Food dyes are one of the most widely used and dangerous additives. While the European Union has recently placed regulations on labelling food dyes to inform consumers of the health risks, Australia has no such requirement. Here are some of the most common food dyes used today, according to the Food Freedom Network:

Blue #1 (Brilliant Blue) (Also known as 133)
An unpublished study suggested the possibility that Blue 1 caused kidney tumours in mice. Suspected carcinogen, linked to hyperactivity, asthmatics should avoid. Banned in Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, and Norway. What it's in: Baked goods, beverages, desert powders, candies, cereal, drugs, and other products.

Blue #2 (Indigo Carmine) (Also known as Indigotine and 132)
Causes a statistically significant incidence of tumours, particularly brain gliomas, in male rats. Suspected carcinogen, linked to hyperactivity, nausea, breathing difficulty, skin reactions, blood pressure problems. Banned in Norway. What it's in: Colored beverages, candies, pet food, & other food and drugs.

Citrus Red #2
Toxic to rodents at modest levels and caused tumours in the bladder and other organs. What it's in: Skins of Florida oranges.

Green #3 (Fast Green) (Also known as 143)
Caused significant increases in bladder and testes tumours in male rats. What it's in: Drugs, personal care products, cosmetic products except in eye area, candies, beverages, ice cream, sorbet; ingested drugs, lipsticks, and externally applied cosmetics.

Red #3 (Erythrosine) (Also known as 127)
Recognized in 1990 by the FDA as a thyroid carcinogen in animals and is banned in cosmetics and externally applied drugs. Suspected carcinogen, linked to thyroid abnormality, brain dysfunction, hyperactivity, light sensitivity. Banned in Norway. What it's in: Sausage casings, oral medication, maraschino cherries, baked goods, candies.

Red #40 (Allura Red) (Also known as 129) currently being petitioned to be banned in Australia.
This is the most-widely used and consumed dye. It may accelerate the appearance of immune-system tumours in mice. It also causes hypersensitivity (allergy-like) reactions in some consumers and might trigger hyperactivity in children. Suspected carcinogen, skin rashes, hypersensitivity. Banned in Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Norway. What it's in: Beverages, bakery goods, dessert powders, candies, cereals, foods, drugs, and cosmetics.

Yellow #5 (Tartrazine) (Also known as 102) currently being petitioned to be banned in Australia.
Yellow 5 causes’ sometimes-severe hypersensitivity reactions and might trigger hyperactivity and other behavioural effects in children. Linked to hyperactivity, skin rashes, migraines, behavioural problems, thyroid problems, chromosome damage. Banned in Norway and Austria. What it's in: Pet foods, numerous bakery goods, beverages, dessert powders, candies, cereals, gelatine desserts, and many other foods, as well as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Yellow #6 (Sunset Yellow) (Also known as 110) currently being petitioned to be banned in Australia.
Caused adrenal tumours in animals and occasionally causes severe hypersensitivity reactions. Suspected human carcinogen, allergies, hyperactivity, upset stomach, skin rashes, kidney tumours, chromosomal damage. Banned in Norway. What it's in: Colour bakery goods, cereals, beverages, dessert powders, candies, gelatine deserts, sausage, cosmetics and drugs.

Common Household Toxins:
Coal Tar Driveway Sealant
If you’re looking to seal your driveway, you may not have considered safety. Coal-tar sealants “… contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, which studies suggest can be toxic, causing cancer or other genetic mutations in your body. When rainwater and other precipitation hit your driveway, the toxic chemicals run off into your yard and into your local drinking water supply.” Pets walking on wet drive ways, licking their paws or drinking from puddles will be put at risk.
Alternatives: Gravel, so that rainwater can seep through your driveway and into the ground safely and naturally. However if your paved driveway needs to be sealed, simply make sure that it is not coal-tar based. The bigger stores have already banned them, but be sure to read the product in order to be safe.

Synthetic Pesticides
Be it for insects, weeds, fungus or moulds, pesticides are designed to kill something. Our dogs are at risk simply due to their proximity to the application of them.
Alternatives: Cleaning up food and crumbs from the floor and sealing food in storage should avoid most interior pests. Take a walk around your home and seal any entry points to also help to protect your home. For a healthy green lawn, research organic solutions to lawn maintenance. Healthy grass has deep, thick roots that choke out weeds naturally. Or consider an alternative to lawns altogether by planting native flowers and plants. Choosing native plants generally means less maintenance as they are best suited to your area by their very nature.

Harsh Cleaning Products
It’s a contradiction in terms to “clean” something with toxins that may trigger asthma attacks, cause cancer and skin irritation. Is it really clean if you had to wear gloves to place it on a surface? Your dog won’t have a choice while he’s walking around.
Alternatives: Vinegar! 1:9 ratio to water will kill 90% of bacteria and many spores. Increase the ratio for cleaning glass to 1:1. It dries to a lovely shine and is completely safe for your pets to come into contact with. Keep in mind that a sterile home is NOT a healthy home. Healthy people and healthy pets with healthy immune systems can fend off any threats naturally.

Food Storage
Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a hormone disrupting chemical linked to male infertility, diabetes and heart disease. Canned food, plastic storage or feeding bowls can leach BPA into your dog’s food or water. While it’s been banned from children’s products, pet products are slower to change.
Alternatives: Stainless steel feeding bowls and glass storage containers will protect your pets. They’re also environmentally friendly!

Synthetic Fragrances
Chemical fragrances can be found throughout every home and almost every product. While everyone loves a “fresh scent” that chemically induced scent is dangerous. Chemicals used are known to be carcinogens, endocrine disrupters, and reproductive toxicants, even at low levels.
Alternatives: Always select unscented. In the end, general household cleaning and good ventilation will win out every time.