"The nonprofit Environmental Working Group found that more than 2,000 cleaning products in the United States might contain chemicals linked to 3asthma, cancer and 4chemical burns."
The CDC says in most situations, cleaning alone with soap and water can remove most 5germs on surfaces.
However, if someone in your home has been sick, or a person who recently visited had an illness, the agency says properly 6diluted 7bleachcan effectively kill germs, but take these steps for safety.
Use regular 8unscented household bleach that contains between five to nine percent 9sodium hypochlorite.
If it's laundry or splashless bleach, it may not be 10appropriate for 11disinfection, so make sure it's in that percentage range.
Never mix household bleach or any other 12disinfectant with other cleaners or disinfectants. This can release 13vapors that can be dangerous to breathe in.
Make sure you have good 14ventilation — for example, open windows — check the label to see if you need to wear protective equipment like gloves or eye protection, and follow directions on the bottle to prepare a diluted bleach solution.
You can also check if your other cleaners are safe.
"Next time you need to 15replace something, spend a minute looking for this — the EPA's Safer Choice label or checking their online database."
