Here are 8 toxic everyday products that you really don’t need in your life because there are less toxic alternatives. Remember, we are talking about the kind of toxins that are invisible and that won’t kill you after one or two uses! When we think about some of the toxic chemicals in our environment, it’s useful to think about their cumulative effect in our bodies over time.
1. Canned Foods: If you eat canned foods, make sure that you choose them from companies that don’t use can linings that contains BPA (Bishpenol-A).
2. Synthetic Perfume: This is a biggie. It’s in everything from air fresheners to candles to body spray. Most perfumes contain a problematic class of chemicals called phthalates – best to try to look for products scented with pure essential oils.
3.Vinyl Products: Vinyl plastic can off-gass toxic chemicals. Look for a non-vinyl shower curtain. Bed Bath & Beyond has tons of alternatives.
4. Pesticides: This is arguably the most important because home use has been linked to certain cancers. There are now many “eco friendly” and safe alternatives for ants and roaches. Also beware of pesticides in your yard, and on your pets in the form of flea collars. Also, look for the dirty dozen list of pesticides in your food.
5. Parabens: Parabens are preservatives that are commonly used in skin care and cosmetic products. There are now so many amazing lines that have chosen to use alternative and less problematic preservatives in their products. Look for “paraben-free” products, or read your ingredient label (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Benzyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Methyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Ethyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Propyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Butyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Parahydroxybenzoic acid and Parahydroxybenzoate).
6. Particle board Wood: A lot of cheap furniture and cabinetry is made from particle board wood, which is not “real wood”. It is a composite which requires bonding agents that can off-gass formaldehyde (a carcinogen). When buying any wood products, look for “hard wood”. It may be more expensive, but worth it in the long run. It also lasts longer.
7. Plastic Water Bottles: Who needs them anymore? Although they may not directly affect your health, they will affect the health of the planet, which will come back to bite you! A very small percentage of them actually get recycled. Many of them wind up poisoning our oceans. So simple: Buy a reusable water bottle (it’ll save you money, too!)
8. Triclosan: This is a nasty little chemical that is found in anti-bacterial products. When mixed with hot water and other chemicals it can can create carcinogenic compounds. Look for dish soap, hand soap, and hand sanitizers from reputable “eco-friendly” companies such as EO ( a personal fave for every kind of hand sanitizer,) and Method Home for all their amazing cleaning products.
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