Creating a Healthier Home

Many of these toxins have been linked to infertility, birth defects, cancers, autism, autoimmune diseases, and more, causing a significant increase in the diagnoses of these conditions over the last 10 to 20 years.

These chemicals make their way into our bodies in various ways: we ingest them (in food and water), we absorb them into our skin through personal hygiene and beauty products, and we breathe them in through household dust and contaminated air.

Of the more than 40,000 chemicals used in consumer products in the US, less than 1% have been tested for human safety. While Europe has banned many of these chemicals, the US government has been slow to act. As such, we have to take control of our health by learning how to protect ourselves. 

Becoming aware and removing the toxic substances from your home can help keep you and your family healthy. Below are some of the most common toxins found in our homes today, along with recommended alternatives you can use to stay safe. 

KITCHEN

• Nonstick cookware:
  • Problem: Up until 2015, Teflon was made using a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (or PFOA) – a suspected carcinogen, reproductive toxin (i.e. cause of infertility and birth defects), and hormone disruptor. 
  • Solution: Replace your nonstick cookware with ceramic, stainless steel or cast iron.
  • Some recommended brands: All-Clad (stainless steel), Calphalon (stainless steel) Lodge Cast Iron, Xtrema
• Plastics: 
  • Problem: Bisphenols are chemicals used to manufacture plastics and epoxy resins. Many plastic products marketed as BPA-free actually contain similar replacement chemicals. Bisphenols can seep into food and are an endocrine disrupter, meaning they interfere with the normal function of the body’s natural hormones.
  • Solution: Use glass or stainless steel to store food and reheat food. As much as possible, avoid purchasing foods packaged in a can or plastic.
• Water:
  • Problem: Depending on where you live, tap water can contain small amounts of arsenic, chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, radioactive contaminants, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals. Long-term exposure to low levels of these substances can cause serious health problems. 
  • Solution: Invest in a high-quality water filter. Choose a filter certified by NSF International or the Water Quality Association.
  • Some recommended brands: Aquasana OptimH2O, Home Master Artesian Reverse Osmosis, Soma
• Hormone-filled foods:
  • Problem: Conventionally raised animal products like meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs are loaded with unnatural hormones, pesticides, and antibiotics. These foods have been linked to cancers, hormonal imbalances, and weight gain.  
  • Solution: Buy organic, wild-caught, and grass-fed, whenever possible. 
• Pesticide-filled foods:
  • Problem: Pesticide residues are in about 70% of produce sold in the US and have been linked to cancers, diabetes, asthma, and Parkinson’s Disease.
  • Solution: Always purchase the organic option for fruits and vegetables with a thin skin like berries, apples, tomatoes, and bell peppers. For produce with a thick, removable peel like avocado, melons, bananas, and oranges, conventional is fine as the skin is less porous and provides more protection from harmful chemicals. 
• Dirty hands:
  • Problem: We are bombarded with chemical toxins throughout the day. Toxins are trapped in dust, which can end up on our hands, and eventually in our mouth when we touch our face. 
  • Solution: Wash hands with soap and water before eating to significantly reduce exposure to chemical pollutants from dust and other sources. Do not rely on hand sanitizer as it does not effectively remove all the toxins that stick to our hands. 

BATHROOM

• Personal hygiene and beauty products:
  • Problem: The products we put on our skin and the fragrances we inhale are absorbed into our bloodstream. Many of the products are filled with toxic ingredients that we inadvertently put into our bodies multiple times a day. Unless you are buying natural, non-toxic products your shampoo, hair products, deodorants, toothpaste, shaving cream, makeup, nail polish, feminine hygiene products, perfume, and more contain various toxins. These chemicals have been linked to infertility in both sexes, cancers, disrupted hormones, and birth defects. 
  • Solution: Look up the products you use on www.EWG.org/skindeep to get their rating and a detailed list of the ingredients and how they may impact your health. Look for non-toxic products and always avoid aerosols and products with the words fragrance, parfum or phthalates. 
  • Some recommended brands: Beautycounter, Farmacy skincare, Tata Harper skincare, Drunk Elephant skincare, Juice Beauty makeup, Ilia makeup, Jane Iredale makeup, RMS Beauty makeup, Innersense hair products, Rahua hair products, Cote Nail Polish, Tom’s of Maine Natural Toothpaste (fluoride-free), La Vanila Natural Deodorant, Primal Pit Paste deodorant, Native Deodorant
• The shower:
  • Problem: As our largest organ, our skin is particularly vulnerable to the various chemicals found in tap water. As we generally shower in warm water, these chemicals are more easily absorbed into the skin, lungs and, ultimately, bloodstream. 
  • Solution: Purchase a high-quality shower filter. 
  • Some recommended brands: Berkey, PureAction, Sonaki Vitamin C Filter

LIVING ROOM, BEDROOM + NURSERY

• VOCs, flame retardants, waterproofing, and stain-resistant fabric:
  • Problem: Many of these toxins can be found in furniture foams, mattresses, carpets, curtains, toys, car seats, and clothing for babies and children. These chemicals can make their way into our bodies, and are linked to cancers, infertility, birth defects, neurological problems, and more. 
  • Solution: Buy certified non-toxic or organic products. Buy solid wood instead of pressed wood products. Look for Green certifications like – Greenguard GOLD, GOTS, GOLS, FSC.
  • Recommended brands: Almost all the major brands now offer some pieces that have the above Green certifications. 
• Mattress:
  • Problem: Most mattresses contain toxic foams, petroleum-based chemicals, synthetic fabrics, and fire retardants. Our body heat increases the release of these gaseous chemicals linked to cancers, infertility, and developmental brain disorders.
  • Solution: Avoid memory foam mattresses and mattresses made of polyurethane or other synthetics. Look for Green certifications like GOTS, Greenguard GOLD, and GOLS. Organic mattresses can be expensive, but the long-term exposure to these chemicals can be devastating for our health. Avoiding toxic mattresses is even more crucial for infants and young children. 
  • Some recommended brands: Avocado, Birch, Awara, Saatva

LAUNDRY ROOM

• Dryer sheets:
  • Problem: Dryer sheets can contain toxic chemicals that get into our bloodstream by sticking to our clothes and then rubbing off on our skin. These chemicals also vent into the air, which we breathe in. The chemicals mimic estrogen in the body, causing hormonal imbalances, along with cancers, migraines, allergic skin reactions, and asthma. 
  • Solution: Skip the dryer sheets or choose a non-toxic version. Check out www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/ to find ratings for products you currently use and a list of non-toxic versions. 
  • Some recommended brands: Kintor Wool Dryer Balls, Grab Green Wet Dryer Sheets, Attitude
• Laundry detergent + fabric softeners: 
  • Problem: Conventional laundry detergents and fabric softeners emit more than 25 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) per load. These detergents consist of a concoction of fragrances, mild irritants and allergens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxins and potent cancer-causing chemicals. The unscented versions are not any better as they contain masking chemicals to cover up the fragrances. One of the most harmful chemicals found in laundry detergents is 1,4-Dioxane. 1,4-Dioxane is found in paints, varnishes, and leading brands of laundry detergent like Tide. The EPA considers this solvent a human carcinogen. Be aware of “natural” fragrances in laundry and cleaning products. Studies have shown that they often contain just as many hazardous chemicals as synthetic versions. 
  • Solution: Skip the fabric softeners and look for MADE SAFE certified products or products that are naturally/organically grown with no added chemicals. For “dry clean only” items, locate a cleaner that uses non-toxic methods. Check out www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/ to find the ratings for products you currently use and to discover some excellent non-toxic versions. 
  • Some recommended brands: Seventh Generation Natural Powder Laundry Detergent, Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value 2x Concentrated Unscented, Attitude Laundry Detergent, Grab Green

THROUGHOUT THE HOME

• Shoes: 
  • Problem: The soles of our shoes contain all kinds of disgusting stuff, including E. Coli! Some of the most common toxins found on shoes come from weed killer, lawn fertilizer, coal tar, gasoline, antifreeze, and lead dust. The toxins settle into our homes as dust particles. 
  • Solution: Establish a shoe-free policy in the house. This is essential if you have little ones that crawl and eat off the floor.
• Air:
  • Problem: Thanks to the chemical soup that exists in our home products, the air inside our homes is generally 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside. 
  • Solution: Keep the windows open. When you keep your windows closed, you seal yourself up with all the chemicals emitted from within the house. If finances permit, also consider buying a high-quality air purifier. 
  • Some recommended brands: Blueair Blue Pure 211+ and 411, Coway AP-1512HH, Austin Air HealthMate, Dyson Pure Cool
• Dust:
  • Problem: The dust hiding under our bed or couch, on our windowsills, ceiling fans, doorway moldings, or anywhere else in our homes is chock-full of hazardous chemicals from our home products—phthalates, flame retardants, fragrances, and other toxic chemicals. The chemicals make their way into our bodies when we breathe contaminated air or dust and get dust in our mouths from our hands. These chemicals pose health hazards including cancers, infertility, allergic reactions, and hormone disruption. 
  • Solution: Don’t let dust accumulate by regularly wet-mopping, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, and keeping HVAC systems clean. Wipe furniture with a microfiber towel or wet cloth. Children and fetuses are particularly vulnerable to these toxins so it’s important to be even more vigilant if you are trying to conceive, pregnant, or have small children.
• Candles + air fresheners:
  • Problem: Studies find that scented candles, aerosols, plug-ins, and incense sticks cause considerable indoor air pollution that can make us quite sick. Many of these products have been found to produce significant levels of formaldehyde, a known ‘human carcinogen’ linked with cancers. Candles and air fresheners also contain toxic chemicals such as phthalates and paraffin. Phthalates are linked to birth defects, abnormal hormone levels, poor semen quality, and infertility. Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct that releases toxic chemicals into the air when burned. These are the same chemicals found in diesel fumes. 
  • Solution: The best way to freshen the air in your home is to simply open the windows. When purchasing candles, choose natural wax candles made of 100% soy or beeswax. The wick should be made of 100% cotton or wood and make sure to keep the wick short to reduce soot. Buy products that specify they use 100% naturally derived essential oils, are phthalate-free or explain the “fragrance” to be all-natural and non-toxic.
  • Some recommended brands: LAFCO, Ellis Brooklyn, Lite + Cycle, Pure Plant Home, Ode Natural Beauty, UMA.
• EMFs:
  • Problem: Our cellphones, microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, computers, and other appliances send out a stream of invisible energy waves called EMF radiation. Although EMF radiation is natural to an extent (the sun produces EMF waves), studies of EMF radiation from man-made sources have shown that the bombardment of these waves that we encounter daily change our nervous system and interfere with our cells, causing mutations. The effects are linked to ADHD, insomnia, infertility, autism, cancers, mental illnesses like depression, Alzheimer’s, and problems related to focus, memory, and attentiveness. 
  • Solution: Put your devices in airplane mode when you are not using them. Buy an EMF protection cell phone case. Avoid putting your cell phone and computer on your lap or in your pocket. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive it’s particularly important that you do not put your computer or your cell phone on your lap (this is important for men too – EMF radiation has been proven to reduce sperm count and motility). When you use your computer, consider using an EMF protection blanket or apron. Keep your cell phone at least 6 feet from you when you sleep.
  • Some recommended brands: Safe Sleeve EMF Protection Case, RadiArmor Anti-Radiation Case, and Blankets, DefenderShield EMF Radiation Blanket, Belly Armor by RadiaShield
• Paint:
  • Problem: Most paints contain toxic chemicals, such as acetone, formaldehyde, benzene, methylene chloride, and others, that can lead to immediate and long-term health problems, including cancers. Short-term side effects from inhaling these VOCs can include headaches, feeling dizzy or light-headed, nausea, and trouble breathing. During pregnancy, exposure to VOCs can lead to birth defects. 
  • Solution: Stick with latex, water-based paints and make sure the label says low-VOC or no-VOC. Make sure all your furniture (especially bedroom and nursery furniture) is made using low-VOC or no-VOC paints. Avoid paint exposure during pregnancy or when trying to conceive, and always make sure the area that you’re painting is well ventilated. 
  • Some recommended brands: The Real Milk Paint Co, Green Planet Paints, Colorhouse, Earthpaint, Benjamin Moore Natura, Sherwin-Williams Harmony, Clare, ECOS Paint
• Mold:
  • Problem: Mold releases dangerous mycotoxin spores that are able to mutate rapidly. Exposure to these mycotoxins affects the immune system and increases the risk of health problems, such as allergies, asthma, depression, infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects.  
  • Solution: Keep mold levels down by controlling the moisture in your home and keeping your home well-ventilated.  For mold that is growing on easy to clean areas, it is generally safe to have someone in the household (not a pregnant or elderly person) clean it using undiluted white vinegar or a mixture of bleach and water. Make sure to wear gloves and a mask. For larger or hard to reach areas (such as HVAC systems, the basement or under carpets), contact a mold removal company.  If finances permit, invest in a high-quality air filter to help keep the air clean. If you’ve had mold exposure it’s also important to work with a holistic health provider to create a detox plan to safely eliminate the mycotoxins from your body.
• Cleaning products:
  • Problem: Regularly using toxic cleaning products can be as harmful as having a regular smoking habit. Most toxic chemicals found in conventional cleaning products are categorized as carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and neurotoxins. Because we frequently and repeatedly use (or are exposed to) cleaning products this translates to frequent and repeated exposures to harmful chemicals. Long-term exposures have been linked to serious health problems like infertility, birth defects, cancers, asthma, and allergic reactions. 
  • Solution: It is easy and inexpensive to make our own cleaning products. A mixture of warm water and soap is great for many surfaces. Baking soda is excellent for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and ovens and glass cleaner can be created by mixing water and vinegar. You can safely dust using a microfiber cloth (with or without water). If you prefer to buy your cleaning products, switch to non-toxic cleaners. Check out www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/ to find the ratings for cleaning products you currently use and to discover some excellent non-toxic versions. 
  • Some recommended brands: AspenClean, Greenshield, Whole Foods (unscented products), Branch Basics, Attitude, ECOS, Thieves Spray by Young Living

Yes, this list can feel overwhelming and maybe even scary. The good news is that by switching to non-toxic products and organic foods, many chemical levels can be significantly reduced in a matter of weeks or months. In order to avoid overwhelm and added stress, try to replace one conventional product a week with a toxin-free version.  

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