Household Products Industry

The global industry that manufactures household chemicals, the non food chemical products commonly found and used in and around the home, including cleaning agents, disinfectants and sanitizers, drain cleaners and degreasers, air fresheners and deodorizers, personal care products such as soaps and body wash, and pest control products. Formulations serve distinct purposes: surfactants reduce water surface tension to lift dirt, alkaline chemicals break down grease, acids dissolve mineral deposits and stains, and disinfectants target odor causing bacteria. The scale of the market is reflected in a United States government safety database that tracks more than 4,000 household chemical products, and rising awareness of risks from inhalation, skin absorption and accidental ingestion, along with environmental concerns such as water contamination, has driven growing consumer interest in green and natural alternatives.