Watch Chemerical: Redefining Clean for a New Generation

Chemerical: Redefining Clean for a New Generation is a documentary film that explores the myriad of toxic chemicals found in common household cleaning products. Directed by Andrew Nisker, the film takes a critical look at the dangers of cleaning products that often go unnoticed. The film opens with a jarring statistic: the average person is exposed to more than 500 chemicals every day. The film's premise is based on the belief that this is a cause for concern, particularly given the lack of regulation for many consumer products. The focus then shifts to the chemicals in cleaning products, which are a significant contributor to this number.

The film introduces us to a family, the Bakers, who are the primary subjects of the documentary. The Bakers have agreed to replace all their conventional cleaning products with non-toxic versions for three months. They are guided by the filmmaker and a team of experts in the field of green cleaning.

The Bakers immediately discover that this is no small challenge. They are used to products like bleach, ammonia, and other strong cleaners that they assume kill all the germs. However, Chemerical argues that these cleaners can be harmful not only to people who use them, but also to the environment and future generations.

Throughout the course of the film, we see the Bakers trying out a variety of "do it yourself" cleaners, as well as products from companies that claim to be green. Along the way, they conduct tests to see if these products are effective, and occasionally they learn some alarming truths about common cleaning practices.

For example, the film shows how dry cleaning chemicals can become airborne and contaminate one's home, and how cleaning products can leave residue on surfaces that can be harmful to babies and animals. The film also highlights the lack of regulation governing the cleaning product industry, and the widespread use of ingredients with known health hazards.

The Bakers' journey is interspersed with interviews with leading experts in the fields of public health, biochemistry, and environmental science. These interviews provide a broader context for the film's argument about the dangers of toxic chemicals in cleaning products. They also provide some practical guidance about what consumers can do to protect themselves and their families.

The film's criticism of the cleaning industry is occasionally tempered by a sense of humor. For example, the film gently pokes fun at the tendency for green products to be marketed as "all natural" or "eco-friendly" despite containing some questionable ingredients. At other times, the film is more confrontational, using footage of chemical spills or contaminated water to make a point about the dangers of unregulated chemicals.

While the film is certainly thought-provoking and raises some important questions, it's not without its faults. The insistence on following the Bakers for three months can feel a bit tedious at times, and some viewers may find the film a bit heavy-handed in its approach. However, Chemerical is successful in its goal of raising awareness about the hazards of toxic cleaning products and offering some alternatives.

Overall, Chemerical: Redefining Clean for a New Generation is an informative and accessible film that challenges viewers to reconsider their cleaning habits. The film succeeds in shining a light on the often-overlooked issue of toxic chemicals in cleaning products, and perhaps more importantly, it encourages viewers to take action to protect their health and the environment.

Chemerical: Redefining Clean for a New Generation is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.