Health and wellness is not just about exercise and diet, but it is also about limiting exposure to toxic things. Experts are now realizing that the chemicals found in a wide variety of household goods are more toxic than previously thought.
Therefore, it is good practice to become aware of these items and take actions to remove them wherever possible. Below are 10 Common But Toxic Products You Probably Use Daily:
1. Air Fresheners
Air fresheners are common household things that are used to keep things smelling nice around the house. But some of these are full of toxic artificial fragrances and chemicals like glycol ethers that can lead to respiratory problems and severe allergic reactions.
A safer bet to freshen your home is to use essential oils in a diffuser. It is quite impossible to completely avoid toxic exposure. But by simply doing your homework and being aware of what is in the products you are using will help you as a consumer to make more educated decisions.
2. Anti-perspirants
Anti-perspirants contain “sweat-blocking ingredients”, one of them is aluminum. Questions have been raised about whether aluminum in antiperspirants can contribute to the development of breast cancer. But the studies are inconclusive the U.S. Bu the FDA or Food and Drug Administration require a warning label on all anti-perspirants.
3. Cleaning Products
Some of the cleaning products you use every day contains harmful chemicals, but its likely there is not much alternative you can think of.
But natural products such as baking soda, lemon and hot water often work just as well without covering your home in toxic chemicals. The next time you shop for cleaning products, be sure to check for chemical ingredients such as chemical surfactants amd phthalate, then consider a more natural alternative.
4. Cosmetics
An average woman may apply between 6-12 cosmetic items per day. Most of these will include toxic chemicals that are potentially harmful to you.
It is good practice to look for cosmetics that are free of synthetic fragrances. Also cosmetics that are mineral-based or are made from natural oils. Buying organic products will reduce your exposure to toxins.
5. Fabric softeners
Softeners contain quantenary ammonium salts, which are considered to be potentially toxic. These may cause headaches, respiratory problems and skin irritation.
6. Mattresses
Some mattresses contain high levels of potentially harmful compound called PBDEs. The health issues linked with PBDE exposure include reproductive and brain damage, thyroid problems and decreased sperm quality.
This is worrying since we spend a third of our lives in bed. PBDEs have been banned in Canada and some US states. Therefore, it is good practice to check your mattress. If it contains high levels of this toxic substance, it would be wise to invest in a new one.
7. Non-stick Cookware
Non-stick cookware can save some cleaning time, but it comes at a cost. At high temperatures the polytetrafluoroethylene that makes Teflon non-sticky, gives off a toxic gas that had been linked to reproductive problems and other health problems. You can use iron skillets and stainless steel as an option.
8. Perfumes
A study by the Environmental Protection Agency had stated that potentially hazardous chemicals can be found in perfumes. Toxic chemicals such as camphor, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, ethyl acetate, acetone, linalool and methylene chloride when inhaled may cause nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation to eyes, throat, skin, and lungs, cause kidney damage and headaches.
9. Plastic Food Containers
Some plastic containers are made from chemicals like phthalates, which can interfere with the body’s endocrine system. This produces adverse reproductive, developmental and neurological effects in humans.
Since plastic breaks down over time, it may cause the release of these dangerous chemicals into your food. Choose to use glass containers wherever possible.
10. Shower Curtains
Shower curtains contain “phthalates”, which are used to soften them. Phthalates has been linked with causing health problems in children and impacting brain functions, such as memory and learning.
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