Did you know that some common household items that most of us use every day can contain very dangerous chemicals and toxins?
The thing is, just because these chemicals are legally allowed doesn’t mean we want to be exposed to them.
By using these products every day we may be putting ourselves at risk of overtaxing our bodies with toxins that can wreak havoc on our health.
I’m not even talking about our current health either.
Most of the time health issues from toxins don’t show up for years.
To make matters worse, the most common side effect you probably won’t link to toxins is a lack of energy and weight gain.
This post will address 9 things you can do to stop exposing yourself to harmful everyday toxins in your home so you can protect your current and future health.
Just think, if these toxins can hurt your health what are they doing to the future health of your children?
1. Avoid All-Purpose Cleaners
According to the Cleveland Clinic, many all-purpose cleaners contain dangerous chemicals, including ammonia.
Just because these naturally-occurring chemicals have been used to clean for hundreds of years doesn’t make them safe.
Take a look at the window cleaner and the products you use on the floor that your children play on or near.
What about your pets?
It’s toxic to them, too.
While all-purpose cleaners are certainly convenient, you can avoid using them by finding alternative cleaners made from ingredients like vinegar or baking soda.
To learn more ways to clean your home naturally, read my related article How To Clean Your Home Without Toxic Cleaners.
2. Make Your Own Natural Pesticides
Many of the commercial pesticides used today were developed as weapons in the early half of the twentieth century.
Crazy huh?
Scientists began to draw attention to their dangers some fifty years ago and got some of the worst of them banned but most commercial pesticides today are still very dangerous.
That doesn’t mean that we need to let our lawns and gardens go to the bugs.
There are plenty of natural options for keeping bugs at bay, from planting flowers that keep bugs away, to making sprays out of pantry staples like pepper.
You can also make your own bug spray with essential oils to protect yourself and children.
3. Use Glass Food Containers Instead Of Plastic
While it wouldn’t be practical to avoid all plastics, you should probably keep it away from your food.
According to the National Institute of Health, many plastics – including those commonly used in food containers – contain harmful chemicals such as BPA that can break down over time.
Fortunately, these can be easily avoided by switching to glass storage containers.
Also, never heat food in the microwave in plastic containers.
4. Use Essential Oils and House Plants For Clean Fresh Safe Air
I know it’s tempting to light candles or use plug-ins but the next time you want your home to smell fresh try using an essential oil diffuser and essential oils.
The American Lung Association reports that some commercial air fresheners include volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), which can irritate the respiratory system.
Scented candles also contain VOC’s and chemicals that can form toxic formaldehyde in the air.
According to a study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration keeping house, plants can also reduce VOC’s in your home.
5. Look For Flame-Retardant-Free Furniture
Many furniture manufacturers include flame retardants in their materials.
Supposed by some to have been encouraged by tobacco companies so that people would feel more comfortable smoking indoors, these chemicals may pose a risk to our health as they are gradually released into the air and our skin.
As this knowledge has become more common, many furniture manufacturers have since stopped using toxic flame retardants in their materials, so buying new furniture and looking for labeling can help you find safer furniture and mattresses.
6. Drink From Glass Instead Of Plastic Bottles Or Cans
Some studies have shown that bisphenol A, a chemical used in the lining of aluminum cans and in some plastic beverage bottles, may be harmful.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently believes that current levels of the chemical in these applications are not high enough to be dangerous, but some consumers are skeptical.
While many choose to trust the FDA, you can stay on the safe side and avoid this chemical by opting for glass instead.
7. Avoid Non-stick Cookware
Some chemicals used in the production of water-repellent gear and non-stick cookware may be sticking around in our bodies and causing problems.
The only way to avoid these products is by avoiding non-stick cookware in favor of products made out of glass and cast iron, stainless steel, or other enameled materials.
There is a learning curve when it comes to cooking in these types of cookware but once you get it down it will be easy.
Try replacing 1 pan at a time if replacing all your cookware at one time seems overwhelming.
8. Properly Dispose Of Old Batteries
Your respiratory system and renal system, which filters and removes waste from your body, are at risk from a chemical called cadmium, according to the Center for Disease Control.
This chemical is commonly found in old batteries and cigarette smoke.
The dangers of chemicals in old batteries can be reduced by responsibly discarding them.
Look for battery recycling or donation sites in your city or check Earth911 for a location near you.
9. Use Less Toxic Cosmetics, Soaps, And Shampoos
Cosmetics, hair products, and soaps are notorious hiding places for dangerous chemicals.
Fortunately, as consumers become more aware of the hazards of the chemicals found in these products, plant-based substitutes are becoming easier to find and afford.
You don’t have to throw out everything at once.
Start with 1 product and find a less toxic replacement for it.
I started by switching out my soap, toothpaste, and deodorant.
Next, I found less toxic shampoo, nail polish, and finally found a good brand of makeup.
See my Amazon Store for some of my favorite less toxic products
How To Cleanse The Toxins You Can’t Control
No matter what we do we will still be exposed to toxins on a daily basis.
If you feel sluggish or weigh more than you should despite your weight loss efforts your body may be having a tough time naturally detoxing.
My favorite cleansing system is the Isagenix 30 Day Cleanse.
It will help your body naturally cleanse out the toxins and provide powerful nutrients our body needs.
Bottom Line
You won’t be able to eliminate all the toxins you are exposed to but you can make changes in the areas you can control.
Just these 9 things alone could make a big impact on your future health.
Try one new thing each week to reduce your toxic exposure.
You Tell Me
Think you could do any of these 9 things? Don’t stress about it. Just pick one and do it.
I would love to hear about it.
You might also like:
11 Ways To Clean Your Home With Essential Oils
Learn How Nutritional Cleansing Can Help You Lose Weight
How To DIY Toxic Free Laundry Detergent
Sources:
https://www.prevention.com/life/g20495701/top-12-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-your-home/
https://www.ewg.org/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/flame-retardants-in-consumer-products-are-linked-to-health-and-cognitive-problems/2013/04/15/f5c7b2aa-8b34-11e2-9838-d62f083ba93f_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.4f57f4de0be4
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_Clean_Air_Study
