Some of the most worrying chemicals are Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), formaldehyde, chlorine and phosphates.

SLS is found in most everyday shampoos and foaming bathroom products. Some reports suggest that it cause scalp rashes and allergic reactions.

Formaldehyde is used as a disinfectant, germicide, fungicide, defoamer and preservative in shampoos and handwash. Some reports suggest that formaldehyde irritates the eyes, upper respiratory tract and mucous membrane. It is currently banned in Sweden and Japan.

Chlorine is found in most household bleaches. Some reports suggest that in waste water, bleach can create toxic compounds.

Most conventional household cleaners contain phosphates. They biodegrade totally and quickly but it is reported when they get into rivers and lakes, they cause algae blooms, robbing the water of oxygen, blocking sunlight, and ultimately killing marine life.