Dangerous Chemicals Found in Everyday Items... and Some Natural Green Alternatives

Believe it or not, there could be a multitude of dangerous chemicals and toxins lurking in your home and infiltrating your household’s air. Everything from furniture and baby products to makeup and household accessories tend to be made with harmful ingredients, such as phthalates—and these are known for causing unhealthy side effects. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to minimize if not avoid dangerous chemicals within your home altogether. Modernize has put together a mini-guide to eco-friendly living to get you started.

Toys

When it comes to modern toys, you can expect to find chemicals such as phthalates lurking within them, which have been found to have carcinogenic properties. Phthalates have also been directly linked to reproductive complications and a host of other health issues. Lead is another common toxin found in toys, as is cadmium and Bisphenol A, which can all lead to the development of serious long-term health problems.

To minimize exposure of these toxins and more, it’s important to forego all toys made of plastic and opt for wooden and non-lead-painted metallic options instead. A few eco-friendly toy companies such as Magic Cabin are available to fill your child’s wishes for things like doll houses, puzzles, cars, and other specialty toys.

Cosmetics

Cosmetics tend to be filled with toxic concoctions in order to produce vibrant colors that can be worn for long periods of time without rubbing off or smearing. BHA and BHT are commonly used as cosmetic preservatives, but they’re both known to disrupt the endocrine system and have been linked to many forms of cancer. Many cosmetic brands also include things like parabens, PEG compounds, petroleum, and triclosan, which all come with serious health risks upon exposure.

The best way to minimize your exposure to toxic makeup ingredients is to avoid the use of those you can find natural alternatives for. Instead of using commercial moisturizers on your skin, try using plain coconut oil—you should find that it leaves your skin smooth yet not greasy, and also helps keep skin pores clear. Many companies such as Pacifica Beauty offer healthier non-toxic options compared to the typical store-brands or those cosmetic products that you simply can’t live without.

Furniture

The furniture and mattresses in your home are likely lurking with dangerous chemical additives that are best avoided when possible. For instance, your couch and chairs may be emitting formaldehyde into your household’s air day and night. Crib mattresses are typically made with vinyl material for water protection, but that vinyl hosts phthalates that can be harmful to baby’s lifelong health.

And standard mattresses for kids and adults are treated with fire retardant chemicals including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) that are associated with hyperactivity, lower IQ levels, and the disruption of hormones. Reduce your household’s toxin exposure by replacing your mattresses with those made of latex or organic cotton. You can also introduce furniture into your home that’s made of glass, metal, and wood.

Home Cleaners

Most cleaning detergents are made with petrochemicals, bleaches, and synthetic stain removers that commonly result in skin irritations and breathing problems. When possible, opt for chlorine-free cleaning products as well as vegetable-based soaps and dyes. If you use nonstick cookware, your pots and pans probably contain polytetrafluoroethylene, which disrupt hormones and increase the chance of developing cancer, so ditch them and go for stainless steel cookware and iron skillets instead.

You’ll find that with just a little practice with choosing eco-friendly options for your home and lifestyle, the process of avoiding potential toxins becomes second nature.