Ten Dangerous Everyday Things in Your Home
Adapted from: Dr. Mercola
Household cleaning products may seem essential for a tidy home, but did you know they can be detrimental to your health? In fact, 33.1 million individuals encounter incidences related to household products. Often we are told to focus on diet and exercise for health and well being. However, it’s also important to understand that what you put on your body and surround yourself with is just as important!
Let’s take a look at the top ten toxins in your home.
Number 1: Moth Balls
Moth balls are commonly used to store away clothing and protect them from hungry little critters. Unfortunately, these are packed with a chemical known as naphthalene, which after long amounts of exposure can lead to destroyed red blood cells, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Number 2: Pesticide
Statistically, 90% of American households utilize pesticides in some sort of way. Pesticides can be used in lawn care or even on food. These chemicals are toxic to the human body and can disrupt the microbiome.
Number 3: Pressed Wood Products
This type of flooring contains a combination of particle board, fiberboard, paneling and insulation. This is most common in older homes, because it was a popular construction method in the 1970’s. The glue that holds the flooring together may contain formaldehyde. This can result in asthma attacks, watery eyes and difficulty breathing. Risk is increased as these products age.
Number 4: Chemicals in Carpets
Indoor carpeting has increased awareness around it because of the compounds known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The glue and dyes that are in new carpets can have a negative impact on your health in large quantities.
Number 5: Laser Printer Chemicals
Studies have confirmed that laser and ink-jet printers release VOCs and ozone particulates. These have been linked to lung and cardiovascular disease.
Number 6: Lead Paint
Lead paint has been known to be harmful to children. This is commonly found in houses built before the 1980s. Small concentrations can affect the development of a fetus or young child. It is especially important to understand that the exposure does not need to be a lot. In addition, being around lead paint can lead to problems with the brain, central nervous system, blood cells and kidneys.
Number 7: Air Fresheners and Cleaning Solutions
Air fresheners and many cleaning solutions contain chemicals known as ethylene-based glycol ethers and terpenes, these can be toxic to humans due to the VOCs and the poisonous effect that results from being combined with ozone in the air.
Number 8: Baby Bottles and BPA
Many plastic items are made with bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA has a similar structure as estrogen and therefore is known to be a hormone disruptor. This can be especially daunting for young children. Make a conscious effort to avoid drinking out of plastic or storing food in plastic containers.
Number 9: Flame Retardants
Flame retardants are often used in mattresses, circuit boards and televisions. These hidden toxins contain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Fortunately production stopped in 2004, but there are still products out there that contain flame retardants. Studies have linked exposure to memory problems, poor thyroid function and even low semen count in mice.
Number 10: Cosmetic Phthalates
Phthalates, also known as plasticizers make their way in to just about any beauty or self care product you can think of. This includes shampoo, fragrances, hair spray and deodorant. These chemicals mimic hormones and therefore contribute to hormonal imbalances. You also want to remember that the skin is your largest organ. The skin is essentially absorbing these different toxins, contrary to the belief that these are all cleansing and part of self care!
Next Steps:
At this point you might feel a little overwhelmed with having to switch out your products or spend extra money. Let me reassure you that when you slowly make the switch one product at a time, it’s really not that bad! In fact, natural products can sometimes cost less and you won’t have as much clutter. For instance, baking soda is a great shower and toilet scrubber, while vinegar is perfect for surfaces, glass and floors! Try using or diffusing a high quality essential oil for a fresh and non-toxic scent. Have fun with this and enjoy the changes as you continue on with your health journey!
Check out this list of helpful products to stay clean and toxin free!
- Seventh Generation Cleaning Products and Laundry Detergent
- Myers Cleaning Products
- Pyrex Glass Tupperware
- Desert Essence Hair Products and Hygiene Line
- W3LL People Makeup and Nail Polish Line
- Dr. Bronner’s Soaps
- Avalon Organics Lotions