We all know about the dangers of germs. Organisms such as bacteria and fungi can creep into your body and cause illness and infection, even from areas of your home which you thought were clean.

You can protect yourself from many germs by washing your hands regularly, using proper food handling techniques, and cleaning surfaces thoroughly. But prevention in the wrong form can be just as harmful.

While most popular household cleaners will kill germs effectively, some may contain toxic ingredients such as:

• Phthalates - These are found in many 'fragranced' cleaners, and have been shown to be endocrine disruptors with the potential to damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reduce sperm count for men. Further research has linked Phthalates to obesity, breast cancer and asthma, too.
• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds - Also known as "QUATS", these are found in some 'antibacterial' household cleaning products. Research has shown that these may encourage the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as well as being a skin irritant and a leading cause of dermatitis.
• Formaldehyde - Some common household cleaning products may contain small amounts of Formaldehyde, which research has linked to watery eyes, asthmatic attacks, skin irritation, nausea and headaches.

In other words, what's in your cleaning product cupboard can sometimes be just as harmful as the germs you are seeking to get rid of.

Safe cleaning

Cleaning is an essential part of a healthy life and regular cleaning must be performed to ensure your home is safe and germ-free. But it's crucial that you pay attention to the ingredients in your cleaning products and opt for bio-home products whenever possible. Here's why...

Bio-Home products are eco-friendly, biodegradable and safe. Made up entirely of plant-based actives, all bio-home products are 100% free of toxic chemicals yet still work effectively to clean the home.