As a conscientious consumer, you don’t only have to be aware of toxins in your food and drink; you also have to be savvy when it comes to household toxins. Many of the products you buy for your home could include toxic chemicals that may ultimately make you sick. Much in the way you limit your exposure to unhealthy foods, you can limit your exposure to these toxins as well.
Here are 6 toxins to replace in your home.
1. PVC or Vinyl – Though it’s still sold in the US, PVC is banned in more than 14 countries and the European Union. That’s how dangerous this material can be. PVC, or vinyl, is found in shower curtains, garden hoses, building materials, toys, and even credit cards. The problem is that it can leech phthalates, known hormone disruptors, potentially linked to cancer and infertility. Look for PVC-Free labels on your plastics before bringing them home. If something is made with PVC, it will have that unmistakable “new shower curtain scent.”
2. Antibacterial soaps and liquids – Triclosan is a compound found in antibacterial soaps and liquids. While it’s been “sold” as an answer to stopping the spread of germs, it’s responsible for spreading antibiotic resistance instead. It actually encourages those germs to evolve into super-bacteria. Also, when mixed with chlorine, the poisonous gas chloroform is created.
3. BPA – Bisphenol-A is a compound found in plastics. You’ll find it in food and drink containers, and in the lining of canned foods. BPA has been linked to hormone disruption which means it can lead to fertility problems, behavioral issues, and even faster physical development in girls.
Read: 4 Simple Ways to Detox Toxins from Your Body
4. Fragrances – Whether you’re talking about the fragrance in dryer sheets or the scents you plug into your wall, fragrances can spread microscopic toxins throughout your home. Not only do these scents irritate sensitive airways, in the case of asthma, but they can also contain phthalates. Phthalates do not have to be listed as an ingredient, but their link to cancer and hormone disruption indicates a good reason to shun scented products.
5. VOCs – Normally found in oil-based paints and finishes, VOCs are volatile organic compounds that can have adverse health effects. Opting for low- or no-VOC paints is a far better choice.
6. Lead – Despite not being used in paint anymore, you can still find lead in lipsticks. Lead is a neurotoxin and there is no safe level of exposure. Because cosmetic companies don’t have to list all of their ingredients, your lipstick could contain this frightening toxin.
Keeping your home free of dangerous toxins is easy once you know what to look for.
What about a PVC for roof? This is supposed to be great for roofing materials
microwaves, toxic soaps, toxic deodorant, fumes from just dry cleaned clothes, etc.
You’ll still find plenty of lead in my home. I will not eliminate it. Bullets are primarily lead!
avoid non-organic food, cordless phones, phone towers, vaccination of any1, babys, animals, adults, anything that said vaccination is AVOID, like avoid, is avoid, avoid vaccination means avoid at all cost. you don’t believe me, well, cancer for you.
You can’t even form a proper sentence and lack appropriate grammar, structure, and punctuation. Why the hell would I take serious medical advice from you, random comment?
comm del
avoid like the black plague on: microwaves, pharmaceuticals anything, anything that touch your skin that ain’t natural, wifi, anything that is cordless, radio, television, journals. buy censured, censured, hot sauce, might be censured too cause Its hot, police dont like that, when Its good, Its illegal, they want you to buy poison to kill you, I can’t speak, they will arrest me.
Oh, you’re a psycho.
” It actually encourages those germs to evolve into super-bacteria…”
Please, I hope you’re not serious. That’s not how evolution works. Not by a long-shot.
Anyway… it’s a good list. Maybe throw in nonstick pots and pans too.
Sadly, innovation does not mean “healthy”. Then there is Monsanto & GMO foods which is an entirely other story. Sticking to the theme of THIS article, if you choose Frozen Veggies & Foodstuffs INSTEAD of CANNED stuff you will eliminate the harmful toxins & chemicals AND it will be fresher & healthier.
Soaps & anti-bacterial is another story. I’ve been using Dr. Bronners soap for 60+ yrs. Pure soap. NO lye or 7 syllable chemicals/ingredients. You can use Vinegar & water instead of windex and to clean countertops etc. Baking Soda and Vinegar to scrub encrusted pots too.
It’s a good list for starters. Pays to pay attention and try to eliminate chemicals when possible.
Search “Environmental Working Group;” they have a very thorough list.