It can be a challenge but it is possible to improve the quality of your life and those you live with by understanding the dangers of these toxins and removing them from your home.
When you buy a product the first best practice is to read the back of the bottle, carton, or box. What are the safety precautions? What are the side effects? What are the ingredients? Once you can easily identify items that are harmful to your health it may be easier for you to walk away from using it completely. Some will say that the alternatives are more expensive while others will say the alternatives saved them by keeping them healthier, offering them a better quality of life free from excessive doctors visits.
If the majority of us believe that many products we use could be harmful to our health if ingested, why would we still buy the products? Studies indicate most of us don't realize that exposure year after year can have prolonged effects on our health aiding in the contribution to many diseases or disorders. Why do we ignore these exposures? Research has indicated that it is easier for most not to question our easy-clean, easy-care disposable lifestyle. Unfortunately, the result is an overload of toxins and chemicals collected in our bodies. That's right — we all carry around lead, mercury, flame retardants, bisphenol A (BPA), DDT, PCBs and others. Before utilizing any household cleaners, beauty care products or other common household items please read the label. Research the ingredients and understand how it can effect your overall health.
GLOSSARY OF TOXINS:
Carcinogen - a chemical that can cause cancer.
Developmental toxicant - a chemical that can produce adverse health effects prior to conception, during pregnancy and during childhood. The adverse health effects can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, including death, stillbirths, malformations, reduced birth weight, mental retardation, sensory loss, growth alteration and/or functional deficit. Neurotoxin - a chemical that affects the nervous system, and can adversely affect intelligence, cause memory deficits, and result in cognitive and behavioral problems and sexual dysfunction, among other problems.
Reproductive toxicant - a chemical that adversely affects the male or female reproductive system.
Teratogen - a chemical that specifically causes birth defectives.
Common household toxic chemicals
Seven most common toxic chemicals found in your home:
| Chemical | Health Effects* | Common Exposure Sources |
| Bisphenol A (BPA) | Birth defects; hormone disruptor | Polycarbonate plastic; canned foods and beverages |
| Lead | Toxic to brain and nervous system; decreased IQ; aggression and hyperactivity disorders | Lead based paint; household dust; outdoor soils; consumer products |
| Mercury | Toxic to brain and nervous system | Consumption of contaminated fish and shellfish |
| Perchlorate | Interferes with iodine uptake of thyroid gland, which regulates hormones necessary for proper development | Drinking water; consumption of irrigated crops; milk |
| Phthalates | Hormone disruptor; birth defects; reproductive disease; reduced sperm counts; heart disease; diabetes | Polyvinyl chloride plastic; household cleaners and other products with synthetic fragrance; cosmetics; food packaging |
| Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) | Interfere with brain development and may be linked to hyperactivity; toxic to reproductive system | Flame retardants used in electronics, polyurethane foam in upholstered furniture and mattresses, black out drapes and textiles that off-gas and can be found in household dust and food |
| Triclosan | Toxic to liver; disrupts thyroid hormone system (necessary for development); may cause cancer | Antibacterial agent used in liquid soap, beauty products and cleaning products |
