For years, families have been using chlorine bleach to clean their house, disinfect surfaces and brighten laundry.
But many of us are coming to realize that bleach isn't as safe as we thought it was.
Combined with certain organic matter, like wood, soil and waste, the chlorine in bleach can create cancer-causing substances known as carcinogens, namely dioxins, furans, and trihalomethanes.
Dioxins and furans are not only carcinogenic they are known to be hormone disrupters.
Some studies have correlated trihalomethanes with miscarriages and birth defects.
When combined with other cleaning products, like toilet bowl cleaners and especially with ammonia, chlorine bleach can produce highly toxic, and even deadly vapors.
Of particular concern to parents of young children is the accidental ingestion of chlorine bleach.
More deaths occur because of inhalation or ingestion of bleach than from any other household cleaning product.
While chlorine is a common element, and does not accumulate in the body, the production of chlorine releases dioxins into the atmosphere and therefore into the food chain.
Mercury, which is extremely toxic to the brain, is used in the production of chlorine bleach.
Instead of using chlorine bleach, consider using alternative oxygen bleach products that are made with hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine.
Additionally, hydrogen peroxide can be added to laundry to whiten and brighten.
The best bleach of course is the sun, hang cloth diapers, sheets and clothing out in the sun (even on a cloudy day) and it will naturally whiten and disinfect.
It can seem daunting to get rid of an old standby, but your health and the environment will be better for it.