The next time you're scrubbing or cleaning you might to pay extra attention to what you're using and where you're doing the cleaning.

KING file photo

Cleaning products

A scientific study shows that many common cleaners emit chemicals which can combine to become toxic pollutants that may lead to health risks. The study came from UC Berkeley where researchers found pollutants right under their nose.

According to decades of advertising, the smell of "clean" means pine or lemon scents.

But not to Noelle Dobson.

"To me that's not a clean scent," said the Portland homeowner. "It's an irritant to my nose."

Dobson long ago made a decision to seek out non-toxic cleaners.

"I'm concerned about what's in my home environment," she said. "It's pretty amazing what you can do with distilled white vinegar and water."

She opted for green cleaners even before a California study this year revealed common household cleaners can produce toxic air pollutants.

Dr. Frederick Berman, an OHSU toxicologist said of the study, "There's the possibility for these compounds to reach concentrations that are fairly high."

The oils that give cleaners and air fresheners those pine or lemon scents are terpenes. Berman said terpenes are safe by themselves.

But the study finds terpenes can react with ozone in the air to produce a number of toxic compounds including formaldehyde. Ozone can come from the outdoors. Less well known however is the fact that machines like printers and copiers can generate ozone indoors.

"Those can be potential problems," said Berman, "especially in offices where photocopies or printers are located."

  Report: Cleaners and contaminants

Berman said the greatest risk would come to people who clean all day long and face hours of exposure.

That's why portland's Terra Clean company seeks out "green" cleaners.

"Our general cleaners don't have the terpenes," said owner Patricia Uber.

  Green cleaner company: Clean Via

  Green cleaner company: Coastwide

  Green cleaner company: Terra Clean

  Green cleaner company: Domestica

Her workers steam clean carpets and upholstery all day long. They have re-thought the smell of "clean."

"To me clean is odorless. It's like fresh air. Once you're aware of what's there and the potential harm then all of a sudden it doesn't smell so good to be smelling in those fumes," she said.

To avoid the potential toxic combinations, the studies advise people to make sure the area they're cleaning is well ventilated and not to clean on ozone action days.

Or opt for 'green products.'

"Don't be overly cautious, but be aware," said Berman.

Dobson said the latest studies reinforce what she's been doing all along.

"For me the more research we get the more evidence we get confirms decisions i'm already making about the stuff I choose to buy," Dobson said.