9 Everyday Items That Are Secretly Harmful To Your Health

Toxins can be dangerous to your health and the environment. You might not be aware of all of the chemicals in everyday products, such as cleaning supplies, that are harmful to you and the planet. In order to avoid those toxic chemicals, it’s important to know what you should keep away from your home. These are some of the everyday items that you probably didn’t know were toxic.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. This article is not intended to be used as or replace medical advice. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

Plastic Bottles Made With Harmful Chemicals

When you think of toxins, you may not think of plastic. However, plastic is made with petrochemicals, which are harmful to both your health and the environment. Some plastics can also release chemicals when they’re heated. To reduce your contact with plastic toxins, avoid using products that contain them and recycle plastic when possible.

Deodorant That Contains Aluminum

Deodorants and antiperspirants often contain aluminum, which has been linked to cancer. If you’re concerned about aluminum exposure, look for deodorants that are aluminum-free. You can also make your own deodorant with ingredients like baking soda and coconut oil.

Air Fresheners That Hurt Your Air Quality

Air fresheners often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause health problems like headaches, dizziness, and nausea. To avoid VOCs, choose air fresheners that are made with essential oils or use natural methods like baking soda or vinegar to freshen the air.

Cleaning Products That Contain Harsh Chemicals

Household cleaners often contain toxic chemicals like ammonia and chlorine. These chemicals can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even cancer. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals, choose natural cleaners or make your own with ingredients like baking soda and vinegar.

Pesticide Residue On Some Fresh Foods

Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill pests like insects and rodents. They can be harmful to both humans and the environment. To reduce your exposure to pesticides, choose organic fruits and vegetables and avoid using pesticides in your home.

Metals That Contain Lead

Lead is a toxic metal that can be found in some paints, pipes, and ceramics. Exposure to lead can cause learning disabilities, behavior problems, and even death. If you’re concerned about lead exposure, talk to your doctor about testing for it and ways to reduce your exposure.

Furniture That Contains Flame Retardants

Flame retardants are chemicals that are added to some furniture and clothing to prevent them from burning. Exposure to flame retardants can cause health problems such as cancer or hormone issues. To reduce your exposure to flame retardants, choose furniture and clothing that doesn’t contain them and avoid using products that contain them.

Fabric Softener For Your Clothes

Fabric softener sheets often contain a chemical called quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), which can be harmful to your health. QACs have been linked to skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer. To avoid these chemicals, use natural fabric softener alternatives like wool dryer balls or vinegar.

Clothing Made With Chemicals

Formaldehyde, AZO dyes, PFCs, and solvents have been used in clothing for dyes, wrinkle resistance, and stain resistance. Although these chemicals may make the clothing more appealing to the consumer, they can be harmful to your health. Toxic fashion has resulted in skin irritation, allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and law suits.

According to Amy Nguyen from Compareethics, toxic clothing does not only affect the consumer.

"To understand the impact of the toxicity in the fashion industry, we need to consider the workers across the supply chain who are responsible for treating, dying and producing our garments. These workers are often exposed to hazardous substances without adequate health and safety protection." - Amy Nguyen, from Compareeithics, read more here.

The best way to avoid unwanted chemicals in clothing is by researching the brand and choosing organic quality materials.

References and more information:

Compareethics, Amy Nguyen Chemicals in Clothing

13 Dangerous Household Items You Should Quit Immediately

Household Cleaning Supplies That Make You Sick

Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals

Household Chemical Products and Their Health Risk

20 Toxic Things You Probably Use Everyday

Originally published here!

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