Household Products

Product #1: Dawn Dishwashing Liquid Soap

Main Concerns

• Skin contact: Prolonged contact with concentrated material may be drying or transiently irritating to skin

I have always had this brand of dishwashing soap at home for as long as I can remember. According to the Household Products Database, this product is not carcinogenic and no chronic health effects have been reported. The database gives this product a score of 1 on the HMIS Rating Scale (0=Minimal; 1=Slight; 2=Moderate; 3=Serious; 4=Severe) as a slight health hazard. There are obvious health concerns if this product were ingested; however, my main concerns are associated with skin contact.

Besides dishwashing soap, I have also used this product to wash my dog. I know that Dawn has a campaign known as "Dawn Saves Wildlife." They advertise their product by helping save animals that are affected by oil spills around the world. According to their website, ten percent Dawn concentrate in water is enough to cut through grease but gentle enough not to harm sensitive areas around animals' eyes.

This is a great multipurpose product to use, knowing that it is safe for both humans and animals.


Product #2: Lysol 4 in 1 All Purpose Antibacterial Cleaner

Main Concerns

• Chemicals (Lauramine oxide, Dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, Alkyl (C12-C18) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, Alkyl (C-12-16) dimethylbenzylammonium chloride, etc.)

The database gives this product a score of 2 on the HMIS Rating Scale (0=Minimal; 1=Slight; 2=Moderate; 3=Serious; 4=Severe) as a moderate health hazard. Acute health effects include eye and skin irritation. There is no information provided on chronic health effects.

There are a number of chemicals known to be in this product; however, as a multipurpose antibacterial cleaner, I am not surprised about the ingredients listed. What price are we really paying when we use these household cleaners that are comprised of a number of chemicals?