As homeowners, we try our best to keep our place as safe as possible. This domestic vigilance is especially heightened when we expect the constant or frequent presence of children. Even with our best efforts, we may have unknowingly allowed harmful toxins into our home. These could have been around undetected while others may be in the products we purchase and use on a regular basis. Some can even be found in cooking utensils or food containers. See this list for toxins commonly found in homes to eliminate them and ensure your property becomes toxin free.
1.) Parabens
These compounds have been used in the 50s as a preservative for cosmetics. Recently, use of these have been discouraged since they’ve been found to imitate estrogen. Accumulation in the body results in “estrogen disruption,” which has been suspected to complicate into breast cancer and other health issues affecting the reproductive system. Though there’s still no definitive proof, it wouldn’t hurt to play safe and steer clear of products containing parabens. How do you know if one of the ingredients is a paraben? The names simple end with “paraben” such as butylparaben and propylparaben.
2.) Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Several fall under this category such as gasoline, formaldehyde, and xylene. These organic compounds may not be in initially in the form of gas but may easily become vapor which can be inhaled upon exposure. When you use products that are VOCs, they emit these damaging chemicals, like when you’re painting, cleaning or any other activity involving these items. Some of these, specifically Benzene and formaldehyde, have been found to be carcinogens, or cancer-causing, in other words. Long-term exposure result in the highest risk and possible affected areas are the kidneys, liver, and the nervous system.
3.) Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
This artificial chemical, also known as C8, is one of the ingredients used in producing Teflon which gives non-stick pans their special quality. It can also be found in water found close to chemical plants and on objects made to be stain-resistant. While Teflon isn’t thought to be cancer-causing, PFOA is being studied as a probable contributor to the illness. Some forms of cancer it’s believed to cause re ovarian cancer, prostate, etc.
4.) Asbestos
Asbestos was once admired as a mineral due to its heat resistance, strength, and other advantages until it was found to be highly toxic. Affected people, mostly construction workers and their families through direct and secondhand exposure, developed mesothelioma cancer. This is found on the thin outer tissue lining the internal organs but the most commonly damaged part are the lungs and the chest wall.
These toxins can be found in paint thinners, air fresheners and cleaning products. Keep a list of these toxins handy and double check the label to ensure the product is toxin-free before purchasing. One way of avoiding the need to buy these would be using microfiber cloth for cleaning. Because the fibers are finer than human hairs and shaped like wedges, this cloth easily catches dust and other stains without the need for chemicals. Apply water to wipe liquids off surfaces and keep it dry for dusting. Even governments are campaigning for increased usage of these items such as microfiber mops because they’re long-lasting, reusable, and easy to clean by rinsing with minimal water.
