10 Most Dangerous Household Products contain Chemicals

#1  Non-Stick Cookware

In the 1960s non-stick pans were introduced to the American household.  Many people loved how easy they were to cook with and clean, but they held a sinister cost for this ease of use.  The coating of Teflon pans non-stick is Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE for short.  When PTFE heats up it releases toxic gases which cause cancer, organ failure, reproductive damage, and other harmful health effects.

#2  Plastic Bottles

BPA was the most recent big scare in plastic bottles, it mimics the effects of hormones that harm your endocrine system.  While BPA is now banned, there are still other types of plastic to watch out for in addition to those old BPA plastics floating around 2nd hand.  Single use plastic bottles leech chemicals into water, especially when left in the sun.

#3  Convential Cleaning Supplies

These contain toxic chemicals that negatively affect every system in your body.  All purpose cleaners contain ammonia, a strong irritant linked to liver and kidney damage.  Bleach is extremely toxic and can burn the skin and eyes.  Oven cleaners can cause chemical burns, emit toxic fumes, and is one of the biggest threats to children.

A great alternative to these dangerous chemicals is either a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to scrub off soap scum on tubs or caked on grease in ovens, or hydrogen pyroxide for cleaning and disinfecting all other surfaces.

#4  Chemical Insecticides and Herbicides

Since these chemicals are dangerous enough to kill pests you can bet they harm or kill humans as well.  The active ingredient in Round-Up is known to cause kidney damage and reproductive harm in mice. 

#5  Antibacterial Products

By introducing antibacterials into common items such as soaps, toothpaste, and children’s toys we are creating super strains of common illnesses which are starting to effect the population in stronger than usual cold and flu seasons and longer recovery times.  In some cases these super bugs spread death to the young and elderly; MRSA for example.  97% of breast feeding mothers were found to have triclosan in their milk and 75% in their urine.  This is scary since many of these people didn’t even know the products they were using contained antibacterials.

#6  Chemical Fertilizers

If you are using these you are encouraging algal blooms and run off what destroys eco-systems.  Instead of pouring chemicals into the ground try either rotating your crops or plants or diversifying your gardens.  Certain types of plants leech specific minerals out of the soil and replace others when they die.  By diversiying or rotating you keep the natural cycle nature has already crafted and perfected over millions of years.

#7  Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescent (CFL) bulbs just a small fraction of the energy that regular lights bulbs use.  Unfortunately they contain high levels of mercury.  This is a toss up because by using a CFL you are reducing the amount of electricity you use.  You are though exposing you and your family to a potential health risk if one breaks.  Just take extra care when removing and replacing bulbs and DO NOT throw them in the regular garbage.  They must be disposed of through a hazardous waste.

#8  Air Fresheners

Air fresheners are highly toxic and even those labeled “clean” or “pure” can still cause respiratory distress, especially in those with asthma.  My suggestion is to open all your doors and windows and let the air move through you house.  If you do this (even in winter) just for 15 minutes you will be amazed at how much better you feel and how clean the air smells.  If you cannot do this (-20 F) then you can always use oil and make your own diffuser using cinnamon and cloves to enhance the air.

#9  Flame Retardants

The most common flame retardant used in most mattresses (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers – PBDE) is known to accumulate in blood, breast milk, and fatty tissues.  The chemical can cause liver, thyroid, and nuero-developmental toxicity. Make sure and ask a lot of questions before purchasing a new mattress.  There are always alternatives that are safer than this.  

Why put yourself at risk for toxicity over fire?  Instead of worrying about fire don’t smoke in your house, don’t use towels to wipe out hot pans, and don’t burn candles of any kind.  If you have a fireplace be extra diligent about keeping children and flammables away from it.

#10 Plastic Shopping Bags

Plastic lasts forever as can be seen landfills all over the world. In the USA only 2% of plastic bags are recycled, the other 98% are thrown into the garbage which ends up in landfills or blowing about in the woods.