The purpose of a detergent is to break down the surface tension of water, allowing other chemicals (like surfactants) to make contact with the substance being cleaned. So if a detergent comes into contact with, say, the mucous membrane in your nose, it does the same job.

Lead is a soft, heavy, bluish-white metal with many uses due to its low corrosion rate. It is a neuro-toxin which accumulates in soft tissue and bones. It also causes blood and brain disorders.

Pesticides have been used for many years to rid our houses and gardens of unwanted pests. By their very nature pesticides contain toxins, which can damage humans as well as insects. Residues can travel through the air, or on shoes and clothing into the house where they can be absorbed by humans. They can also remain on fruit and vegetables and be directly eaten.

For every litre of washing powder you use, it takes 20,000 litres of water to treat it until it can re-enter our water system safely. It is water that cleans your clothes; the detergent (surfactant) just separates the water molecules to create a wetter water that can penetrate the fabric deeply.