There are plenty of chemical and toxic substances in your home. In the workplace, employers must have WHMIS sheets that outline safe handling practices and the dangers of chemical substances. In the house, there are warning labels on products. How many of us take the time to read them? That’s why once you start looking for toxic substances that can affect your health in your home, you might find more than you think. Here are 5 toxins to keep out of your home.
- Ammonia: Ammonia is found in many homes in liquid form as a cleaning product. It naturally occurs in the air and plants, water and soil. However, concentrated exposure can be harmful to your health. It can cause coughing, burns, skin and eye irritation, and at high concentrations, lung damage and even death. Though ammonia is not carcinogenic, it has been shown to cause breathing and lung issues with long-term exposure.
- Formaldehyde: This colorless, strong-smelling gas is used in building materials like pressed wood products, adhesives, paper product coatings, insulation materials, as well as low levels in toiletries products like shampoo, lotion, and fingernail polishes. Formaldehyde dissipates in the air quickly and breaks down in the water, but short-term exposure of high concentrations can cause coughing, nausea, skin irritation, and burning eyes. Long-term exposure studies have linked formaldehyde with higher rates of leukemia in humans.
- Phthalates: Phthalates are industrial chemicals used to soften plastics. They are found in many consumer plastic products. Government agencies have closely studied these substances to make that consumers are not needlessly exposed to these materials, since they are so prevalent. There is a federal ban on toys and children’s products containing phthalates. Research has shown that young children are especially vulnerable to exposure, which can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems.
- Parabens: This group of chemicals are widely used in personal care products to stop fungus and bacteria growth. Cumulative exposure of these chemicals from the many beauty and personal care products we use can cause health problems, including breast cancer, hormone problems, reproductive issues. These chemicals can mimic estrogen in the body, which triggers a variety of health problems.
- Chlorine: Chlorine can be used to sterilize water and is often an ingredient in paper, plastic, and textile products, as well as many medicines. This substance has been thoroughly studied and most scientists agree that minimal exposure won’t threaten our health. Cumulative exposure may be linked to increased cancer risks, but it’s not currently listed as a carcinogen.
The reality of the modern world is that nearly every product we use contains chemical substances that have the potential to be harmful. The FDA and other government agencies closely monitor the use of these substances in consumer products. What they can’t control is the cumulative effect of how much you are exposed to these chemicals in your daily life. That’s why it’s time to start shopping smarter and using natural products free of potentially damaging chemicals.