Did you know there are dangerous chemicals hiding in almost all of the products you use at home every day?

I don’t want to be alarmist, but let’s not sugarcoat things: We’re surrounded by stuff that’s trying to kill us.

Everything from the clothes you wear and bedding you sleep in to the skincare products and cookware you use contain potentially harmful synthetic substances.

Many of these chemicals pose serious risks to human health, including increased risk of cancer, heart disease, hormone disruption, central nervous system dysfunction and more.

Some common household toxins may contribute to the development of neurological disorders like autism, multiple sclerosis, and attention deficit disorder.

Not to mention the risk of skin irritation, respiratory issues, and headaches.

Everyday household products are a modern health crisis in plain sight and, yet, somehow they’re still sold to the tune of multi billions of dollars every year.

Learning how to identify these products — and how to choose better alternatives — can help protect you and your family from some of these toxins, or at least reduce your exposure to them.

How Do Toxic Chemicals Get in Everyday Products?

You might be wondering how on earth so many toxic chemicals have made their way into the products we use every day.

The main reason is the rise and rise of petrochemicals.

Yes, fossil fuels — public enemy number one — are behind a majority of the toxins that have steadily infiltrated our homes and lives over the past 100 years.

What exactly are petrochemicals? They are chemicals derived from crude oil (petroleum) and natural gas.

Fossil fuels can be refined and processed to create tens of thousands of unique petrochemicals that are used in almost every product category you can think of — plastics, rubbers, resins, synthetic fibers, adhesives, dyes, detergents, cosmetics, paints, and more.

Petrochemicals are so pervasive because they’re cheap and easy to make and remarkably versatile and effective. They’re also wildly profitable for the oil and gas industry, which is a strong incentive to keep producing more of them.

Almost all of the most harmful chemicals in everyday products are derived from petroleum. Many of these products were approved for use based on decades-old science. The risks were either not known at the time, or wilfully ignored. 

The fact that their use has been allowed to continue knowing what we know now — that many of these chemicals are contributing to serious health issues — is nothing short of gross negligence. To put it bluntly, companies are legally allowed to knowingly poison people in the name of profit.

The most effective way to push back against the use of toxic chemicals in household products is by choosing better alternatives to the products you use every day.

What are the Most Common Toxins in Everyday Products?

When you first discover the sheer extent of toxins in household products, it can be overwhelming. If you’re anything like me, it may trigger a grieving process that moves from shock to disbelief to anger to fear.

However, I’m sharing this list of common toxic chemicals as a way to empower you to start making small changes to the products you use.

It’s not something you’ll be able to change overnight, and it’s unlikely you’ll be able to completely avoid toxic chemicals, but if you care about your well-being, you can take steps to reduce your exposure.

What are Phthalates?

Phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates) are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break. They act as plasticizers, which means they are added to materials to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. Phthalates have been referred to as an “everywhere chemical” and, at this point, it’s near impossible to avoid them completely. 

What products are Phthalates found in?

Phthalates are found in a variety of household and personal care products. Here are some common items where they might be lurking:

How do you know if a product contains Phthalates?

Identifying phthalates in products can be challenging as they are often not listed explicitly on ingredient labels. However, cosmetics and personal care items are required by law to list their ingredients, so you can check the label for any of the chemicals listed below.

Ingredients

Look for the following acronyms on the ingredients list on personal care products:

• DEP: Diethyl phthalate
• DMP: Dimethyl phthalate
• DBP: Dibutyl phthalate
• DINP: Diisononyl phthalate
• DNOP: Di-n-octyl phthalate
• BBP: Benzyl butyl phthalate

Fragrances

Any product that contains synthetic “fragrance”, “perfume”, or “scent” — such as deodorant, cologne, air freshener, or scented candle — is likely to contain phthalates.

Plastic Labeling

Plastic items labeled with codes like PVC or recycling number 3 contain phthalates.

What are the health risks of Phthalates?

Phthalates have been linked to various health issues, particularly due to their ability to disrupt endocrine function. Research highlights several potential risks:

What are better alternatives to Phthalates?

Safer alternatives to phthalates are increasingly available as manufacturers recognize the health risks. Consider the following options:

What are Parabens?

Parabens are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used as preservatives in cosmetics, personal care products, and some pharmaceuticals. Their main purpose is to extend the shelf life of products by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. However, studies have found parabens pose serious health risks. They are known as endocrine disruptors, which means they impact the normal functioning of hormones in your body, which can increase your risk of disease, fertility issues, and other health problems.

What products are Parabens found in?

Parabens are commonly found in a variety of personal care and beauty products, including:

How do you know if a product contains Parabens?

Identifying parabens in products requires a close look at ingredient labels. Here are some tips to help you spot them:

Ingredients

When you check the product label, look for words ending in “-paraben,” such as:

• methylparaben
• ethylparaben
• propylparaben
• butylparaben

Assume the Worst

If a product from the list above doesn’t explicitly say “no parabens” or “paraben-free” you should probably assume that it contains parabens.

Investigate

If in doubt, check the manufacturer’s website or contact customer service for more detailed information about the ingredients. Or check out one of the Wholeternative product guides.

What are the health risks of Parabens?

Parabens have been linked to several potential health risks and have been labeled the personal care industry’s “biggest bad guy”.

What are better alternatives to Parabens?

Many personal care brands are moving away from parabens, which means consumers have more choice about the products they use. If you want to go paraben-free, we recommend:

What are PFAs?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used in many everyday products since the 1940s. PFAs are known for their ability to repel water, oil, and stains. Like parabens, PFAs are “forever chemicals” because they take forever, or a seriously long time, to break down in the environment or the human body. PFAs have found their way into many everyday products, from non-stick pans to waterproof clothing, and have also been detected in household dust and tap water. This might be hard to believe, but PFAs have even been found in Arctic ice and the blood of polar bears, which reveals just how prevalent they are. There are growing concerns about serious long-term health and environmental effects, leading to increased regulatory scrutiny and a push for safer alternatives. Some governments have moved to ban PFAs in some products due to their health risks.

What products are PFAs found in?

PFAs are found in a wide range of household products. These are some of the most common products to be aware of.

How do you know if a product contains PFAs?

Identifying PFAs on an ingredient list can be challenging because they are not always clearly labeled. Here are some tips to help you spot them:

Ingredients

Check the ingredient list for the chemical names of common PFAs:

• PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
• PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid)
• PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate)
• Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)
• Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS)

Dead Giveaways

Check for common PFAs-related terms like “fluoro” or “perfluoro” in ingredient names. These may indicate the presence of PFAs.

Waterproof Gear

Any waterproof jackets or waterproof products that use DWR (Durable Water Repellency) will likely contain PFAs unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Anything Non-Stick

“Non-stick” or Teflon cookware most certainly contains PFAs.

Stain-Resistant Products

Any product that claims to be “stain-resistant” likely contains PFAs.

What are the health risks of PFAs?

PFAs have been associated with a range of health issues due to their toxicity and ability to accumulate in the body.

What are better alternatives to PFAs?

Reducing reliance on PFAs involves seeking safer alternatives and being mindful of product choices. Consider these options:

What are VOCs?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, turning into gasses that can be inhaled. That fresh paint smell, the scent of a new carpet, or the fragrance of your favorite cleaner—all likely involve VOCs. While some VOCs have little or no known effects, others are dangerous carcinogens and can pose serious health risks, especially with long-term exposure. These compounds are found in many everyday household products, from paints to cleaning supplies. It’s near-impossible to avoid them completely, but you can take steps to reduce exposure.

What products are VOCs found in?

VOCs are present in numerous household items and DIY products. The main offenders are:

How do you know if a product contains VOCs?

Identifying products with VOCs requires checking labels and product information. Here are some tips:

Ingredients

Check the ingredients list for the most common VOCs, including:

• Benzene
• Formaldehyde
• Toluene
• Xylene
• Acetone
• Ethanol
• Methanol
• Ethylene glycol
• Dichloromethane
• Tetrachloroethylene
  

Common Terms

If a product includes the term/s “solvent”, “aerosol”, “fragrance”, “spray” then there’s a high chance it contains toxic VOCs.

Treated Products

If a product has been sprayed or treated with a paint, solvent, or any kind of protectant, it may release VOCs.

What are the health risks of VOCs?

Exposure to VOCs can lead to various health issues, both short-term and long-term. Common health risks include:

What are better alternatives to VOCs?

To reduce exposure to VOCs, consider using products with safer alternatives:

What are Bisphenols?

Bisphenols are a group of industrial chemicals used primarily to make plastics and resins. Bisphenol A (BPA) is the most well-known member of this group. These chemicals are used in a wide range of products, from food containers to water bottles, and are known for their ability to harden plastics and make them more durable. However, bisphenols have raised significant health concerns due to their potential to disrupt endocrine function.

What products are Bisphenols found in?

Bisphenols are most commonly associated with plastic water bottles, but they are found in many common products.

How do you know if a product contains Bisphenols or BPA?

Bisphenols and BPA are mostly unregulated and products don’t usually advertise the presence of these chemicals. However, plastic products or packaging marked with recycling code 7 or “PC” (polycarbonate) are more likely to contain BPA. Your safest bet is to look for BPA-free products.

What are the health risks of Bisphenols?

Bisphenols, particularly BPA, have been linked to serious health concerns, leading them to be banned in baby products in some countries. BPA can leach into food and drink, but can also be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

What are better alternatives to Bisphenols?

To reduce exposure to bisphenols, consider using the following alternatives:

What are Flame Retardants?

Flame retardants are chemicals added to materials to prevent or slow the spread of fire, incorporating elements like bromine, chlorine, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Commonly used in furniture, electronics, building materials, textiles, and automobiles, these chemicals enhance safety but pose significant health and environmental risks.

Health concerns include endocrine disruption, developmental issues, cancer risk, and respiratory problems, while environmental risks involve persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity to wildlife. While flame retardants can provide peace of mind in one respect, using products containing these chemicals is a bit like playing with fire.

What products are Flame Retardants found in?

Flame retardants are found in many everyday items, particularly those that are at risk of catching fire.

How do you know if a product contains Flame Retardants?

Most products don’t overtly state that they do or don’t contain specific flame retardants, which makes it challenging for consumers to choose alternatives. However, these tips may help.

Common Chemicals

If it’s possible to check ingredients or a materials list, these are the most widely used flame retardants on the market

• Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs): decaBDE, octaBDE, and pentaBDE.
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Although largely banned, PCBs might still be present in older products.
• Organophosphates: Examples include tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TDCPP) and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP).
• Halogenated Compounds: These include brominated and chlorinated chemicals such as hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA).

Manufacturer Information

You may have more luck contacting the manufacturer directly and asking about flame retardants used in their products.

What are the health risks of Flame Retardants?

Flame retardants have been linked to various health concerns, including:

What are better alternatives to Flame Retardants?

It’s important to reiterate that flame retardants serve a safety purpose in some products. Companies are often required to add them to products for liability reasons. However, we recommend reducing your exposure to these chemicals where possible.

Your Home is Your Safe Place

Understanding the presence of toxic chemicals in household products isn’t about instilling fear but about empowering you to make healthier, informed choices. By recognizing the most common toxins in everyday items, you can better navigate product labels and choose safer alternatives.

When I first started on this journey, it felt like an uphill battle. It’s probably unrealistic to completely avoid any of these toxins, but small changes can make a significant difference. And I firmly believe it’s better to do what you can than to give in to the pressures and conveniences of modern consumerism. 

Remember, knowledge is power, and now you’re equipped with the information needed to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals. Small changes, like opting for natural materials, seeking out “free-from” labels, and choosing eco-friendly products, can significantly improve your well-being and contribute to a healthier environment for your family.