Many people wonder how someone can acquire an autoimmune illness in the first place. It is possible to ask about a patient’s stress levels, food and exercise habits, as well as any toxins they may have been exposed to. This always aids physicians in better understanding the impact of the patients’ surroundings on their health. So, could items that we use every day actually be toxic household products?
An increasing amount of evidence indicates that chemicals in common goods may put us at risk for a variety of health issues, ranging from sterility and birth anomalies to cancer. In fact, the CDC in the United States currently monitors several environmental chemicals that have been discovered in people, including several that are present in consumer goods. These substances may accumulate in the body over time and make you ill.
While it is difficult to identify all toxic household products, there are methods to streamline many of the potential poisons entering your house. Below are 10 things we advise you to avoid purchasing, discard, or replace:
1. Food plastic containers
Have you ever wondered why clear plastic containers get hazy after a few washes in the dishwasher? Plastic degrades over time, releasing potentially harmful chemicals into your food. Phosphates, which are hormone disruptive compounds, are used in the manufacture of many plastic containers (EDCs). Use glass containers instead of plastic.
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2. Food in plastic containers
There is no need to discard leftover food, but it shouldn’t ever be heated in plastic. When you heat plastic, chemicals that may contaminate your food are released. Taking a little extra time to transfer meals into a glass container before cooking them in the microwave is well worth your effort.
3. Nonstick frying pan
Several nonstick frying pans contain tiny levels of perfluorooctanoic acid, a compound that has been linked to cancer in lab animals. The non-stick coating on the pans may scrape or leak into your meal. Prefer stainless steel or cast iron pans instead, along with nonstick natural oils.
4. Air freshener
Artificial air fresheners shouldn’t make it past your front door. Everything you inhale ultimately makes its way into your blood. Many air fragrances and artificially-scented candles include phthalates, which have been associated with reproductive issues. To freshen up your house, go with candles made of essential oils and natural ingredients. You may also use a vinegar and baking soda mixture to neutralize any odd smells.
5. Perfume
The single-word ingredient “perfume” may refer to a product with over 300 synthetic components. And perfume businesses don’t disclose ingredient lists because they don’t want their recipes leaked to the competition. Prefer to use items perfumed with natural oils instead.
6. Upholstery sprays
Stain protective sprays essentially cover your furniture in an impenetrable plastic shield. This layer will break down over time and be released in your house. Rather than attempting to avoid stains, just clean your furniture whenever needed.
7. Cleaning products
You should always look for toxic chemical compounds, such as phthalates, on labels of any cleaning products you’re about to take home. Baking soda, powdered soap, lemon, vinegar, and warm water are all-natural alternatives that perform just as effectively without covering your house in pollutants. And the best household cleaning products are always the ones made of organic ingredients.
8. Beauty products
From hair conditioner to mascara, the typical American woman uses several cosmetic products each day, while the average male tends to use only half. According to the Environmental Working Group, this amounts to over one hundred distinct components.
Choose natural pigments and oils for your cosmetics. Go with gels and hair products that are devoid of artificial scents and chemicals like triclosan, which was associated with hormone disruption in animal studies.
9. Deodorants
Most deodorants include aluminum and other substances that are ingested by the sweat glands. While research on the health effects of deodorants is underway, it is recommended to avoid using any chemicals on the body for reasons other than non-medical ones. There are plenty of deodorants on the market that contain no aluminum. Also, there are just as many that are devoid of any chemicals like parabens.
10. Sun creams containing oxybenzone
Compounds in certain sun creams, notably oxybenzone, have been proven to cause health issues once absorbed by the skin. Mineral sun creams (like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) may be more expensive, but there’s no denying that they are the best. Stay away from sun creams that are perfumed or include chemical compounds like oxybenzone and octinoxate.
When searching for safe goods, remember that “natural” in the food and cosmetic products is very liberally used as it is not regulated by the FDA. A label that is indeed regulated is “organic”, so prefer to seek out these instead.
Avoiding parabens, sulfates, or goods branded “fragrance” or “perfume” is an excellent place to start when purchasing products that are safer for your family and home.
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Sure, tossing all these toxic household products at once may not be doable. So, start by replacing a single product at a time with a more trustworthy alternative. Rest assured that taking modest measures to reduce your chemical exposure will help you live in a healthier and safer environment.
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