We use many things day in and day out without thinking much, assuming that everything is perfectly safe. What if some of those common things are actually harming us in small ways? From cookware to air fresheners, there are toxins in products we constantly use. It’s alarming, but truth be told — some of these items could be ruining your health before you know it. So in this list, let’s look at those everyday objects that are doing more harm than good.
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Non-Stick Cookware
Who doesn’t want the convenience of non-stick cookware? It’s super simple to flip pancakes and fry eggs with them. But here’s the thing — if you heat them too much, they leak toxic fumes from their Teflon coating. These fumes contain chemicals called PFCs (perfluorinated compounds), which can interfere with your hormones, affecting your liver. They have even been associated with cancer.
Air Fresheners
That lavender mist or those plug-in air fresheners may be a lifesaver if your place smells bad, but they also contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and phthalates. These will irritate your lungs, mess with your hormones, and even affect your reproductive health over time. And worse yet, you’re inhaling it every single day.
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Plastic Food Containers
We all have that pile of mixed plastic containers for scraps, right? But microwaving in them releases chemicals such as BPA and phthalates into your food. BPA is notorious for messing up your hormones and causes problems with fertility, while phthalates have an effect on your liver and kidneys. Tip: use glass or microwave-safe ceramic instead.
Cleaning Products
That lemon cleaner smells good but it might have some nasty chemicals in there. Ammonia, bleach and formaldehyde all appear in many cleaning products – the smell of these substances can hurt your lungs, irritate your skin and cause allergies. The scariest part? You are breathing in these chemicals with each house cleaning.
Cosmetics and Skincare Products
Your cosmetics bag is a toxic disaster zone. Most cosmetics have parabens, phthalates and even formaldehyde (yes, the stuff in embalming fluid). These chemicals can accumulate over time in your body, messing with your hormones and potentially leading to cancer. The fancy lipstick or moisturizer might look good but read the label first.
Canned Foods
Canned soup or beans are easy and convenient, but they come in cans coated with BPA, so they don’t rust. In time, this chemical can get into the food, especially if it’s acidic like tomatoes. BPA has been connected to things such as infertility, heart disease, and even diabetes.
Old Paint and Furniture
Old paint or antique furniture in your home can be lead-contaminated. And over time, lead poisoning will have a negative effect on development in children, nerve damage, & even kidney issues. And you don’t even need to be gnawing on the furniture to be affected — breathing in dust or particles can be toxic.
Tap Water
You might assume that tap water isn’t harmful, but depending on your location, you might end up with lead, mercury or pesticides. Exposure to these pollutants for long periods of time causes kidney problems, brain damage, and other serious diseases. A good water filter will go a long way, so invest wisely.
Scented Candles
Yes, scented candles warm up your home but, when you burn them, they emit carcinogens such as benzene and toluene. These chemicals are cancer causing and irritate your lungs and throat. If you’re burning candles daily, you’re basically making your own house toxic.
Processed Foods
It’s no secret that processed food is not good for you, but it’s not just preservatives and synthetic flavorings that are to blame. The packaging can also contain chemicals that get into the food when it’s heated. In the long run, all those preservatives and chemicals will make you sick with heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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