 Toll Free Number: 800-292-2200 Date Info Verified: 2007-02-07 Related Items: Products by this manufacturer Health Effects Enter text or highlight term... The following information (Health Effects, Handling/Disposal, and Ingredients) is taken from the product label and/or the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) prepared by the manufacturer. The National Library of Medicine does not evaluate information from the product label or the Material Safety Data Sheet. Warning from Product Label: Do not mix with bleach containing products. CAUTION; eye irritant. Avoid eye contact. Do not ingest. Avoid breathing spray mist and use in well-ventilated areas. Always stand on a non-slip surface when in the shower or tub. Keep out of reach of children Physical and chemical hazards: do not mix with bleach containing products or with other bathroom or household cleaners. To do so may release hazardous gases. Acute Health Effects: CAUTION: EYE IRRITANT. May cause substantial but temporary eye injury. May cause skin irritation. Do not ingest. Do not get in eyes, skin or clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Chronic Health Effects: No information given. Carcinogenicity: None of the materials in this product are on the IARC, OSHA, or NTP carcinogen lists. First Aid: FIRST AID: EYE CONTACT: Immediately rinse with water for 15 minutes. Get prompt medical attention. SKIN CONTACT: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. If irritation persists, call a physician. INGESTION: Drink large amounts of water. DO NOT induce vomiting. Call a physician or poison control center immediately. INHALATION: Remove to fresh air. If breathing problems develop, call a physician. Health Rating: N Flammability Rating: N Reactivity Rating: N HMIS Rating Scale: 0 = Minimal; 1 = Slight; 2 = Moderate; 3 = Serious; 4 = Severe;  N = No information provided by manufacturer; * = Chronic Health Hazard MSDS Date: 2003-09-01 Handling/Disposal Handling: Stable under normal use and storage conditions. Conditions to avoid: Storage at high temperature (>120 F). Incompatible materials: Prolonged exposure (weeks/months) to stainless steel may cause pitting. Do not mix or use with other chemicals, such as bleach. To do so may result in the formation of hazardous gases. Hygienic/Work Practices: Wear goggles, face shield or safety glasses and protective gloves. Avoid skin and eye contact. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Disposal: Waste Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Ingredients from MSDS/Label Chemical CAS No / Unique ID Percent Hydroxyacetic acid 000079-14-1 1-5 Dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether 029911-28-2 1-5 D-Glucopyranose, oligomeric, C9-11-alkyl glycosides 132778-08-6 1-5 Tilex Instant Mildew Remover Brand Information Brand Name: Tilex Instant Mildew Remover Other Codes: EPA Reg. No: 5813-24 Form: liquid Product Category: Home inside >> Mildew >> cleaner Home inside >> Bathroom >> mildew remover Home inside >> Cleaner >> mildew remover Customer Service No.: 800-292-2200 Date Entered: 1996-08-21 Related Items: Products with similar usage in this database Manufacturer Manufacturer: Clorox Company, The Address: 1221 Broadway City: Oakland State: CA Zip Code: 94612 Telephone Number: 510-271-7000 Fax Number: 510-832-1463 Toll Free Number: 800-292-2200 Date Info Verified: 2007-02-07 Related Items: Products by this manufacturer Health Effects Enter text or highlight term... The following information (Health Effects, Handling/Disposal, and Ingredients) is taken from the product label and/or the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) prepared by the manufacturer. The National Library of Medicine does not evaluate information from the product label or the Material Safety Data Sheet. Warning from Product Label: Keep out of reach of children. Eye irritant. Use only in well ventilated areas. Causes substantial but temporary eye injury and can irritate skin. For sensitive skin or prolonged use, wear gloves. Do not get in eyes or on clothing. Vapors may irritate. Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors. Not recommended for use by persons with heart conditions or chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema or obstructive lung disease. Due to irritating nature, may be harmful if swallowed. If in eyes, hold eyelids open and flush with a steady gentle stream of water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention. If swallowed, drink large amounts of water. DO NOT induce vomiting. Call a physician or poison control center immediately. If breathing is affected, get fresh air immediately. If on skin, wash thoroughly with water. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before use. Get medical attention if irritation persists. Physical and Chemical Hazards. This product contains bleach. Do not use or mix with other household chemicals such as ammonia, toilet bowl cleaners, rust removers, vinegar or acid. To do so will release hazardous gases. Acute Health Effects: From MSDS Inhalation: Exposure to vapor or mist may irritate eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Eye Contact: Moderate eye irritant. Skin Contact: Mild to moderate skin irritant. Occasional clinical reports suggest a low potential for skin sensitization upon exaggerated exposure to sodium hypochlorite if skin damage (e.g., irritation) occurs during exposure. Routine clinical tests conducted on intact skin with this product found no sensitization in the test subjects. Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. May cause nausea and vomiting if swallowed. Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: heart conditions or chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or obstructive lung disease. Under normal consumer-use conditions, the likelihood of any adverse health effects is low. Chronic Health Effects: The manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides no information about potential chronic health effects resulting from prolonged or frequent use of this product. Carcinogenicity: MSDS: The ingredients in this product are not identified as carcinogens or potential carcinogens by NTP, IARC and OSHA. Health Rating: N Flammability Rating: N Reactivity Rating: N HMIS Rating Scale: 0 = Minimal; 1 = Slight; 2 = Moderate; 3 = Serious; 4 = Severe;  N = No information provided by manufacturer; * = Chronic Health Hazard MSDS Date: 1992-11-01 Handling/Disposal Handling: MSDS: Do not get in eyes or on clothing. Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact. Avoid prolonged breathing of vapor. Use only in well ventilated areas. Stable under normal use and storage conditions. Strong oxidizing agent. Reacts with other household chemicals such as toilet bowl cleaners, rust removers, acids or ammonia-containing products to produce hazardous gases, such as chlorine and other chlorinated compounds. Prolonged contact with metal or old porcelain may cause pitting or discoloration. Disposal: MSDS: Dispose of in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Ingredients from MSDS/Label Chemical CAS No / Unique ID Percent Fragrance(s)/perfume(s) 000000-00-1   Surfactant(s) (unspecified) 000000-00-4   Sodium hydroxide 001310-73-2 0.5-2 Sodium hypochlorite 007681-52-9 1-5 Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover Brand Information Brand Name: Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover Form: aerosol Product Category: Home inside >> Carpet >> spot remover Home inside >> Spot/Stain Remover >> carpet Home inside >> Cleaner >> carpet Customer Service No.: 913-829-6100 Date Entered: 1997-05-01 Related Items: Products with similar usage in this database Manufacturer Manufacturer: Spot Shot Inc.   Div., Heartland Corp. Address: P.O. Box 8316 City: Shawnee Mission State: KS Zip Code: 46208 Date Info Verified: 2003-01-01 Related Items: Products by this manufacturer Health Effects Enter text or highlight term... The following information (Health Effects, Handling/Disposal, and Ingredients) is taken from the product label and/or the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) prepared by the manufacturer. The National Library of Medicine does not evaluate information from the product label or the Material Safety Data Sheet. Warning from Product Label: CAUTION: Contents under pressure. Do not puncture, incinerate or freeze. Do not store when temperature exceeds 120 deg F or in direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid spraying product into or near direct flame. Use with adequate ventilation. EYE CONTACT: Flush with water for 15 minutes. If irritation persists, consult a physician. SKIN CONTACT: Wash with soap and water. Ingestion Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical help. Bar Code: 0-74405-00986-9 Acute Health Effects: From MSDS Inhalation: If not used in ventilated area, excessive inhalation of the vapors can cause nasal and respiratory irritation. Intentionally concentrating and inhaling vapors can cause fatigue, headaches or death. Eye Contact: Directly spraying into eyes can cause severe pain, irritation, blurred vision or corneal opacification. Skin Contact: Prolonged saturated contact with skin without rinsing can contribute to exceeding the TLV. Repeated contact without rinsing skin can cause defatting. Ingestion: Deliberately ingesting the liquid can cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Not listed. Chronic Health Effects: MSDS: Extreme overexposure to the raw materials in this product have been reported to effect the following in lab animals: anemia, liver abnormalities, kidney damage, blood abnormalities. Carcinogenicity: MSDS does not address the subject of carcinogenicity. Health Rating: 3 Flammability Rating: 1 Reactivity Rating: 1 HMIS Rating Scale: 0 = Minimal; 1 = Slight; 2 = Moderate; 3 = Serious; 4 = Severe;  N = No information provided by manufacturer; * = Chronic Health Hazard MSDS Date: 1995-01-01 Handling/Disposal Handling: MSDS: Store between 40F and 160F. Do not use damaged or deformed cans. Store away from heat sources. Keep out of reach of children. General ventilation should be adequate with normal use. If using in confined areas, provide additional ventilation or exhaust to maintain low airborne concentration. Disposal: MSDS: Dispose of in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Ingredients from MSDS/Label Chemical CAS No / Unique ID Percent 2-Butoxyethanol 000111-76-2 25 Petroleum gases, liquefied, sweetened 068476-86-8 <10 Nonionic emulsifier 999999-58-6 <10 Swiffer WetJet Advanced Cleaner Brand Information Brand Name: Swiffer WetJet Advanced Cleaner Form: liquid Product Category: Home inside >> Cleaner >> multipurpose Home inside >> Cleaner >> cloth/wipe Home maintenance >> Floor >> dry cloth Customer Service No.: 800-214-8734 Date Entered: 2003-03-04 Related Items: Products with similar usage in this database Manufacturer Manufacturer: Procter & Gamble Co. Address: P.O. Box 599 City: Cincinnati State: OH Zip Code: 45201 Telephone Number: 513-983-1100 Fax Number: 513-562-4500 Toll Free Number: 800-543-7270 Date Info Verified: 2007-02-07 Related Items: Products by this manufacturer Health Effects Enter text or highlight term... The following information (Health Effects, Handling/Disposal, and Ingredients) is taken from the product label and/or the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) prepared by the manufacturer. The National Library of Medicine does not evaluate information from the product label or the Material Safety Data Sheet. Acute Health Effects: EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: This product is expected to have a low order of toxicity. Emergency treatment should be directed towards any symptoms observed following exposure. POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS: ? Eye May cause eye irritation. Instillation into eye may result in transient superficial effects similar to those produced by mild toilet soaps. ? Skin May cause skin irritation. Use on irritated or extremely dry skin may aggravate the existing condition. ? Inhalation May cause mucous membrane irritation. ? Ingestion Oral ingestion may result in mild gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Chronic Health Effects: None given Carcinogenicity: None given First Aid: ? Eye In case of accidental eye contact, flush thoroughly with water. If irritation persists, call a physician. ? Skin For skin irritation, thoroughly wash exposed area with water and discontinue use. ? Inhalation Move to an open area away from the site of exposure. If respiratory irritation is present, consult a physician and treat symptomatically. ? Ingestion If swallowed, drink a glass of water. Health Rating: 1 Flammability Rating: N Reactivity Rating: N HMIS Rating Scale: 0 = Minimal; 1 = Slight; 2 = Moderate; 3 = Serious; 4 = Severe;  N = No information provided by manufacturer; * = Chronic Health Hazard MSDS Date: 2002-03-01 Handling/Disposal Handling: Precautions To Be Taken in Handling and Storing: Store in a Cool and dry area. Keep away from heat/sparks and open flame. Other Precautions: None Known Disposal: Waste Disposal Method: small (household) quantities may be disposed of down the drain with plenty of water. Bulk disposal is to be performed in compliance with federal, state/provincial and local regulations. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION N/A ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION No concerns at relevant environmental concentrations. Ingredients from MSDS/Label Chemical CAS No / Unique ID Percent 1-Propoxy-2-propanol 001569-01-3   Water 007732-18-5   Preservative(s) (unspecified) 999999-41-6   Non-hazardous ingredient(s) 999999-57-5 Lysol Brand Scrubbing Wipes-Orange Breeze Scent