Over the last 75 years, hundreds of chemicals have been created and introduced into the environment. Our air, water, soil, and food indicate that certain chemicals have lasting and often detrimental effects on the natural environment and on our health. Despite these grim facts, many of us unknowingly use toxic chemicals on a regular basis. Household cleaners and other everyday products create harmful environments within our homes.

Environment Canada lists the following as "hazardous" materials:

• chlorine bleach
• contact cement
• drain cleaners
• flea collars and sprays
• kerosene
• lye
• mothballs
• nail polish remover
• solvents
• spot removers
• stains and finishes
• toilet cleaners
• oven cleaners

A study released by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1985 found 70 different commonly-occurring chemicals in American homes. One of these chemicals is chlorine. Chances are very good that you have one or more cleaning products in your home that contain chlorine (also labelled as sodium hypochlorite or simply hypochlorite). Chlorine or its derivatives are used in automatic dishwashing detergents, bleach, chlorinated disinfectant cleaners, mildew removers, and toilet bowl cleaners.

Chlorine can be harmful to the skin and lungs and, in very high concentrations, can be fatal. The fumes of cleaners containing chlorine can irritate the lungs. This is particularly dangerous for people suffering from heart conditions or chronic respiratory problems such as asthma or emphysema. These risks are compounded when the cleaners are used in small, poorly ventilated rooms, such as the bathroom. Chlorine is also a highly corrosive substance, capable of damaging skin, eyes, and other membranes.

Another hazard with chlorine products is exposure to chlorine gas. When products containing chlorine are added to detergents, the resulting mixture releases chlorine gas and chloramines, both of which are toxic gases that can injure the deep tissues of the lungs. Whenever bleach is added to a load of laundry for example, chlorine gas and chloramines are produced. These chemicals will enter the air when the washer is opened and will also be present in the rinse water. See the following list of natural cleaners for an alternative to bleach.

Another controversial group of chemicals are Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs). According to Environment Canada, NPEs have been used for more than 40 years as detergents, emulsifiers, wetting agents, dispersing agents and in a variety of institutional and domestic cleaning products and degreasers. NPEs are also used in cosmetics and paints.

Environment Canada studies have found the presence of NPEs in fresh water supplies, sediment, fish and beluga whale tissue. NPEs have been reported to cause a number of estrogenic responses in a variety of aquatic organisms. Although NPEs have been classified as toxic, they continue to be used in many consumer products.

NPE's and other chemicals are suspected endocrine disruptors that act like hormones in the body and interfere with our endocrine systems. Hormones deliver chemical messages throughout the body in order to regulate numerous functions. Endocrine disruptors prevent hormones from delivering their messages. As a result, cells do not behave normally; they divide when they should not or fail to function as they should.

The list of suspected problems with various chemicals is practically endless. Although many traditional cleaning products are labelled with warnings such as flammable or corrosive, a greater hazard may be the long-term effects. Fortunately, there are numerous natural alternatives. The following are a few "recipes" for effective household cleaners.

These are the basic ingredients for most cleansers:

• Borax (sodium borate): It deodorizes, removes stains and prevents mold and odours.
• Lemon Juice: Cuts through grease and stains on aluminum and porcelain.
• Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate): An all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner. It cleans, deodorizes, scours, polishes and removes stains.
• Pure Soap flakes or Castile Soap: general cleaner with many uses
• Table Salt (sodium chloride): A mild disinfectant and makes an abrasive, but gentle, scouring powder.
• Vinegar (diluted acetic acid): Removes mildew, stains, grease and wax build-up.
• Washing Soda (sodium carbonate): Cuts grease and disinfects. It will also increase the cleaning power of soap.

Antibacterial/Anti-fungal Multipurpose Cleaner

Fill an empty spray bottle almost to the top with equal parts vinegar and water leaving enough room for 60 ml (4 Tbsp) of lemon juice and 15 ml (1 Tbsp) of tea tree oil. Shake before spraying.

Laundry detergent

Add 2 parts soap flakes, 1 part Borax and 6 parts hot water to a large container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well. Allow to cool. You may wish to add 1 part washing soda if available.

Scrub cleanser

Mix equal parts baking soda, Borax and liquid castile soap (liquid dishwashing soap) to create a paste. Use full strength on tubs, sinks and toilets and dilute for use on counters and floors. Add a few drops of essential oil for a fresh scent.

Fabric softener

Mix together 1 part baking soda, 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water. Stir well. Store in a properly labelled container. Add 60 ml of the solution to the final rinse cycle.

Glass Cleaner

Add equal parts vinegar and water to a spray bottle. Spray on glass surfaces and wipe immediately for a streak free shine.

Furniture Polish

Mix 3 parts light mineral oil (available at most drug stores), 1 part olive oil and a drop of lemon juice. Dip the edge of a soft cloth in the mixture and rub into the wood surface. Buff with a clean cloth.

Silver cleaner

This one is rather unorthodox but is a healthier alternative to highly corrosive cleaners! Dip an old soft-bristled toothbrush in warm water. Spread a thick layer of toothpaste on the brush and gently scrub away the tarnish on your silver.

Garbage Disposal Freshener

To eliminate garbage disposal odours and clean the blades, add ice cubes and lemon and/or orange rinds. Run the garbage disposal until pulverized.

Essential Oil Air Freshener

Many types of traditional aerosol air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as xylene, ketones, and aldehydes. Here are two less expensive and healthier alternatives.

1. In a bowl, add 250 ml (1 cup) baking soda plus a few drops of your choice of essential oil to eliminate odors and leave a pleasant scent. Use your favourite essential oil or try a few of these fresh choices: pine, lavender, lemon, lime, cypress, wintergreen, grapefruit or orange. Place bowls in closets, bathrooms or any room that needs freshening.
2. 2)Instead of baking soda you can use kitty litter to absorb odors. Add a few drops of essential oil for scent. You may want to keep this freshener out of view!

Oven Cleaner

1 part borax, 2 parts salt, 2 parts baking soda and 3 parts vinegar Mix the ingredients to create a paste. Spread thickly over the oven walls. Allow to set for 30 minutes then wipe clean using vinegar.

These natural cleansers will get your home clean without any noxious fumes or corrosive agents. Remember, the extra ingredient for tough jobs is a little elbow grease but it's worth the effort!