Did you know that perfumes aren’t required to list their ingredients thanks to the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1973? And they’re not the only product. Many other items in your home don’t have to have their ingredients listed.
This means that some products could have potentially toxic ingredients without you even knowing. This article will explore all the toxic products you could currently have in your home right now and what they cause. Read on to discover what hidden hazards might be in your home before it’s too late.
1. Mattresses
This is a surprising one, but mattresses can have high levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). They can cause reproductive and brain damage, along with thyroid problems and decreased sperm quality. PBDEs have been banned in many US states and in Canada, so check your mattress to see if you have that culprit.
2. Cleaning Products
Cleaning products can be extremely harmful, but thankfully there are alternatives. You can use soap powder, baking soda, lemon, and hot water to clean your home sans toxic chemicals.
If you must buy cleaning products, watch out and avoid ingredients such as phthalates. You’ll definitely want to read more about toxic substances in cleaners.
3. Plastic Cutting Boards
Plastic cutting boards easily get little nicks when you’re cutting your food on them. These little nicks can fill with dangerous bacteria such as salmonella and E.coli. Even after you wipe down the board, the dangerous bacteria could stay within those cracks. Some boards also have bisphenol (BPA) which you could wind up ingesting.
Instead, opt for glass or bamboo cutting boards since they’re naturally antibacterial.
4. Aluminum Foil
Forget about wrapping your food in aluminum foil. Aluminum foil can get into your food when cooked at high temperatures. Sadly, aluminum foil is linked to Alzheimer’s Disease. Next time you reach for aluminum foil, choose parchment paper instead.
5. Cosmetics
While cosmetics are fun, they can have some pretty toxic chemicals in their products. Find cosmetics that don’t have synthetic fragrances, made from natural oils, or are mineral-based. You can also opt for organic products.
6. Antiperspirants
Many wear antiperspirants to combat or avoid odor, but if your deodorant contains aluminum it could be extremely harmful. It’s still under investigation whether aluminum in deodorants causes breast cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does require warning labels on all deodorants about aluminum.
7. Non-stick Cooking
Non-stick cookware is extremely popular since it decreases how long you have to clean, but it can increase the chances of toxins. When you’re cooking at high temperatures, polytetrafluoroethylene (what makes Teflon non-stick), can give off a toxic gas that can cause health issues including reproductive problems.
Instead, go for iron skillets or stainless steel pots and pans. Just make sure to soak your pan right after using it to avoid food sticking like glue.
8. Couches
Many pieces of furniture, including couches, have been treated with flame-retardant chemicals. These chemicals can cause neurotoxic effects and endocrine disruption. Some couches have also been treated with stain repellants which can be toxic as well.
Ask your furniture store to not treat your couch with antimicrobials or stain-repellants. Make sure to clean your house often so the chemicals don’t stick to dust particles.
9. Canned Food
Canned foods can have BPAs in them, which is a hormone-disrupting chemical. It has been found to cause diabetes, heart disease, and male infertility. Some manufacturers are stopping the use of BPA, but it’s unknown if the replacements are safer.
Choose frozen or fresh vegetables whenever possible.
10. TVs and Game Consoles
Game consoles and TVs can carry Phthalates. They can be found in the controller cables of game consoles, and powder cords of devices. Flame retardants (BFRs) can be found as well, which are known to impair brain development. They can found in casings and circuit boards.
11. Window Cleaner
Window cleaners make your windows beautiful, but it can cause health issues if breathed in. While newer window cleaners have less toxic ingredients, older window cleaners can contain isopropyl alcohol, ammonia, or methanol. Instead, opt for homemade cleaners.
Make sure to keep up with cleaning your windows more often so you don’t have to use as much of the product on them.
12. Mildew Removers
While you’ll want mildew gone, many of those mildew removers can cause other problems including health problems. Certain mildew removers can contain sodium hypochlorite, which can cause eye and skin irritation, along with respiratory problems.
It can especially cause irritation if it’s not used in a well-ventilated area. Instead, try white vinegar which gets rid of mildew as well. You can also try Tea Tree Oil as well, but it’s more expensive than white vinegar.
13. Dry-Cleaned Clothes
While dry-cleaned clothes are convenient when they’re dry cleaned, they’re also exposed to perchloroethylene (PCE). It’s known as a probable carcinogen and can cause central nervous system, liver, and kidney damage.
Many places are banning PCE since it’s harmful, but some places still allow it. Before dry cleaning, find out if the establishment uses PCE.
14. Soybeans and Corn
Roundup is a herbicide that causes problems to defensive enzymes within our bodies that are meant to keep us healthy. Genetically engineered crops (Roundup Ready Crops or RR Crops) have had their DNA changed to have them withstand Roundup.
It’s best to buy organic to avoid soybeans and corn that have been exposed to Roundup.
Avoiding Toxic Products in the Home
While avoiding toxic products in the home can seem overwhelming, it’s important so you can avoid the different health effects these toxins can cause.
Would you like to learn more about the home including picking out high-quality furniture? Check out our other articles today.
