7 Toxics In Your Home

While we cannot remove all products from our home, we can at least try to reduce their use to be less exposed.

Be careful with some toxic products that can be found in almost any home.

Here are a few. Take note of it.

1. Products made with wood particle board

Why are particleboard panels dangerous?

The chips contain both wood and sawdust. They are often glued with phenol-formaldehyde resins, that is, with a poison that directly affects the respiratory tract and eyes.

They can also cause problems in animals.

This risk increases even more if the furniture is old, because the manufacture of furniture is nowadays regulated by more severe standards.

What can you do about it?

• In order to find out if your furniture is safe, you need to check the product sheets, find out if it meets European standards, what materials are used for making wood, etc.
• Remember that they must have an emission class not exceeding E1.

2. Rugs and carpets

Why are they dangerous?

Carpets contain different types of adhesives and dyes. These products release volatile organic compounds that can cause headaches, allergies and fatigue.

Carpet is particularly harmful because, unlike rugs, it covers the entire floor and adheres to it. This makes it even more difficult to eliminate dust mites that can cause allergies or asthma.

What can you do about it?

• If your rug is very old, your best bet is to buy a new one made from natural, untreated materials.
• It is recommended to avoid large carpets, as it will be more difficult to clean them.

3. Laser printers

Laser printers emit tiny particles into the air that form from the printing powder. These particles enter the lungs and can lead to a number of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases.

What can you do about it?

It is best to place your laser printer at home in a well ventilated room.

4. Baby bottles

Bottles are generally made of polycarbonate. This type of plastic is made with a chemical called bisphenol A (BPA).

• It is a type of plastic that has a structure very similar to estrogen and is known as a “hormone destroyer”. This plastic causes a serious hormonal disorder in children.

What can you do about it?

The best thing you can do is look for an alternative with bottles made from safe materials and check the labeling first to look at the makeup.

5. The mattresses

Many mattresses have high levels of polybrominated diphenyl ether, a product whose prolonged exposure causes health problems.

• These harms range from brain disorders to reduced reproductive function, and also thyroid problems.
• This material is particularly dangerous for children.

What can you do about it?

Older mattresses are probably more likely to contain these substances. If you haven’t changed your mattress for a while, it’s best to replace it with a mattress made from natural products.

6. Tupperware

Tupperware is usually made of plastic. That is, they are made from a material which in turn contains many chemicals, including phthalates.

Be aware that phthalate can affect the endocrine system, the reproductive system and cause high blood pressure and insulin resistance.

What can you do about it?

• Where possible, replace plastic tupperware with glass or ceramic containers. Otherwise, choose boxes made of polyethylene or polypropylene.
• Remember to never microwave food in a thin plastic container.

7. Fabric softeners

Fabric softeners seem to make clothes softer. But, in fact, they cover them with a thin layer of toxic chemicals.

They can cause skin irritation, breathing problems, and headaches.

What can you do about it?

If you don’t use it too much, it’s safe, but it’s best not to use it with children’s clothes.

You can always go for a natural product to improve the smell of clothes.